Spotlighting the IGPOTY Plants & Planet category winners: an interview with Catherine Bullen

As part of Penningtons Manches Cooper’s continued sponsorship of the International Garden Photographer of the Year (IGPOTY), we are proud to spotlight some of the talented photographers featured in this year’s competition. This new series explores their inspirations and creative perspectives, offering a deeper insight into the stories behind their images.

In the third part of this interview series, we speak with Catherine Bullen, whose compelling photograph ‘Exposed’ captures the delicate balance between landscape and life in Namibia’s Namib-Naukluft National Park.

Catherine explores her relationship to this impressive landscape, the role of light and minimalism in her work, and how photography can encourage greater awareness of the planet’s most vulnerable landscapes.

What inspired you to capture this image?

“I was inspired by the stark contrasts within the landscape – the interplay between life and death, stillness and scale. The lone dead tree set against the immense dune, with a living tree just beyond it, felt like a quiet story of resilience in an unforgiving environment.”

“I was also really drawn to the colours in the scene, with the deep blue sky against the orange dunes and the way everything came together so simply but powerfully.”

What do you hope people notice first when they see your photograph?

“I hope people are first drawn to the shape of the dead tree against the sweeping dune, and then start to notice the balance within the scene – the living tree in the distance and the vastness surrounding them both.”

Is there a small detail in the image that people might overlook?

“A small detail that might be overlooked is the single white cloud on the right side of the sky – it echoes the isolation of the trees and adds a sense of calm and scale to the scene. I actually had to wait for it to move into position to balance the image and without it, I don’t think the photograph would have been as strong.”

“Just as we were about to leave, I looked back one last time, and the cloud had fallen perfectly into place. On the left side of the dune, you can also just about make out sand blowing off the spine. This subtle motion balances the cloud on the right and adds another layer of life to the scene.”

Describe your photo in three words

“Silent, contrasting, enduring.”

Why do you think the Plants & Planet theme matters today?

“This theme feels especially relevant because it highlights both the fragility and resilience of ecosystems. Even in a harsh environment like this, life still finds a way to persist, and that balance is something we can’t take for granted.”

“Plants, in particular, have so many uses, many of which we’re probably still unaware of, and protecting them is essential to maintaining the health of our planet.”

How do you think photography can help people reconnect with the environment?

“Photography can distil vast landscapes into more intimate moments, encouraging people to pause and reflect. By isolating scenes like this, it helps us reconnect with the beauty, scale and vulnerability of the natural world.”

“It also gives people a reason to get out and explore and to share what they see with others. That can have a knock‑on effect – once people start enjoying time in nature, they’re more likely to value it, protect it and build a deeper connection with the world around them.”

Who or what has influenced your photographic style the most?

“My style has largely been shaped by spending time outdoors and really observing how light and form can simplify even complex scenes. Working as a food and product photographer has reinforced this – those disciplines teach you to see how light defines shape, texture and balance in every detail.”

“I also have a background in fine art and part of that involved studying surface design, which comes through in the way I think about composition. It makes me focus on balance, flow and how the viewer’s eye moves through an image. I like to approach each scene almost like a quiet puzzle – finding the elements that fit together naturally and tell a story.”

If you could photograph anywhere on the planet, where would you choose and why?

“I’d love to photograph in other remote deserts like this one, or in polar regions, where the landscapes are stripped down to their most essential forms. I’m drawn to the sense of scale, isolation and simplicity in these places – they really resonate with the way I like to approach a scene and let the natural elements speak for themselves.”

Find out more about the competition by visiting the IGPOTY website.