​Richard Kearton [1862 – 1928]. Member 56

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Richard Kearton's camera kit

Song Thrush nest by Keartons (1892)

Richard was a member of the ZPC for a brief period in 1910-1911, before his heavy professional responsibilities caused him to resign. He re-joined the Club in November,1920, and remained a member until his death in February, 1928. On Easter Monday, 1892, Richard encouraged his younger brother Cherry to take a photograph of the nest of a song thrush near Enfield. The result was so impressive that Richard immediately recognised the enormous potential that the new art possessed. The brothers then set about creating and refining the methods that still underpin natural history photography today. After a great deal of experimentation and modification, Richard devised and built the first effective photographic hides. He was a natural communicator and, by means of his published writing, his superb images and his ever popular lectures, he did more than anyone else to popularise the art of nature photography. He was especially effective when talking to young people and many famous natural history photographers were inspired to take up the craft by his example.

Sheep hide (1898)

Richard Kearton in camouflage