Most of the time I work as a teacher, a job I enjoy, but for real relaxation I love to head out with my camera. Sometimes I get no further than my garden - which is a haven for wildlife (a euphemism for somewhat unkempt); other times I'll visit local nature reserves and woods.

My main interest is photographing insects and I have a real soft spot for ladybirds and moths. I try to run a moth trap in my garden at least once a week, time and weather conditions permitting.

I nearly always shoot handheld and using natural light, mainly because I prefer how that looks, but also because I really can't be doing with the palaver of tripods and flashes. There are times, however, that I know I've missed opportunities because of inadequate light and so perhaps one day I'll venture into the mysterious world of supplementary lighting.

I have two teenage children who tend to resist my efforts to persuade them to join me on nature bimbles. Waiting for ages while Mum photographs yet another beetle is probably not the most exciting way to spend their time! There's hope for them yet, though... I used to get dragged out on nature rambles by my parents, which I didn't always appreciate at the time. Little did I realise then that those childhood experiences would have such a lasting effect on my life.

Apart from nature stuff, my big loves are my family, our wildlife garden - and Rebel and Dippy, our retired greyhounds.

I now have a site, Nutmeg's Wildlife Photography, where I have gathered some of my favourite photographic efforts.


nutmeg66. Get yours at bighugelabs.com/flickr


If you're interested in British wildlife I recommend visiting Wild About Britain.

A great site for finding out about and sharing what you've seen in the way of moths is Back Garden Moths

My gardening adventures can be followed on Folia: folia | gardening serendipity

Photos of nutmeg66 (1)

  • Let this be a Different Year!!!! For a Brighter Tomorrow ! by Naseer Ommer
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nutmeg66's favorite photos from other Flickr members (3,297)

  • Green Hairstreak by Matt Cole1
  • Cream Spot Tiger - Arctia villica by Heath McDonald
  • Sky is unlimited... Pigweed Flea Beetle and Queen Anne's lace by lika2009 (in the U.S.A.)
  • Blackspotted Pliers Support Beetle (Rhagium Mordax) by J.J.(Kent)
  • Castle by the Sea by sam2cents
  • Jellyfish by Susan E Adams
  • Baccha elongata by Martin Brown :-)
  • Metallic Green Bee by lika2009 (in the U.S.A.)
  • * There's a party here !! * by alfvet
  • Lamb's Ear by lika2009 (in the U.S.A.)
  • Green Hairstreak - Callophrys rubi by Roger H3
  • Aporia crataegi by alfvet
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Contacts (349)

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Testimonials (6)

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    Lord Cuauhtli says:

    "Rachel!!! it have been wondefull to know you throuugh your photostream!!! i am always surprised all your bug's life macros! when i look at them i always think "do we really have THAT in the earth?"... mother's nature always is expressed in a beauty way in your pictures!.... thanks for your friendship that i have been enjoying all this time!! THANKS!"

    9th February, 2008

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    Tony Margiocchi (Snapperz) says:

    "I have to say that each time I look at nutmeg66's stream I really enjoy myself. She loves nature and puts everything into providing superb images for us all to see.
    Thank you for such a wonderful stream and long may you keep us all enthralled.

    Tony"

    16th December, 2007

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    Scott Leach says:

    "Well I have never met Rachel but I avidly look for the next photo of hers in my contacts. She really does have an amazing eye for a macro shot and it's certainly no fluke as she pulls out wonderful shot after wonderful shot. The clarity, colours and exceptional DoF in her pictures never ceases to amaze. I just wish I knew quite how she manages to spot so many wierd and wonderful insects!"

    26th November, 2007

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    hobbielancie says:

    "I am very lucky to have discovered Rachel's photostream as her photos are stunning. Also she is kind and considerate and always comments on other peoples photos. I am glad to have met her and enjoy viewing her awesome images, long may she continue."

    6th August, 2007

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    PollyMM says:

    "Rachel is a very gifted photographer. She takes the most exceptional macro images of insects. I am in awe of her photographic skills and always look forward to her posting new images.

    Thank you for sharing them with us and keep them coming !!"

    10th June, 2007

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    JonTait2002 says:

    "I'm amazed with the results you get in your photos. Your nature shots are incredible. Many users of expensive DSLR's must be hanging their heads in shame. I hope you continue to inspire."

    27th May, 2007

Joined:
May 2005
Website:
Nutmeg's Wildlife Photography