The Man Who Changed Wildlife Filmmaking
Long before modern wildlife documentaries became popular around the world, Cherry Kearton helped change how people saw nature. His groundbreaking work in wildlife photography and filmmaking later inspired a young David Attenborough to dream about exploring the natural world.
During the late 19th Century, photography was far more difficult than it is today. Cameras were large, heavy, and built from hardwood and brass. Photographers used glass plates to capture images, and every shot required patience and careful setup. Because exposure times were long, most people preferred indoor studio photography instead of outdoor photography.
Cherry Kearton refused to accept those limits. Alongside his brother Richard, he developed creative ways to photograph animals in their natural habitats. Their work introduced people to wildlife in a way that had never been seen before. Many historians now consider Cherry Kearton one of the world’s first professional wildlife photographers.
A Lasting Influence on David Attenborough
As a child, David Attenborough became fascinated by Kearton’s wildlife films and adventurous storytelling. The filmmaker’s work sparked his imagination and encouraged him to dream about traveling across the world to observe and film animals.
Years later, Attenborough openly spoke about the influence Kearton had on his childhood. He explained that those early wildlife films inspired his passion for nature and filmmaking.
In 2012, Attenborough visited the National Science and Media Museum in Bradford to see a historic cinema camera designed by Kearton himself. The camera was used to film The Big Game of Life, a wildlife documentary released in 1935.
Pioneers of Wildlife Photography
The Kearton brothers became famous for their unusual methods in the field. They often disguised themselves and used clever techniques to get close to animals without disturbing them. Their dedication helped create the foundation for modern wildlife photography and documentary filmmaking.
Today, Cherry Kearton’s influence still lives on through the work of David Attenborough and many wildlife filmmakers who continue to capture the beauty of nature for global audiences.
