Teamwork
While most of my photographic work involves working solo, when I do get to work with a team it is always rewarding and enlightening.
So it was a real thrill to be part of a team of photographers covering a huge conference in Abu Dhabi in October.
The IUCN World Conservation Congress 2025 was hosted at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre (ADNEC) where representatives of national governments (more than 140 of them!) and Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs) from around the world gathered to network, share ideas, cultures, technologies and knowledge, and to discuss and thrash out international policy on climate and the environment. I understand there were more than 10,000 delegates there!
As a team of five, we faced a big challenge with many moving parts, but we quickly slipped into a method of working which felt almost psychic. With our leader Steve (second-left in the photo) handling the daily schedule, between us we were able to coordinate to ensure an even load across the team. Also that when one photographer’s pictures were urgent they had time to edit and deliver their work, and that when late nights were required of a photographer, they started later the following day.
We worked together to support each other, helping out with technical snags, exchanging tips and ideas – occasionally fetching coffee and food to help keep us fuelled.
The images we produced were used across the IUCN’s various social media channels and in their Daily Highlights page of the website, with the communications team keeping us updated on what they needed urgently.
Flexibility was key to the success of the week, and we were constantly having to review and adapt plans to keep on top of what was required.
What was most valuable for me was having other photographers I respect peering over my shoulder as I edited and to have that exchange of ideas. I was able to learn from their approaches and styles and I like to think they learned from mine too. That can be a big boost to confidence and motivation when faced with a task as large as this was.
Working alongside other photographers also had a motivational effect in terms of seeking new angles or punchier compositions; an almost subliminal urge to get work noticed within the hundreds of pictures being submitted to the client every day. It’s not a question of being a sharp-elbow competition as it often was in press days, but definitely an underlying driver to keep looking with fresh eyes, even when those eyes have had little sleep for the best part of a week!
So I want to thank Steve, Marcus, Andy and Abhi for being there and for being the supportive, professional colleagues that they were. Photographers can be a prickly, defensive breed, but there were no egos on show here, just fellow photographers all pushing for the same outcome – successful coverage of a large conference under pressured circumstances.
This was a team I’d happily work with again.
Finally, I’d like to say thank you to Kathryn and Giulia from IUCN who, alongside their media and communications teams, worked closely with us in the media centre. Their calm humour kept us grounded at the most manic moments.