Chris Taylor | Photographer | United Kingdom
Chris Taylor does an incredible job of sharing his beautiful, quaint home in North Northfolk and the charming nature that thrives there. Every aspect of Chris’ work reflects his love for his home, and each piece is coddled with heartfelt warmth that would make anyone want to love and nurture that which is shown.
What is a typical day like for you?
Head to the coast (600m from my house) and see what the North sea is up to, if it's winter I film the storms rolling in, if it's summer (and the weather is calm enough) I snorkel & film the unique chalk reef just a stone's throw from the tideline.
When did you first pick up a camera and start shooting underwater?
I got my first camera when I was 10 (1982), but shooting underwater came much later when I was probably around 30.
What are the fondest memories from your upbringing that you feel impacted your life choices and lifestyle today?
Growing up by the coast meant days on the beach and exploring our coast were a regular feature. Now, I’m able to produce films about the North Norfolk coast and its wildlife to show others our beautiful area. It is truly an honour.
What path did you choose after leaving school?
I obtained a degree in Coastal Biology at Hull University and then spent a year in Australia, diving on the great barrier reef and photographing humpback whales. I never managed to find work using my biology degree and ended up in a soulless job as a computer programmer for 9 years before escaping to be a photographer. For 15 years I photographed weddings but always yearned to be photographing & filming wildlife & travel, so in the last few years I wound down the wedding business and now make films about the stuff I love.
What do you value most in life?
Creativity, anything to do with the sea, family, friends and squeezing every minute out of every day.
What brings you the most joy?
Anything to do with the sea - in it/on it/under it.
Who/what currently inspires you?
Paul Nicklen, David Attenborough (obviously), the work of the Marine Conservation Society and the king himself - Jacques Cousteau.
What would you most like to change in the world/environment today?
To stop the pollution & littering of the seas, stop overfishing, and turn back global warming.
Are there any books/documentaries that have guided your thinking?
Documentaries: The Blue Planet, Seaspiracy, Whale Wars.
Books: Waterlog by Roger Deakin & Neutral Bouyancy by Tim Ecott.
What legacy do you hope to leave?
To have raised awareness of the precious coastal sealife of North Norfolk.
What advice would you give to anyone looking to follow their dreams as an ocean Storyteller?
Just get out there with a camera and explore! I'm often told I always seem to be in the right place at the right time, the truth it's I'm in lots of places, lots of times and every now & then I just manage to catch something interesting. Make films & tell stories about what you love and what interests you, if you have passion it will show.
VIMEO: www.vimeo.com/christaylorphoto
INSTAGRAM: @christaylorfoto