Nigel Wilson swapped leathers for lenses when he was diagnosed with PAH, taking up photography in place of motorcycling and learning to love a slower pace of life. His entry into our 2025 nature photography competition of a mute swan took first prize, and we caught up with him to hear more about his passion…

Thanks for chatting with us, Nigel – and congratulations on winning our competition! Can you tell us a bit about the man behind the camera, and why you entered?

I was diagnosed with PAH in 2018, which is connected to scleroderma and sarcoidosis, and that’s when I came across the PHA UK. I don’t normally enter competitions, but I wanted to support the charity, so I entered three different photos to give it a go. I never expected to win! I took the image of the swan in January. I live in Retford, near Nottingham, and I’m very close to a big country park, called Clumber Park. I visit it often to take photographs, and this one was taken on the lake there.

What equipment did you use to capture the photo?

It was taken with a Nikon Z6ii, with a 180-600mm lens. I didn’t need to wait very long to get the image. There are quite a few swans around that part of the lake, and it was a shaded area in the late afternoon of winter, which is why it looks so dark. I was surprised and happy when I received the email to tell me I’d won the competition. And having my image on the cover of the magazine tops it off as I’ve been receiving it for quite a number of years now.

Have you always been a fan of photography?

It’s something I took up after I got ill and went onto the oxygen. My previous hobby was motorcycling, but it became very difficult. Just getting ready, and putting my leathers on, was making me breathless. I did try to go out on the bike a couple of times with my oxygen concentrator on my back, but it just wasn’t the same. My son was into photography so I started going with him and it helped me to get out of the house. I invested in a better camera rather than using my phone, and that was four or five years ago now. Now my son and I take photos together weekly, often at National Trust sites as we are members.

Your motorcycle was replaced with a mobility scooter too, wasn’t it. How does that help you find good photography opportunities?

The scooter has made a big difference to me. I didn’t want to accept it at first, but I was forced to use one on holiday in the Canary Islands and I realised how helpful it was. It helps me get around at the National Trust sites where I do a lot of my photography. It helps me to forget all the issues around my health and to get out in the fresh air. It gets me out of the house and into nature and it helps take my mind off things. It’s just me, my camera, and my scooter.

What is it that you enjoy so much about taking photos?  

I do enjoy processing the photos afterwards too, but I don’t use any fancy software, just an app on my phone called Lightroom (by Adobe). I use it to make small enhancements, but I generally try not to alter my photos too much.

Are your photos just for you, or do you share them with others?

I post the odd one on a local Facebook group and every now and then I will share on the PHA UK private Facebook group in the hope it makes someone smile. If it cheers somebody up, even if it’s only for a few minutes, then it’s worth it.

Will you be continuing to take photographs through the winter?

Definitely. I retire in November, so I can be spontaneous – if I wake up one day and the weather is good, I can get out there. Most of my photos are of nature but I also enjoy capturing aircraft. On very cold days, or in bad weather, I drive out to the Royal Air Force station in Lincoln (RAF Waddington) and sit in my car while I wait for them to come over. It’s ideal.  

All three photos you submitted to the competition were excellent. What’s your personal favourite, from all the ones you have ever taken?

I think it’s one I took just last week, of a kingfisher. It’s my favourite little bird to see as you don’t often spot them. I was sitting on a little bridge, which is just five yards from where I park so very easy to get to without my scooter. I waited for around half an hour for a good photo opportunity, and just as I was thinking of giving up, this blue flash flew over my shoulder and landed in the perfect spot for a photo. It’s my favourite image in a long, long time and it’s one I shared on the PHA UK Facebook group. It was nice to see the lovely comments.

Finally, if anyone has been inspired to try photography after reading this chat, what advice would you give them?

Well firstly I’d say you don’t need an expensive camera. You can take really, really good photos with mobile phones these days. I think it’s just a case of getting out there and giving it a go. Don’t put any pressure on yourself; you could start by photographing a plant in your back garden, or some flowers you spot on a walk. It doesn’t really matter what you capture, but it helps you really see and appreciate what’s around you.

View all the entries into our nature photography competition