Even from an early age, Ross had a deep passion and fascination for the natural world. He would spend hours peering into ponds and observing and learning about the wildlife close to his parent’s home in north Cornwall. His parents introduced him to photography when aged 10 - giving him a compact camera as a Christmas present. Ross instinctively photographed wildlife and, while the results were poor to begin with, he was soon hooked. He soon began using his parents SLR – an old, Russian Zenit 11. A year later, in 1990, Ross won BBC Countryfile’s junior flora and fauna category in their annual photo competition – with a photograph of paired dragonflies. Encouraged, Ross continued taking pictures. By the time he won the Young Wildlife Photographer of the Year competition a few years later, he had already decided to pursue a career in photography.
Now aged 33, Ross is among the UK’s leading outdoor photographers. A regular contributor to a number of national magazines, including Outdoor Photography and Digital SLR Photography, his work is published widely. Ross is contracted to NaturePL and the RSPCA Photolibrary, while the National Trust is among his list of clients. He has enjoyed multiple successes in the international Wildlife Photographer of the Year competition and in 2008 was on the judging panel for the competition. In 2009 Ross won the British Wildlife Photographer of the Year competition at the annual BWPA awards. He is also the author of five photography books, including The Digital Exposure Handbook and The Landscape Photography Workshop. Ross is also one of the 2020VISION photo-team – the largest, most ambitious multi media conservation project ever staged in the UK.
Ross is best recognised as a close-up photographer, specialising in photography of insects and wild plants. He is also known for capturing evocative landscape images of the South West of England's stunning landscape and coastline. This region, and its natural history, is a constant inspiration to him. Working close to home allows him to gain an intimate knowledge of the area, while also minimising his carbon footprint. Ross and his wife, Fliss, presently live close to the north Cornwall/Devon border, together with their three beautiful children.
At the risk of sounding clichéd, Ross simply hopes that his images will help highlight the beauty and importance of our natural history and the environment on which we depend.
Ross Hoddiinolt Equipment.
DSLRs: Nikon D800 and D300
Lenses: Nikkor 17-35mm f/2.8D ED-IF AF-S; Carl Zeiss 21mm; Nikon 24-70mm f/2.8G ED AF-S; Nikkor 50mm AF-S f/1.8G; Nikkor 70-200mm AF-S f/2.8G ED VR II; Sigma EX 105mm f/2.8 EX DG macro; 150mm f/2.8 EX DG OS HSM; Nikkor TC-20E III teleconverter
Tripod: Gitzo Systematic GT3541LS legs and Manfrotto 405 geared head
Speedlight: Nikon SB800 AF DX
Backpack: f-stop gear Satori EXP
Accessories: Lee filter system x 2; graduated ND (hard & soft) filters; 0.9 ND filter; Heliopan 105mm circular polarizer; Lee Big Stopper; Nikon PK-13 extension tube; Nikon MC30 remote cord; Nikon MC36 remote cord; Lastolite reflector; Wimberley Plamp; Lexar memory cards; Paramo outdoor clothing.
Ross Hoddinott
My fascination for all things ‘wild’ grew the moment my parents moved to rural north Cornwall when I was 7 years old. Being surrounded by countryside, woodland and coastline ignited my passion for nature – particularly the miniature world of bugs and wild plants. As a teenager, most of my spare time was spent behind a camera. Now in my early thirties, I am a professional outdoor photographer and author.
Early in my career, I made a conscious decision to work almost exclusively in the South West of England. By doing so, I hoped to limit the amount I travelled and, therefore, my impact on the environment. I’ve not found the decision restrictive – instead, it has led me to thoroughly explore and genuinely appreciate the wildlife and scenery in my region.
Still images have the power to communicate much, which is why a large amount of responsibility accompanies the job title. It might sound clichéd, but I hope my images help highlight the beauty and importance of our natural history…
Ethical standards
As responsible and conservation-minded photographers, we recognise that photographs should not be obtained at any cost. We are committed to prioritising the welfare of living subjects above any consideration for the end result.
There shall be a presumption against the use of captive, domesticated or rehabilitated plant and animal subjects. In rare cases where there is no alternative, the circumstances shall be declared.
We undertake not to use digital manipulation in such a way that misrepresents the subject and that could be construed as an attempt to mislead our audience.
We undertake not to deploy live animals as bait to facilitate the photography of other animal subjects.
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