Meet the Team: Owen Wright - Volunteer photographer

This month we say 'hello' to one half of our volunteer photographers, Owen Wright. We know that capturing the moment at our wetlands is something many photographers enjoy, and Owen is no exception. In this Q&A, he tells us what he enjoys most about his role.

Hi Owen! Let’s start with when you joined WWT Washington and what drew you to the role of volunteer photographer?

I've volunteered here for about ten months now. So what inspired me to become a volunteer photographer? Well I think it's three things, really. Firstly, I get to do photography quite regularly. Secondly, it's getting to contribute and help further the cause of WWT. And then thirdly, it's getting to learn from all of the other incredible volunteers and staff.

What does a typical day look like for you?

Well, it can be varied. It could be that the marketing team has set a brief and I'm looking for particular images - that could be of the work that teams are doing around site or it could be images of the events that we hold, things like the moth mornings or the wild walks. But it could also just be me going out and exploring what's around site.

What's the most rewarding thing about working at WWT Washington?

I think the most rewarding thing is just getting to interact with so many different people. Whether or not that is members of the public or the volunteers and staff here. You get to learn so much, find out so much about people and just have really positive interactions with individuals.

What specific training or education do you need to be a volunteer photographer?

Well, none really. As long as you have an open mind and want to learn and have some of your own equipment, you can come and learn on the job. It's all about experimentation and fun.

What advice would you give to somebody aspiring to volunteer with WWT?

I would say, firstly, keep an eye out on the opportunities on the WWT website. Secondly, go into site. See if there's any opportunities available. But also just understand what you would like to get involved with. There's lots of different opportunities.

What is a project that you've been involved in that you've enjoyed?

A project that I've enjoyed supporting and taking images of are the wild walks. So whether or not that is a wild walk where we look at and discuss bird calls or whether or not it is to look at what insect biodiversity we have across site.

If you could swap roles for a day, which volunteer role would you choose?

If I could swap volunteer roles for a day, I think that would be to maybe be part of the collection team to support on the management of things like the otters and flamingos that we have on site.

What's your favourite bird?

Well, it's going to have to be the bullfinch. Bullfinch are a beautiful bird in stature, both the male and the female. But the male has a beautiful pinkish orange hue on its breast and it's just fantastic. I love it.

Where is your favourite location at WWT Washington?

It's probably in Hollowood. Why? For a number of reasons. Firstly, it's the bird song, which is fantastic. The wood is just beautiful. You've got a different variation tree species, which is fantastic for the birdlife. But then also it's just a variation of biodiversity that you can get here. You get some great areas for minibeasts, which is why the team offer school education opportunities right here.

Check our Owen in the below vlog around the reserve here at WWT Washington!

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