The magazine of the art-form of the photo-essay
“A free, really high quality photo-essay magazine. Fabulous!”
Stephen Fry. British actor, writer and film & documentary maker
July 2014 back issue
by Sam Branson
We are all define ourselves by memories and I think that’s why I love taking photos. It’s important to remember and
honour those moments that have shaped your life. Finding those moments that really bring an experience to life is a
never ending self-challenge.
I have been fortunate enough to have been to some of the most amazing places in the world, and also the harshest.
The biggest adventure I have ever undertaken is a three month expedition to the Arctic to promote awareness of
climate change. Ev erywhere has its challenges in taking pictures. Sand, rain, snow but the hardest for me was the
Arctic. At minus 50 anything with energy gets sapped, including batteries. You have to strap the battery to your chest to
keep it warm and energised. Taking a pic needs to be done in seconds. Gloves off - battery in - take pic - battery out -
strap to chest - glove on. If it takes too long your fingers freeze. A real challenge but well worth it!
Everywhere I have been I am compelled to look for the beauty in the world. It could be in the smallest thing. A wry
smile, a coffee mug or even a sunset. It's about seeing beyond what's in front of you and seeing the story it tells. Of
course, you still can’t escape the harsh brutalities that live in this world as well – like the horrific rhino poaching picture
I took in South Africa.
Whether they haunt or inspire me, whenever I see these images it drives me to keep experiencing more of this beautiful
world.
My production company Sundog Pictures has a simple mantra – to tell stories that matter. That’s the same approach I
take when I take a picture. To tell a story.
Big Sur sunset. Stunning.
Snowboarding is my favourite sport in the world. It’s amazing how sport can take you
to the world’s most beautiful places.
Nothing more majestic than mountains.
I feel incredibly lucky that I can call Necker Island home and it has been the main
inspiration for my passion for nature.
A small husky covered in seal fat. One of the hardiest animals I’ve ever seen.
I went to Africa to help build a home for some orphaned children and I remember being followed by this one girl. She
never said a word but she would always be there. She has a million stories to tell in those eyes. It’s the best photo I’ve
ever taken.
This is a spectacular picture – a real sense of human nature. I took this when I was at the Rwanda and Congo border
while I was on my honeymoon. It was incredible being so close to these amazing animals.
I love this. Tells multiple stories, and I love how the lines contrast with each other.
Arctic selfie!
You don’t have to travel far to see beautiful images. This is while I took a walk in the
English countryside.
Can’t think of a better image that sums up the relationship and shared DNA between them and us.
I love images that show different perspectives. Burning Man is also one of the most amazing places I’ve ever been to.
It’s so often you see close ups of these amazing animals, but I wanted to open it up to capture the spectacular
environment that they live in.
This pregnant rhino and two others were slaughtered about ten miles from where my
wedding took place in South Africa. These animals have their rhinos hacked off and
are left to bleed to death. Absolutely tragic.
Expedition selfie. I set up the camera while I was making some dinner (24 hour daylight) for myself in my tiny tent in
the Arctic. It was amazing how this small space becomes a home in one of the harshest and most isolated places in
the world.
There was a group of African kids playing football in a
village and I ended up joining in. While we were
playing a group of children were blowing bubbles over
our heads, and I got this amazingly lucky shot.
Reflective of bright ideas coming from this wonderful
continent.
Lemur.
Visiting a temple in Bali with my beautiful wife. What a magical place!
