Wildlife / Animals 1st place winner

My project Preservation: Rare Breeds is a series of portraits of rare breeds of farm animals. I started this project because I wanted to make the public more aware that there are breeds of farm animals that are more endangered of going extinct then Giant Pandas. I wanted to create a photo archive of these rare breeds in case they should become extinct while also hoping that these portraits of animals standing majestically alone against a dark backdrop will inspire people to learn more about these rare breeds and be inspired to help them. My inspiration for these portraits came from studying Caravaggio's art and his use of the chiaroscuro technique he uses to create dramatic light and shadows within his art. I was also inspired by Tim Flach's anthropomorphic studio animal portraits.

I photograph a range of animals from domestic pets, farm animals and wildlife. I photograph nature, still lives and portraiture as well. I have always been passionate about animals and I enjoy being creative with my photography. I find inspiration from the world around me, nature, literature and other art mediums.I am inspired by the artist Caravaggio and his use of the chairoscuro light and shadow technique in his paintings.

I have previously won the second edition of the Fine Arts Photography Awards in the Wildlife/ Animals category in 2016.