TITLE: Prehistoric Survivors

This series was focused on creating intimate and unique portraits of wild animals in their environment with the hope of connecting the viewer with wildlife in Africa. I often choose a low angle to magnify the size and magnificence of the subjects to enhance the connection between the viewer and subject. Looking up at these iconic creatures makes you feel like you are part of their world rather than looking down on them from the comfort of a vehicle which hints to a tamed encounter. I photographed in black and white to serve as a reminder that these animals could only be remembered through photography if we do not act now to better protect them. People often associate black and white with history and so I feel this collection is a powerful reminder of the natural treasures that still exist, and what a tragedy it would be if all that were to remain, is in photographs.

Climate change is one of the greatest threats to wildlife in East Africa and so every one of these photographs was taken carbon neutral to ensure no damage to the environment was made during the making of this collection. Together with my art galleries, we are donating 20% directly back to organisations working to protect wildlife, communities and habitats across East Africa.

AUTHOR: James Lewin (United Kingdom)

James Lewin is a rapidly emerging contemporary photographic artist. He has a passion for conservation, focusing his attention on capturing African Wildlife in its most natural form.
By exercising an immersive and intimate approach, Lewin strives to connect people with East Africa's magnificent yet vulnerable inhabitants. To capture his striking portraits, he utilises wide-angle lenses from highly unique perspectives, allowing the viewer to feel as if they were beside the animals within the frame. He views his work as an influential tool to raise awareness and funds for the creatures he admires and spends time with. 20% of every sale feeds directly back to conservation projects in Africa. Having minimal impact on the planet is equally important to Lewin; each safari is carbon neutral. 
 
Lewin's photographs have a timeless quality and convey that his wildlife subjects are endangered and may one day only be witnessed through photography. He finds black & white a powerful reminder of this, as people often associate a monochrome aesthetic with history. Like the photographic masters such as Sebastiao Salgado & Terry O'Neil, Lewin prints his work on silver gelatin. These prints are made using traditional photochemistry and are far superior in archival longevity and tonal range to other printing methods.
 
James' work has been awarded in multiple International Photography Awards, including the Monochrome Awards, Nature's Best Awards, Monovisions Photography Awards, ND Awards and Outdoor Photographer of the Year. James was ranked number 1 B&W Photographer in the UK and number 4th globally in the 2021 One Eyeland Top 10 Black & White Photographers Award. This included winning Gold, Silver and Bronze in the Wildlife Category. James was also a Hasselblad Masters Finalist, which is one of the most prestigious professional photographic competitions in the World.​​​​​​​