Clive Stewart Photography

I live in beautiful Cape Town, South Africa, and consider myself fortunate to still reside amidst nature and wildlife, even though the available space is sadly diminishing due to the increasing effects of urbanisation each passing day.

Advertising photography has been my forte, but nature photography is my true passion. Initially, I viewed nature on a macro level, believing that larger animals, like the Big Five, found in remote faraway destinations offered more appeal. However, a seemingly “ordinary” encounter with a small female Malachite sunbird in my back garden profoundly affected me. It altered my views and perceptions of the nature on my doorstep and put me back on a path I always knew as a child growing up: to protect and care for the small and vulnerable.

I’ve come to appreciate the multitude of everyday life. From the tiniest life forms and plant cells only visible using high-powered optics to insects, plants, wondrous textures, and small vertebrates such as birds, frogs, and lizards, and invertebrates comprising moths, ants, and beetles—there’s a whole treasure trove of interesting creatures waiting to be noticed and their stories told.

Each play a vital role and deserve to be recognised and admired for their evolutionary achievements that have allowed them to be here today.

I hope my photographs will do justice to these smaller, frequently overlooked life forms residing all around us, especially in our own back gardens. By showcasing insects as more than mere “specimens,” reptiles as more than “fearful creatures,” and birds as more than “just birds,” we can shift perceptions and reveal the true wonder and complexity of each.

While there is no denying the lure of the exotic and larger animal species , there is something equally special happening every day all around us. In my opinion, nature viewed at a distance is not as soulful and rewarding as when it is viewed up close, with intimate appreciation, care and understanding.

When it comes to showcasing nature, I veer away from stereotypical wildlife photography that focuses on prey versus predator imagery. Instead, I prefer to capture candid moments that reveal the unique personality of each creature. I believe that, regardless of species or size, every living being possesses its own distinct beauty and charm.

One of my strengths is capturing compelling imagery through photography. I see it as a tool to convey the beauty of our natural world and inspire a deeper sense of appreciation. Thus, my new journey involves dedicating my photography to nature conservation and helping worthy wildlife organisations, such as BirdLife South Africa and Ingcungcu sunbird restoration.

I believe that a single person’s actions can make a difference, and my aspiration is to inspire others to view everyday nature through a new lens of appreciation. By taking steps to first respect and appreciate the small, there is a greater hope of us respecting the larger species and our planet.

Empathy should have no boundaries – All life, irrespective of species or size, should be respected & admired.