Go ‘behind the lens’ with the Guardian Camera Club

The 25-year-old is originally from Florida but fell in love with Cheshire, particularly the Northwich Woodlands for its abundance of wildlife.

When and why did you start photography?

I started taking pictures a little less than a year ago.

I was gifted a small compact camera for my first overseas solo trip to England in May.

I took pictures of everything with it!

Birds, plants, insects, landscapes, I was totally hooked.

After that I switched to a mirrorless camera and came back for an even longer visit.

When I started taking photos, so many people opened up to me that I had never seen before. On one particular trip to a park, I saw five different species of wasps that I didn’t know existed!

It was incredibly eye-opening and it became something I put my heart into.

My hope is to pick up a long term visa when I return from my visit so I can stay here longer.

Brooke Ponitz

What do you like about taking photos?

Learn to bring wildlife to others.

I have such a strong love for animals, and when I can go out and capture images of animals that others can’t see and share with them, it’s such a rewarding feeling.

I have family who haven’t had the chance to travel the world, and with my lens, I can show them the world.

Brooke Ponitz

Where is your favorite place to take photos and why?

Right now my favorite place is the Northwich Woodlands.

Been there several times and was treated to an abundance of wildlife.

I was able to see rare animals and meet lovely people during my visit there.

Plus, the lakes and canal offer great scenic photos and a chance to snap shots of passing boats.

Brooke Ponitz

What is your favorite subject and why?

All the birds – they’ve been the thing I usually try to capture the most especially because of how diverse they are with the many species and being able to take a picture of how often they fly or hide amongst the branches.

I’ve been an ornithologist since I was little, and it hasn’t changed since I was an adult.

On the contrary, photography has further increased my love for them.

I think I have at least a hundred pictures of robins now and I don’t think I’ll ever get bored of them!

Brooke Ponitz

What do you like about being part of the Guardian Camera Club?

It has been nice to see the work of others, to share my captures and to participate in requested themes.

Thanks to the group, it gave me an idea of ​​places to visit and things to see in the surrounding area.

It’s also a great way to spread some of your work.

Brooke Ponitz

If you could photograph anyone/any place/anything, who/what would it be?

If I could photograph anything it would be exotic birds in the rainforests of Africa or Costa Rica – their colors, the courtship dances, their tails are just vibrant and beautiful.

I would give anything to get there with a lens and see the beautiful birds.

I hope to be able to make this a reality in the years to come.