You are known for your encouraging teaching style — how does that translate in the field?

I think the best learning happens when people feel relaxed enough to ask questions and make mistakes. On a NaturesLens trip, there is no pressure to get the shot instantly. I will explain the settings, show the composition I am aiming for, and then work alongside people as they find their own way. Some of the biggest breakthroughs I have seen come from photographers who arrived convinced they could not do something and left having done it beautifully.

Japan is your favourite location — what makes it so special for photography?

Japan in winter is visually extraordinary. The red-crowned cranes dancing in snow, the steam rising off hot springs with macaques bathing, the Steller's sea eagles dropping onto drift ice — every day offers something you cannot photograph anywhere else on earth. The contrast between the stark white landscapes and the vivid colour of the wildlife creates images that are almost painterly. It is the one destination where guests consistently say the reality exceeded their expectations.

What advice would you give someone considering their first photography holiday?

Do not worry about your gear. The most common concern I hear from first-timers is that their camera is not good enough, and it almost never matters. What matters is understanding light, being patient, and learning to anticipate behaviour. A photographer with a mid-range camera and good timing will always outshoot someone with top-end equipment who is not paying attention. Come for the experience and the learning — the images will follow.

Wildlife Photography Holidays With Ian Roberts

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6th – 20th Feb 2027 - Amazing Japanese Wildlife in Winter
Travel with us for an amazing winter wildlife photography holiday, to photograph the Japanese Wildlife in Winter, focused on Swans, Cranes, snow monkeys & sea eagles.

14 nights w. Single occupancy for ~~£8499~~ £6999

Guided By David Miles & Ian Roberts
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4th – 11th Apr 2027 - Birds of Extremadura
Travel to Extremadura during April 2027 for a small-group wildlife photography holiday led by Ian, with opportunities to photograph Eagles, Kestrels, Kites plus many more species.

7 nights w. Single occupancy for £3749

Guided By Ian Roberts
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11th – 18th Apr 2027 - Birdlife of Northern Spain
Capture images with us during a wildlife photography holiday in Northern Spain, scheduled for May-June 2027, focused on mountain, plains & woodland birds.

7 nights w. Single occupancy for £2299

Guided By Ian Roberts
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Limited Places
18th – 25th Apr 2027 - Birds of Extremadura
Travel to Spain during April 2027 for a small-group wildlife photography holiday led by Ian, with opportunities to photograph Golden Eagle, Lesser Kestrel, Black Kite.

7 nights w. Single occupancy for £3749

Guided By Ian Roberts
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12th – 26th Feb 2028 - Amazing Japanese Wildlife in Winter
Join Pui Hang & Ian for our Japanese Wildlife in Winter photography tour in Japan, to capture images of all of the iconic winter species of this fascinating country, plus some of the species other trips generally do not include, such as the Ural Owl, during February 2028

14 nights w. Single occupancy for £7999

Guided By Ian Roberts & Pui Hang Miles
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6th – 20th Feb 2027 - Amazing Japanese Wildlife in Winter

4th – 11th Apr 2027 - Birds of Extremadura

11th – 18th Apr 2027 - Birdlife of Northern Spain

18th – 25th Apr 2027 - Birds of Extremadura

12th – 26th Feb 2028 - Amazing Japanese Wildlife in Winter