The Biophilia Project

As some of you know, my partner Robert George Young (Bob) is a photographer. He has been a stock photographer for over 30 years and has recently launched The Biophilia Project. The Biophilia hypothesis – a term first coined by Harvard professor Edward O. Wilson in his book Biophilia (1984) – suggests that we are all naturally drawn to, and benefit from, personal exposure to nature.

Bob has created a powerful series of large-scale photographs that capture unique views of nature – each piece a richly-coloured and riveting window to the natural world.

The Biophilia Project (www.biophiliaproject.com) blends his passionate, joyful obsession with nature with his professional mastery of specialized photo and software techniques. Under controlled conditions in his studio, he applies various techniques such as focus stacking and panorama stitching to integrate dozens to hundreds of photographs and create a single, finished work.

“One of photography’s greatest strengths as an artistic medium is its unparalleled ability to capture detail. This quality is, in part, what drives my work,” says Young.

Bob’s compositions serve to remind us of how we are a vital and integral part of our environment. A photograph of an oak leaf and a pheasant feather illuminates the striking similarities between these seemingly disparate elements. Repeating hydrangea petals reveal to the viewer the extraordinary in the ordinary.

Bob wants the viewer to “take a moment to ponder the architecture of a simple leaf – its line, form, texture and colour are as much art as it is nature.”

The Biophilia Project photos are printed and mounted with carefully selected archival materials. These captivating, contemporary, photographic artworks will hold the observer in their powerful grip – and won’t let go until nature has been experienced.

The Chronicle Herald recently published an article about his work which you can read here.