Tom Mason

Tom Mason's Bio

Tom Mason is a wildlife photographer and journalist from the UK, and is also the host of our Life in the Wild series. Tom has worked on numerous assignments globally, photographing penguins to bears for multiple publications and brands. Tom is a Nikon Europe Optics ambassador and delivers lectures and talks at multiple events throughout the year. Tom Runs his own wildlife photography YouTube channel (linked) and you can keep up with him on Twitter, @TomMasonPhoto, or visit his website for more.

Tom Mason's Social Profiles:

Perspective | It’s You, Not the Camera

2018-12-12

Tom Mason reckons too much emphasis is placed on the camera, rather than the photographer…...

Perspective: You’re Never Too Young or Too Old to Be a Pro

2018-08-02

Tom Mason reckons you’re never too young or too old to be a pro, you just need a thirst for learning and development...

Perspective: Don’t Photograph for “Likes”

2017-11-24

Stop trying to win social media plaudits, and take photographs that you’re passionate about, says Tom Mason...

Photographing Wildlife in London Parks

2017-10-02

The capital’s parks offer a wealth of opportunities for wildlife photographers. Tom Mason goes exploring...

Perspective: Are Paid-For Hides Damaging Wildlife Photography?

2017-08-24

Paid-for hide locations allow photographers convenient access to wildlife, but Tom Mason wonders if it’s all a little too easy…...

Why Every Camera Bag Needs a GoPro

2017-03-16

GoPro's small, tough and versatile Hero cameras are so useful that no photographer should be without one. Tom Mason explains...

On the Trail of Kingfishers

2016-10-15

Tom Mason tells the story of his quest to create the perfect wild kingfisher shot...

Nikon 20mm f1.8G ED Review [VIDEO]

2016-05-19

Nikon’s 20mm offers a lot for a fixed focal length lens, Tom Mason tries it out and shares his thoughts...

6 Handy Tripod Alternatives

2016-04-28

Tom rounds up the best portable supports for outdoor photography...

7 Handy Photography Accessories for Less Than £25 (In Total)

2016-04-21

Make your photographic life easier without spending a fortune. Tom Mason shows you how...

Six Top Accessories for Wildlife Photographers

2016-04-05

Make your wildlife photography easier, more effective and more enjoyable with these accessories...

How to Use Flash for Wildlife Photography

2015-10-08

It’s a contentious subject, but flash can transform your wildlife photography, provided you’re careful and considerate. Expert Tom Mason explains how to use it correctly and safely...

What is a Teleconverter and How Do I Use It?

2015-09-09

You can push your long lenses even longer with a teleconverter, but it pays to know what you’re doing first. Tom Mason runs through the basics of teleconverters....

Nikon V3 Shooting Experience: The ideal backup body for Nikon users?

2015-08-17

A new optic isn’t the only way to get closer to your subjects. Tom Mason takes the Nikon V3 out for a spin with his DSLR lenses to see what kinds of images the combination allows....

How to Photograph Seabirds

2015-08-13

As one of the UK’s most spectacular and fascinating forms of wildlife, wild seabirds present a terrific opportunity for photographers. Here’s where to go, what to shoot and how to do it....

Life in the Wild Part 14: Photographing Brown Hares

2015-06-19

In Part 14 of Life in the Wild, Tom shares some of his top tips and tricks for photographing brown hares....

Life in the Wild Part 13: Field Skills 102

2015-06-12

In Part 13, Tom explores the next steps in staying hidden when photographing wildlife, including a look at the use of bag hides, static hides and dome hides....

Life in the Wild Part 12: Field Skills 101

2015-06-05

In Part 12, Tom explores the basic field skills required when photographing wildlife in its natural habitat....

Life in the Wild Part 11: How to Make a DIY Remote Camera Box

2015-05-28

Tom Mason shows you how to make your own remote camera box to protect your gear from the elements....

Life in the Wild Part 10: Photographing Urban Foxes [video]

2015-05-22

In Part 10 of Life in the Wild, Tom takes you behind the lens as he attempts to capture some close-up shots of urban foxes....

Life in the Wild Part 9: Being a Good Wildlife Photographer [video]

2015-05-15

Tom Mason explores what it means to be a ‘good’ wildlife photographer, focusing on the need for conscientiousness in dealing with the subject, location and community....

Life in the Wild Part 8: Using Trail Cameras [video]

2015-05-08

In Part 8 of Life in the Wild, Tom discusses why trail cameras play a big part in his photography, offers some tips on how to set them up and tests one in the field....

Life in the Wild Part 7: The Importance of a Local Patch [video]

2015-05-01

In Part 7 of Life in the Wild, Tom Mason explains why having a good location close to home is a must for wildlife photographers looking to improve their skills....

Life in the Wild Part 6: Finding Wildlife in your Local Area [video]

2015-04-24

Part 5 of Life in the Wild sees Tom Mason go on location to explore the basic camera settings you will need to master before heading out into the field....

Life in the Wild Part 6: Finding Wildlife in your Local Area [video]

2015-04-24

In part 6 of our Life in the Wild series, Tom Mason shares his top tips for finding great locations to photograph wildlife....

Life in the Wild Part 5: Basic Camera Settings for Wildlife Photography [video]

2015-04-17

Part 5 of Life in the Wild sees Tom Mason go on location to explore the basic camera settings you will need to master before heading out into the field....

Life in the Wild Part 4: Tom Mason in Latvia [video]

2015-04-10

In Part 4 of our exclusive video blog series, Tom Mason takes viewers with him on a trip to the wilds of Latvia where he has an encounter with some wild boar....

Life in the Wild Part 3: The Three Ps [video]

2015-04-02

In the third part of our exclusive video blog series, Tom Mason reveals his first rule of wildlife photography: the three Ps....

Behind the Image: Tom Mason, Knot Flock

2015-03-31

Wildlife photographer Tom Mason explains how he captured this striking image of a flock of knot. ...

Life in the Wild Part 2: Tom Mason’s Kit Bag [video]

2015-03-27

In the second part of our exclusive video blog series, Tom Mason talks you through the photography kit he carries when out in the field....

Life in the Wild Part 1: An Introduction to Tom Mason [video]

2015-03-20

In the first part of a brand new video series, Tom Mason talks about his work and offers a glimpse of what to expect over the coming weeks....

50 Great Wildlife Photography Tips – Part 2

2015-01-18

In the second of a two-part article, Tom Mason shares some great wildlife photography tips to help you capture something different....

50 Great Wildlife Photography Tips – Part 1

2015-01-11

Keen to improve your wildlife photography? In the first of a two-part series, Tom Mason shares some great wildlife photography tips....

How to Photograph Fungi

2014-10-01

As autumn arrives, so too do a plethora of new photographic opportunities, inspiring Tom Mason to switch his focus from fauna to fungi. Here, he shares his tips....

How to photograph brown hares

2014-07-24

To most, photographing the brown hare presents a tough challenge. Tom Mason explains his methods for capturing great shots of this striking creature....

Get your family into photography this summer

2014-07-22

With the school holidays here, it's time for some of us to think about how to keep the kids entertained during the summer. Why not get your family into photography? Tom Mason explains how....

Wideangle wildlife photography

2014-06-20

When it comes to photographing nature it can pay to try something different. Tom Mason shows us a creative alternative to long lens wildlife photography....

Tokina 12-28mm f4 AF AT-X PRO DX review

2014-05-07

Tom Mason takes a closer look at the Tokina 12-28mm f4 AF AT-X PRO in his full review....

How to shoot black and white wildlife photography

2014-04-17

Wildlife photography doesn't always need to be colourful. Tom Mason shows us how to get the best results in black and white....

How to photograph wildlife in your garden

2014-04-07

You don't need to go far to capture great images of wildlife. Indeed, if you have a garden you can start right there – Tom Mason explains how....

Tom Mason in Peru – Part 3: New Discoveries

2013-12-19

19 December 2013: In the final instalment of his three-part series on his Peruvian adventures, Tom Mason takes a night walk in the jungle and is confronted by a sobering sight....

How to photograph movement

2013-12-07

Whether you love capturing waterfalls or wildlife, knowing how to photograph movement is an essential part of a photographer's skill set. Tom Mason explains how it's done....

Tom Mason in Peru – Part 2: Into the Amazon Rainforest

2013-11-27

27 November 2013: In the second of a three-part series on his Peruvian adventures, Tom Mason ventures into the Amazon Rainforest....

Tom Mason in Peru - Part 1: Into the Andes

2013-11-15

15 November 2013: In the first of a three-part series, Tom Mason looks back at his summer trip capturing the wildlife, landscapes and people of Peru....

Domke F2 review

2013-11-12

The Domke F2 has been around for almost forty years and has proved to be a smash with photographers. Tom Mason takes a look at whether this praise is justified....

Lensbaby Spark review

2013-10-15

The Lensbaby Spark is a wacky little lens, with no real focusing and a fixed aperture. Tom Mason takes it for a spin....

How to make the most of the deer rut

2013-10-14

Every October, wildlife photographers across the country start to get excited as they know this is the time of year is when one of the greatest spectacles in British wildlife takes place: the deer rut...

Giottos Silk Road YTL 9353 and YTL 8384 review

2013-09-06

The new Silk Road range of tripods from Giottos feature a clever Y-shaped centre column to reduce size and weight. Tom Mason puts two of its members to the test....

How to use hides for wildlife photography

2013-09-04

Fieldcraft and patience play a large part in producing stunning imagery, and often this will include working from a hide. Tom Mason explains how to use them....

How to photograph wildlife in the landscape

2013-08-15

Tom Mason explores capturing wildlife within its natural habitat, showing how this can be used to create a striking image....

Binoculars Buying Guide

2013-08-12

Our complete buying guide explains all you need to know to help you find the best binoculars for your needs....

Nikon TC-20E III AF-S Teleconverter Review

2013-07-20

When an opportunity arose for a week’s bird photography in Latvia I was faced with the problem of needing to have a large telephoto reach with the minimum weight and size for air travel. ...

Nikkor 300mm f/2.8G ED VR II review

2013-07-19

Tom Mason takes a closer look at the Nikkor 300mm f/2.8G ED VR II lens....

10 Essential Wildlife Photography Accessories

2013-07-12

10 essential photography accessories for wildlife photographers....

Wildlife photography with impact - getting down low

2013-06-27

As a wildlife photographer, being up above my subject is generally pretty darn useless. I want to be at eye level and that often means getting down low....

10 Tips for getting closer to nature

2013-05-16

Part of being a wildlife photographer is all about getting up close and personal with nature. ...

Developing a local wildlife photography project

2013-04-05

It is a common misconception that to take great wildlife photographs you have to travel to far flung regions of the world looking for rare and illusive species....

Nikon Coolpix P7700 Review

2013-01-04

With a camera as highly specified as the P7700 it is easy to forget about the most important aspect of all, image quality....