About Alan Young

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​A lifelong interest in photography, shaped by film, craft and observation​​​​​​

 

 

​Photography has been part of my life for many years, long before digital cameras and editing software became commonplace. I began with film, learning the fundamentals through hands-on experience, developing black and white images in the darkroom and understanding light, exposure and timing through practice rather than automation.

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That grounding still shapes the way I work today.

I am a photographer based in East Yorkshire, with a particular focus on wildlife, macro and nature photography. Much of my work is created outdoors, often early in the morning when the landscape is quiet and wildlife behaviour feels more intimate and authentic. I am drawn to moments that feel natural and unforced, whether that is a bird pausing at the water’s edge, an insect resting in soft morning light, or a subtle detail within the landscape.

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My Approach

 

My approach to photography is rooted in patience and observation. I prefer to let scenes unfold rather than forcing them, allowing light, movement and behaviour to dictate the image. This often means spending long periods waiting, watching and learning the rhythms of a place before making a single frame.

Technically, I work with modern digital systems, but I aim to retain the discipline and intent that came from working with film. Composition, light and timing remain more important to me than volume or speed. Editing is used to refine and enhance an image, not to overwhelm it.

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Alongside traditional techniques, I also explore creative processes and modern tools where they add value. This includes careful post-processing and, in some projects, the considered use of AI-assisted techniques as part of a broader creative workflow. These tools are used thoughtfully and transparently, always in service of the final image rather than as a shortcut.

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What I Photograph

 

My work spans several areas, each connected by a shared appreciation for detail and atmosphere.

Wildlife photography forms a large part of my practice, particularly birds and small animals in natural environments. I also spend a great deal of time working at a smaller scale, photographing insects and macro subjects where texture, colour and fine detail become the focus.

Alongside nature, I enjoy creative portrait work and experimental projects that allow for a more conceptual approach. These images often draw inspiration from classical painting, cinematic lighting and storytelling, offering a contrast to my field-based work.

Landscape and travel photography complete the picture, providing context and a sense of place to the environments where much of my work is created.

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Printing and Presentation

 

Photography does not end on the screen for me. I place a strong emphasis on print quality and presentation, producing archival pigment prints on carefully selected fine art papers. Each image is prepared individually for print to ensure accurate colour, tonal depth and longevity.

Printing is an extension of the creative process and an important part of how my work is experienced.

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A Continuing Journey

 

Photography remains a constant process of learning and refinement. Every project informs the next, and every visit to a familiar location offers something new. This website is both a portfolio and a record of that ongoing journey, capturing moments from the field, experiments in creativity, and the quiet satisfaction of working closely with light and subject.

Thank you for taking the time to explore my work.