Chestnut Horse - France

In the département of Indre, in central France, lies an area of more than a thousand lakes known as "la Brenne." All the lakes were man-made following natural flooding after clay extraction for building materials. However, this has resulted in a wonderful habitat for both wild animals and migratory birds. I have visited this local area many times but mainly to photograph the dozens of semi-wild horses which roam in herds of twenty to thirty or more. Because there is so much natural grassland to feed on, and the extent of the largely unfenced habitat, they rarely approach... but on that odd occasion I have been ready with my camera... and an apple from my pocket.

Black Veined White Butterfly

One day when out photographing wild orchids here in central France, this beautiful Black-Veined White Butterfly (Aporia crataegi) started flirting with me... always within arm's length. So I waited and waited until she became tipsy on nectar from the Tufted Vetch (Vicia cracca) and then made a few exposures. I was surprised to learn that although I've seen many of these beauties in France, they have been extinct in the UK since the 1920s.

Spring Snowdrops, France

This image of Spring Snowdrops in a French country garden shows one of the first and most joyful plants to arrive and brighten our new year. You will also notice the well-known photographic "out-of-focus do-nut hi-lights" effect created by the 500mm f/8 Reflex-Nikkor lens. The early-morning, freshly dew-covered grass has been specifically enhanced by the use of this lens, a special effect an ordinary camera lens could not have achieved.