Hey guys! James here. Just wanted to tell you a little about why I love what I do, and what it means to me :)
I have an admitted passion for birds and wildlife. Influenced by the world around me as I traveled for almost a decade, I see that the world is changing very rapidly. Whole species are becoming extinct every day and I feel the need to capture things as they are right now, so future generations can see how beautiful this place used to be. That being said, I feel some amount of faith that things can improve; that we can turn it around before it’s too late.Forests, lakes and mountains are a testament to the fluctuating natural rhythms of this planet, and I feel most comfortable listening to it. I try to render that feeling through my images, the reverence I experience while quietly walking in the woods, turning my head to the sound of a bird I don’t quite recognize. This is what it’s all about.
We all need to slow down, remember who we are, and take stock of what is really important to us. If a photograph of mine on a wall can stop someone from their rushing around during the day, even for a few seconds, it would give me a sense of accomplishment.
Nature is perfect. People behave differently in front of a camera, but animals are always themselves. They are connected to pure instinct instead of ego, and we can learn a lesson or two from them. Capturing the personality and of these creatures is a goal of mine, as they seem as varied and different as ourselves, and are the innocent victims of the damage we humans create.
Many artists use photography as a memory tool to mark their journey, and I like that idea. I want to look at an image and remember exactly how I felt in that instant. Patience and luck play a big part in me getting the shots I want, as much as trying to have fun with it. I primarily use colour digital photography, but more subtle, toned down images do have their place as well- depending on what feeling I’m trying to pull out of an image.
Digital allows me to relax in any situation, because I can take as many shots as I care to. While I was traveling years ago, I felt tremendously limited by the film cameras I was using, and still have a massive pile of untouched negatives in my basement as a result. I have also grown to love stitching photos together to produce large, panoramic scenes that hopefully will inspire awe and a sense of humility in the viewers. Only when we see a bigger picture can we step back and really observe what we’re doing. I know that there are a countless numbers of photographers out there, but this is what I’m good at, and it’s what I can contribute to the world.
So all I can say is find a way to do what you love, because it's what you are here for. Hope you are all having a great evening wherever you are :)Visit my website when you have a minute:JamesToth.com