Rob Daykin London, United Kingdom

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An environmental and nature photographer from micro- and macro- scales through to landscapes. Strongly interested in recording biodiversity and showing the details of the local area others might not see. Also interested in mentoring and helping others find their own artistic voice.

I'm an environmental and nature photographer living on the North West edge of London, close to the route of HS2.

I have always been fascinated by the natural world, and the beauty to be found every day in the small things we share the world with. Much of that beauty we can't see with the naked eye, the scales on a butterflies wing or the twist of a stamen. I try to capture the environment from landscapes down to the microscopic details in a flower so others might share what I find.

I was given my first camera at the age of 1 1 , and I've always owned one since. My career has always featured colour or images in some way, but only since about 201 5 with digital cameras and time have I started to seriously catalogue local biodiversity. Initially so I could show my nephew the beauty his generation and later may lose, but he now has his own camera and interest in the natural world. My images started as a catalogue, but are not pure record shots, they are portraits, even if my subjects don't talk back to me.

I'm a strongly ethical photographer, none of the subjects I shoot are harmed except occasional flowers or foliage which are carefully picked specifically for shooting in the studio. I follow the rule of 10 and never select subjects from species which are not abundant. All the fungi and invertebrates I shoot are in the wild, and left for others to enjoy. I do not practise or condone techniques like freezing insects in order to slow them down. I would rather lose an image than cause distress or harm.

The last few years have lead to me leaving my previous career, and looking to see how I can make an impact with photography, documenting the environment around me, and showing that to people via printing my work.

I've also started to mentor some local photographers, informally, and would like to take that further. I've done mentoring in both my previous careers and found it personally rewarding and educational for me as well. So I would be very interested in collaborative projects or opportunities.

Aside from the nature photography I'm also keenly interested in black and white photography and documented my personal journey through 2020/21 in mono.

Artwork

Destroying Angel, Photographic Print on Paper, 2022, £95

Rob Daykin London, United Kingdom Back to profiles Invite to apply

Artwork

Projects and exhibitions

What is this life...

Rob Daykin London, United Kingdom

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