Artist Statement
I am a Natural Science Photographer in vocation and avocation. My predominant area of photographic interest is small animals and especially arthropods- insects, arachnids, crustaceans, millipedes, centipedes- the things most people step on.
Process Statement
I photograph animals alive and in the studio where the control of both the environment and lighting are better suited to capturing their luminous qualities. After being photographed, wild animals are released back into the environment. My images are made in the darkroom, using traditional archival silver-based tools.
Charles “Chip” Hedgcock is equally at home photographing in the studio or in the field.
A graduate of Brooks Institute of Photography and a Registered Biological Photographer, Hedgcock has studied under such notables as writer/educator Bill Jay and master printers/photographers John Sexton and Bruce Barnbaum.
Hedgcock has been a professional Biological and Fine Art photographer for more than 27 years. His dexterity with a camera and his keen interest in natural history have led him on numerous photography and research projects throughout the desert Southwest and Sonora, Mexico. His award winning photographs have appeared in an eclectic mix of publications including; Lens Work, Spin, Ranger Rick, BBC Wildlife, Outdoor Photographer and the Journal of BioCommunications.
Though Hedgcock has a great interest in natural history and the ecological role these animals play in the environment, at the core, his elegantly composed images are simply about the beauty, grace and joy to be found in nature. Brooks Jensen, editor of Lens Work, said about his work: "Chip is to bugs what [Edward] Weston was to peppers!"
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