Atmosphere, Connection & Observation
I am a photographer based in rural Kent, where I live surrounded by woodland, ponds and the wildlife that regularly finds its way into both my garden and my work.
The subjects I photograph vary, from coastlines and landscapes to big cats and British wildlife, but the common thread is always atmosphere, connection and observation. I am drawn to those occasions when light, weather or behaviour reveal something deeper about a place or an animal. Photography has always been my way of paying closer attention to the world around me.
WHERE IT BEGAN
My interest in photography began at an early age. My father introduced me to the camera and taught me the fundamentals of exposure, composition, film processing and darkroom printing. Those early lessons sparked a fascination that has stayed with me ever since.
After graduating from Ravensbourne College of Design and Communication with a BA (Hons) in Graphic Design, I built a career as a freelance designer while continuing to develop my photography alongside commercial projects.
LONG TERM PROJECTS
In 2015 I was commissioned by Leeds Castle to undertake 'One Year in 900', a year long photographic project documenting the changing seasons and landscapes of the historic estate during its 900th anniversary year.
Working on a single location throughout an entire year reinforced something I have always enjoyed about photography: returning to a subject repeatedly, observing subtle changes and building a deeper understanding over time.
WILDLIFE CONSERVATION
For 8+ years I have been part of the photography team at the The Big Cat Sanctuary, photographing some of the world's most critically endangered feline species, teaching photography and leading photography workshops.
Spending time with individual animals over many years has deepened my understanding of behaviour, personality and the value of patient observation. Those experiences continue to influence the way I approach all of my photography, whether I'm photographing a tiger, a bird in the garden or a changing landscape.
PUBLICATIONS & EXHIBITIONS
My work has appeared in a range of publications, including BBC Countryfile Magazine, Coast Magazine, Kent Life, Surrey Life and Outdoor Photography.
I have also exhibited widely across London, Kent and the South East, sharing work that celebrates wildlife, landscape and the natural world.
TODAY
Today my work ranges from dramatic coastlines and changing weather to birds, wildlife and animal portraiture. Whatever the subject, my aim remains the same: to create images that encourage people to look a little closer and appreciate the beauty, character and atmosphere of the natural world.
When I'm not behind the camera, you'll usually find me drawing, walking the Kent countryside with my dogs, or watching the birds that visit the garden outside my studio.
COAST MAGAZINE
“I picked Sarah's picture of Trebawith, Cornwall as our cover image for Coast Magazine as I felt she'd really captured the beauty that can be found at the coast around this time of year. The stormy greys and blacks are made breath taking by the gloriously golden light spilling over the sea and beach from a break in the clouds.”
Joe McIntyre / Art Director / Coast Magazine
Photos & content © Sarah Medway.
Web site design: Sarah Medway