About Alan Young
I am a wildlife, nature, and creative photographer based in East Yorkshire. My work focuses on quiet moments, natural behaviour, atmosphere, and the sense of presence that photography creates. Whether I am photographing a kingfisher in still morning light, a landscape shaped by weather, a macro subject revealing detail that usually goes unnoticed, or a portrait designed around mood and character, I look for images that feel honest, observational, and unforced.
Photography has been part of my life for many years. I began with film and manual-focus cameras, gradually moving through different systems before developing the workflow I use today. Along that path, I’ve been drawn to the technical craft of image-making, exposure, colour, printmaking, and the discipline of building a website and portfolio, but what keeps me engaged is the sense of anticipation and the calm that photography brings.
Wildlife photography, in particular, has taught me patience and an appreciation for routine. I recently wrote about how noticing micro moments has changed the way I photograph wildlife and macro subjects. You can read that post here.
Time spent in hides or on foot in familiar locations has shaped not only the images I make but also how I work: slowly, quietly, and with respect for the subjects and the environment.
My landscape and travel photographs reflect similar themes. I am drawn to atmosphere rather than spectacle, preferring subtle light, weather, and simple compositions. My portrait work, whether creative or character-driven, often uses minimal setups and controlled lighting to echo classical approaches while remaining contemporary in tone.
Macro photography forms another part of my practice, revealing the detail, colour, and structure of insects and plant life that often go unnoticed. Many of these images are created locally, where the small world becomes just as compelling as the wider landscape.
Away from photographing, I enjoy the craft of printing. Producing my own fine-art prints allows me to control the full process from capture to final output, selecting papers and tonal qualities that complement each image. This website brings that work together: portfolios, writing, print options, and the ongoing process of refining how I present my photography.
If you would like to explore the portfolios, view recent blog posts, or enquire about prints or licensing, the links below will guide you.
You can also read field notes, behind-the-shot articles, and reflections on the blog, where I share more about the process and experiences behind my photography.
I also write occasional reflections on photography and observation on Substack.

This portrait was created as an editorial image using AI-assisted post-processing.

A documentary photograph from earlier years, reflecting the observational approach that continues to influence my work today.
Explore the Portfolios
Alan's Photography Timeline
1970s - First Steps in Film
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Manual-focus SLRs
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FP4, HP5, and early darkroom work
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Learning exposure by eye
1980s - Developing Technique
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Black & white printing
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Experimenting with contrast and grain
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Early passion for wildlife and outdoor photography
1990s - Travel, Colour, and Exploration
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Transparency and colour negative films
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Growing interest in birds and macro subjects
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Refining a personal visual style
2000s - Transition to Digital
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First digital compacts and DSLRs
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Raw processing, colour management
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Balancing analogue discipline with digital flexibility
2010s - High Resolution, High Precision
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Advanced DSLRs and telephoto systems
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Serious wildlife fieldwork
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Editing inspired by classic film stocks
2020s - Mirrorless, Fine Art, and AI-Assisted Workflow
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Modern mirrorless bodies
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Custom film-inspired looks
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Archival printing on fine-art papers
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Integrating selective, responsible AI tools into editing
Prints & Printing
Camera Timeline
1978 - Canon A-V1
1979 - Canon A1
1987 - Canon EOS 650
2000 - Kodak DC3400
2000 - Fujifilm FinePix A101
2001 - Panasonic Lumix
2005 - Canon EOS 350D
2006 - Canon EOS 30D
2006 - Canon EOS 5D “Classic”
2008 - Canon EOS 5D Mark II
2013 - Ricoh GR
2017 - Nikon D850
2022 - Fujifilm X-T5
2023 - Nikon Z8
If you would like to discuss prints, licensing, projects, or any other aspect of my work, please get in touch via the contact page.
