Free from the constraints of a full-time nursing career, retirement for Ann Aveyard brought an experience even she didn’t see coming. Now an award-winning wildlife photographer, she reflects on her fortune from her home in the New Forest
Changing career later in life can be a daunting experience. It is often a decision fuelled by a deep yearning to try something completely new or to reignite the flame for a passion long buried. The fear of the unknown is intimidating, but choosing an entirely new chapter, more in-tune with your destiny, can be one of the most rewarding choices you’ll ever make.
Ann Aveyard is one courageous individual who found a new calling later on in life, transitioning from a successful career in nursing to becoming an award-winning wildlife photographer.
Ann spent her childhood years in the rural Welsh town Talgarth at the foot of the Black Mountains and now lives in the picturesque market town of Ringwood in the New Forest.
Ann reflects on her upbringing: ‘We had amazing views of the black mountains from our house. I spent a lot of my time outdoors. In the warm summer months, we would often be out all day, only returning home to eat and sleep. We built tree houses, fished and played in the river with friends. My grandfather and uncle were farmers so my younger brother and I also spent a lot of time with them on the farm which was great fun. We always had pets at home, dogs and cats and also geese. And of course, we enjoyed being up at the farm and helping with the animals there.’
Her interest in animals was apparent at a young age and after she turned 11, she was gifted a Welsh mountain pony by her parents. Ann confesses she was ‘horse mad’ and spent her early teenage years ‘with my pony Flicker and belonged to the local pony club’. She remembers: ‘After I outgrew Flicker, I was given a very gentle ex-army polo pony called Coral. I continued my horse riding with her until I left home at 18’.
After leaving home to study nursing at St Thomas’ London, she met her husband John, on a trip back home to the Welsh countryside for the weekend. Anne shares: ‘After John and I got married, we moved up to Lancashire with John’s job as he became a housemaster for a boarding school, so we had to live in a school property. We ended up buying a place on the south coast so we could escape in the school holidays. It was an area we spent a lot of our time in, and we thought it would be an amazing place to settle eventually.’
Ann and John have now lived in Ringwood for over two decades, within walking distance of the town and with the Avon Valley pathway on their doorstep. Ann smiles: ‘We feel so fortunate to live here, with the New Forest so close as well as beautiful beaches, so we really have the best of all worlds’. She continues: ‘I like visiting Beaulieu - there is a gorgeous walk along the river from there to Bucklers Hard which we have often done. The Hawk Conservancy at Andover is also a wonderful day out. They do such amazing conservation work there and I love watching the flying displays.’
She worked at a number of different hospitals over her career, including Lancashire, Bristol and most recently, Royal Bournemouth Hospital. She explains: ‘I loved caring for people and hopefully making a difference to people’s lives. It was hard work and long hours, but we had a great team in the Day Surgery at Bournemouth, and we all pulled together and supported each other. After a successful career as a nurse, I took early retirement.’
For some, entering the post-work years can be difficult to navigate, without the structure and routine of work, many feel a loss of purpose. Ann filled her new-found time with a part-time course at Bournemouth Arts University in basic photography. She remembers: ‘At that time I didn’t have any hobbies as I was so busy with work, but I had always enjoyed taking holiday snaps and family pics on my camera. I didn’t know anything about photography and was often disappointed with my efforts. After starting the course, that was it, I fell in love with photography, enjoying the challenge and learning a new skill. I went on to do many more courses and workshops.’
Ann also wanted to be able to capture images for an upcoming safari holiday she had booked to Masai Mara in Kenya, a place she now runs successful workshops from. She shares: ‘After my first trip to Africa I was posting lots of wildlife photos on social media, and after seeing my images a colleague from work contacted me to ask me if I would photograph their friend’s wedding. Their friends had been let down by a wedding photographer and hadn’t a lot of money to pay anyone else. At first I refused but eventually agreed to photograph the wedding. I had time to do some more workshops and to get some experience by shadowing a wedding-photographer before I shot this first wedding myself. The wedding went well, the couple were thrilled with their photos and from that wedding I obtained three more bookings so decided to set up a wedding photography and family portraiture business. I loved photographing people, to put them at ease and to bring out their personalities and capture for them some precious memories was a great privilege.’
After photographing weddings for a decade, Ann returned to her main love, wildlife photography. Her burning passion shines through when she talks about this.
‘I am never happier than when I am out with my camera and have a bird or animal in front of my lens. I love Kenya and have been travelling to the Mara for many years, always using the same camp, so I know it very well.’
Ann also runs her own wildlife photo safari workshops in Kenya, for groups keen to gain advice and assistance from the award-winning creative. She says: ‘People would often ask my advice on going on safari so I thought I would set up some photo safaris for small groups of like-minded people who have a love for wildlife. I don’t do this for profit but for the enjoyment of sharing this wonderful place with others and helping them create some lovely images and great memories.’
When she’s not in Africa, Ann can be found photographing around the UK, including the New Forest on her doorstep, as well as the scenic delights of Scotland and Wales.
Ann is the embodiment of loving what you do – by tapping into her talents, values and desires, she has successfully carved a profession, showcasing the outstanding beauty of the wild. She says: ‘If you love something then you put your heart and soul into it. It’s so important to enjoy what you do in life and if you enjoy it, then you give it your best effort and it reflects in your success.’
When she isn’t taking photos or editing, Ann enjoys spending time with her husband, two daughters and four grandchildren. She shares: ‘My husband John and I will have been married 52 years next month. He has been incredibly supportive and encouraging throughout my various careers. Although I sometimes think my family think I am a little crazy because of the amount of time I devote to my photography, but it's something I am so passionate about.’
Whether Ann is spending countless hours in a secluded spot in the New Forest, or patiently waiting in the African savanna, encountering, and photographing animals in their natural habitat is a skill she excels at. Through her stunning photographs, Ann unveils the intricate details of animals, inspiring wonder and encouraging us to protect and cherish the precious planet we live on. ann-aveyard.co.uk
