Mastering Wildlife Photography From Your Campervan
Guest post
If you're a passionate wildlife photographer, life on the open road isn't just a way to travel—it's a vital part of how you immerse yourself in the natural world and capture it through your lens. There’s nothing quite like waking up at dawn to birdsong, watching mist rise over a remote forest, or positioning yourself at the edge of a loch just as wildlife begins to stir.
The beauty of campervan life lies in the freedom to chase golden light, follow seasonal migrations, and stay close to the action—all while surrounded by some of the UK’s most unspoiled habitats. But van life also comes with its own challenges: limited storage for bulky lenses, unpredictable weather, and the constant need to strike a balance between spontaneity and planning.
That’s why a well-thought-out setup—from organising your gear for quick access to planning routes around wildlife hotspots—can be just as important as the camera equipment itself. This guide explores smart storage solutions, essential tools for shooting on the move, and practical tips to help you tell a powerful visual story of your wild encounters—turning every trip into a compelling wildlife photo essay.
Opt for compact equipment
While stylish campervan interiors are highly desirable, the reality of life on the road requires smart space management on all fronts. This should be your guiding principle when building your camera kit, as every piece of equipment needs to be neatly stashed away somewhere safe and accessible. Only include what is essential. If you’re still considering your ideal compact gear, mirrorless cameras offer the perfect balance for life on the road, being both portable and capable of producing high-quality images.
In addition, for size and quality, think about investing in models like the Sony A7 series or Fujifilm X-T30 II or X-S10 that all provide professional results in neat bodies. Your lens selection should prioritise versatility over specialisation. A quality 24-70mm f/2.8 zoom can easily serve as your workhorse lens, handling everything from intimate interior shots to sweeping scenic views.
To complement your toolkit, opt for smaller equipment that still packs a punch wherever you venture to. Ideally, look for a compact 35mm or 50mm prime for low-light situations, with an ultra-wide angle lens (14-24mm) for taking far-away shots from your van of any dramatic landscapes and incredible wildlife you see along the way. Multi-purpose accessories are also invaluable in the confined spaces of a van. A sturdy travel tripod with reversible legs doubles as a monopod, while a camera strap that distributes weight evenly is perfect if you’re walking for miles to a remote spot.
Sustainable gear that works with nature—not against it
If your campervan lifestyle is guided by a respect for the natural world, it makes sense that your photography gear reflects the same values. For many wildlife photographers, sustainability isn’t just about how you travel—it’s about how you capture what you see. Buying used camera gear isn’t just an eco-friendly choice; it can also open doors to higher-end equipment that fits your budget and stands up to the rigours of life in the wild.
The used market offers serious advantages. Opting for a used model from reputable brands like MPB, can save you significant money without compromising on quality. This means more room in your budget for campervan maintenance or fuel for that next remote expedition.
For wildlife work on the road, seek out lightweight, weather-sealed cameras with excellent low-light performance—critical for capturing elusive animals at dawn or during night drives. Compact telephoto lenses, modular storage systems, and rugged travel cases will help you stay mobile and organised without overwhelming your limited van space.
Planning for wildlife hotspots and seasonal opportunities
Living in a campervan allows you to follow the rhythms of nature in a way few others can. With careful planning, you can track seasonal wildlife events—from seabird breeding seasons on the coasts to red deer rutting in the Highlands, or starling murmurations over the Somerset Levels.
Here are just a few examples of seasonal wildlife highlights worth planning into your campervan route:
Spring: Badgers begin foraging earlier in the evening, making twilight encounters possible. Bluebell woods are alive with birdsong and rich light, and early lambs and hares are active across the countryside.
Summer: Head to Scotland for golden eagle sightings or puffin colonies along the coast. Heathlands burst with life, and insects like dragonflies and butterflies are abundant.
Autumn: The red deer rut is one of the most dramatic events in the UK wildlife calendar, while the Norfolk and Suffolk wetlands are perfect for seeing the arrival of wintering birds.
Winter: Frosty mornings and snow-dusted landscapes offer minimalist backdrops for foxes, otters, and mountain hares. Head to coastal areas which attract migrating waders and wildfowl.
Use apps like Merlin Bird ID or the RSPB’s Bird Guide to log your sightings, plan locations, and stay informed about seasonal movements. Route planning with wildlife in mind helps maximise your photo opportunities while reducing unnecessary mileage and fuel use — an eco-friendly win.
Mastering fieldcraft: blending in and being ready
For wildlife photographers living on the road, mastering fieldcraft—the art of observing, understanding, and approaching animals without disturbing them—is just as critical as your camera technique or lens choice. Your campervan provides a rare advantage: the ability to stay longer in one place, become a quiet presence in the landscape, and wait for wildlife to reveal itself naturally.
Unlike day-trippers who will pass through and leave quickly, you have the luxury of time. That means you can observe unusual behaviour patterns, note movement trails, and quietly adapt to the rhythm of your environment and the wildlife you’re trying to capture. A herd of deer grazing at dusk, an owl's predictable hunting path, or a fox visiting the same hedgerow each morning—these insights only come when you're immersed in the landscape.
Fieldcraft begins with observation: watch before you shoot. Spend time listening and scanning the terrain before you even reach for your camera, and use binoculars or a spotting scope to plan your compositions and get a feel for animal behaviour from a distance. Many seasoned wildlife photographers will go days without taking a single shot, focusing instead on learning the story of a place.
Your campervan can also serve as a mobile hide. Animals are often more relaxed around vehicles than they are around people on foot, so park strategically near clearings, watering holes, or animal paths, and let the wildlife come to you. A simple window blind or curtain can help you stay concealed while you photograph through an open window or hatch. If you're parked up for multiple days, consider camouflaging parts of the van with natural materials (without causing damage or leaving traces, of course).
Ethical wildlife photography on the road
As a wildlife photographer, especially one travelling through delicate ecosystems, your actions matter—not just in terms of the images you produce. Ethical photography begins with the guiding principle: "do no harm."
First, avoid baiting or calling animals to get the shot. While tempting, these tactics can alter natural behaviours and even put animals at risk, as well as yourself. Stick to natural observation and anticipate moments based on your understanding of the species, not on how well you can manipulate the situation.
You also need to be mindful never to block trails, nests, or burrows—especially with your vehicle. The freedom of van life can lead you to places that are pristine and relatively untouched, so treat them with the respect they deserve. Stick to designated parking and sleeping spots when in sensitive areas like national parks or private lands where wildlife activity is high.
Lastly, always research local wildlife laws and guidelines, especially if you’re travelling to an area that’s new to you. Some species, like nesting birds of prey or protected mammals such as otters or pine martens, are legally protected in the UK under the Wildlife and Countryside Act. Disturbing them, even unintentionally, can lead to serious consequences—both for you and the animal.
Showcase the narrative of van life
If you work remotely from your van, you may work to tight deadlines and need to edit, process and send images to clients while you’re on the road. Mobile editing workflows must balance quality with practical limitations of van life computing. Tablet-based editing, using Adobe Lightroom Mobile, provides professional-grade processing power while also conserving laptop battery life.
If you want to take night time shots, always consider where it’s safe to stay overnight. Scale and perspective shots showcase the relationship between your mobile home and the environments you explore. For example, if you’re heading down a pretty, winding road, you might want to draw viewers into the frame by capturing the street’s image yet inviting viewers to imagine what might lie ahead.
Similarly, if you like to experiment with scale and perspective, this will showcase the diverse environments you’re exploring. Using gentle contrasts, subtle shadows and warm backdrops to enhance the golden hour and help to create some incredible images.
Verdict
Van life photography rewards patience, preparation, and authentic storytelling far above all else. By creating a compact, versatile and sustainable set of kit, and mastering the art of fieldcraft you will be ready for those rare encounters. Your photos won’t just capture breathtaking wildlife; they’ll tell the powerful story of life on the road, and the wild, untamed beauty you find along the way.
If you’d like to order a framed print of one of my wildlife photographs, please visit the Prints page.
If you’d like to book a lesson or order an online photography course, please visit my Lessons and Courses pages.
