Andrew Forsyth - the wildlife photographer
About me
My photography is built on a simple goal: to create something different.
That is no small feat in a world where five billion images are taken each day. In the face of such overwhelming output it's easy to succumb to Vemödalen — the fear that every possible photograph has already been taken. (I'd create a catchy video about it, if only it hadn't been done before).
Beyond the sheer volume of images it's a sad fact that many new subjects, locations or techniques are quickly mimicked, turning "fresh" into "cliché" within a matter of weeks. For me, "something different" must mean two things; an image I've never seen before, and one that is exceptionally difficult to recreate.
This challenge is where I find the enjoyment.
It's what draws me to extreme environments like the Kalahari Desert, where the significant logistical obstacles have to be overcome before the photography can start. Even then I prefer to work when the weather at its is most inhospitable; I find this acts as a natural filter, discouraging less committed photographers and adding rarity to the moments I record. This demands an "all-day, every-day" approach. I'm as happy working in the harsh midday light as in the golden hours, returning to the same location repeatedly and making sure I'm there when the elements align in a way that can never be repeated.
Above all, I must know my subject. My images are stories — both individually and collectively — and to tell them well I need to understand what I'm witnessing.
My project on macaques, for instance, was underpinned by months of research, including reading over sixty scientific papers on human-primate commensalism. Because I understood that finding clean water is a struggle for India's urban monkeys, I recognised the significance of two rhesus macaques fighting on a dripping tap. The resulting image, Water Fight was Highly Commended in the NHM Wildlife Photographer of the Year competition. The same research-led approach allowed me to capture another award-winning image of a scarred and emaciated wildebeest. Having defended it's breeding territory against rival males throughout the brutal dry season, it was clinging to both life and the chance to reproduce. These are examples of the remarkable, raw and authentic animal stories that I'm passionate to tell.
My Adobe Portfolio website showcases three long-term projects; human-macaque coexistence, the animals of the Kalahari Desert and the starling murmurations on my doorstep in Brighton. Some of these images have been recognised in international photography competitions, others are just my favourites. All reflect countless hours and energy put into creating something different.
Awards
NHM Wildlife Photographer of the Year - Murmuration in the Storm - Finalist, Natural Designs
GDT European Wildlife Photographer of the Year - Starving Wildebeest, Kalahari - Runner-up, Mammals
Landscape Photographer of the Year - Clearing Summer Storm, Seven Sisters - Highly Commended
NHM Wildlife Photographer of the Year - Water Fight - Highly Commended, Urban Wildlife
British Wildlife Photography Awards - Starlings After the Storm - Highly Commended, Animal Behaviour
Wanderlust Travel Photographer of the Year - Macaques, Jaipur - Third Place
Other work
I'm currently Chief Photographer & Multimedia Manager for the RSPCA. I work within the Brand, Marketing & Content department, leading a small team of photographers/videographers to meet the strategic needs of the charity. I travel nationally, working on a wide variety of shoots, from evidential imagery for prosecutions to behavioural-change campaigns and editorial projects. This includes shooting/editing video, using drones and working in partnership with creative agencies and fundraising teams. This requires a strong ethical foundation, ensuring that brand and commercial requirements align with science-based animal welfare guidelines. You can see a snapshot of my 30 years photographing the work of the RSPCA in my portfolio.
I've previously worked as a digital asset management consultant for Capture Ltd and photo library manager for Mirrorpix. I'm currently the photography lead for Dogma, an award-winning Brighton & Hove Albion fanzine. When time allows, I also do voluntary match-day photography for two Brighton community organisations, Mental Health United FC and VYD. See this work in my Dogma portfolio: https://andrewforsyth.myportfolio.com/dogma
Licensing
A small selection of images are available to licence from Alamy.
Please feel free to contact me if you'd like to discuss my images or are interested in working with me. Please note that I don't grant permission to use my images in exchange for a credit line, unless you're a scientist needing something for academic papers.
Thanks for looking.
Andrew
Thank you. I'll get back to you as soon as I can.