From Competition Winner to Guest Guide

A Conversation with Pandora Maund

Some stories come full circle in the most satisfying way. Last year, UK-based wildlife photographer Pandora Maund entered our travel photography competition, and won. Her prize was a place on our Botswana photo safari. This year, she’s back, but this time she’s on the other side of the lens, joining us as guide for our brown bear photography workshop in Slovenia.

Pandora brings over a decade of professional experience to the role, with a particular passion for wildlife that has taken her across Africa and beyond. Ahead of the workshop, we fired some questions at her to find out more about her journey into photography, what drives her work, and what participants can expect from the bears – and from her. 

All images by Pandora Maund

What has been your photography journey?

I bought a DSLR camera in 2010 to go out to South Africa on a charity trip. I fell in love with photography on that trip and when my pictures were picked up by the charity and got internationally published, I was determined to learn more. I spent a year learning in workshops and with other photographers and in 2011 I gave up my job in telecommunications to do photography full time. 

I have done most genres of photography from landscapes, studio work, even weddings, but my main love has always been wildlife. I also started up my own business teaching photography workshops, from beginners to more advanced, which I ran for 14 years before selling it to focus purely on wildlife photography. (Plus on photography of dogs and horses when I am not travelling.)

Why wildlife photography?

I’ve always loved animals since being a child and I had so many wildlife books growing up. I even had wildlife pictures on my walls rather than the current pop star of the day. David Attenborough has always been a hero of mine and I am passionate about how we can conserve and protect species.

Do you have any tips for aspiring wildlife photographers?

We have so much wonderful wildlife in the UK that you can practice on to hone your skills with. Don’t discount something just because it’s not a wow subject – it is the practice that counts, even if your subject is a squirrel. Watch behaviours of different animals as it helps you predict when you need to be ready. Photographing birds in flight will sharpen your reflexes and wherever we go there are always birds to practice on. 

Get some lessons if you don’t fully understand your camera ,as it will make the world of difference to your results. If you go on a trip or safari make sure it is aimed at photographers, where you will get support from a knowledgeable guide. And make sure not to be in a crowded vehicle with non-photographers who generally won’t want to spend the same time as you with one subject, trying to get the perfect shot.

What have been your favorite places for wildlife photography? And are there any destinations on your wish list?

I love Africa, in particular South Africa, where I have had some amazing experiences. Photographing a pangolin was a real wow moment. Botswana was a first for me last year, and seeing a brown hyena there was a highlight. Last year in Zambia, I probably got some of my best ever lion pictures and also the experience of photographing in the winter thorn forests, where the light is amazing was really special.  

As for my wish list; I have always wanted to see tigers in the wild and I will be heading to India later this year. Another wish would be to go somewhere cold, either Yellowstone in the winter or maybe the Arctic.

What can people expect from the brown bear photography workshop with you?

I’m very much a people person and really want everyone to have a great experience, so I normally like to find out what people want to get from a tour, whether it be a  competition worthy image or getting to know how to get the most out of their camera or improve their editing. I’m also happy to chat about any other types of photography during the trip as I’ve probably done most of it over the years. 

What are you most looking forward to with this trip?

Meeting everyone and helping them get the most from this trip. Oh and the bears of course. Nothing quite prepares you for your first sighting of this apex predator. It takes your breath away.

About Pandora

Pandora Maund is a Sheffield-based wildlife photographer with over 16 years of experience teaching photography, from beginner workshops to advanced one-to-ones. Her work spans wildlife, equine, and commercial photography, with a particular passion for conservation; she has documented projects like harvest mice breeding programs to rhino dehorning in South Africa. Her images have earned her recognition as a finalist in both Wildlife Photographer of the Year 2024 and Nature Photographer of the Year 2024, as well as the overall win in the British Photography Awards 2025 Water Life category. You can explore her work on her website.

About the Trip

Our Bears of Slovenia Photo Tour is designed for photographers of all levels. Slovenia is home to over 500 brown bears, and the tour offers access to specially designed hides across the Notranjska and Kočevska regions, which is prime bear country. The timing is deliberate: late July brings long days and optimal light, and it’s an ideal window to photograph mothers with cubs. Groups are kept to a maximum of six.