SI2023 – E-40 – Photography of Sable Island – Damian C. Lidgard

Organization: Lidgard Photography

Theme: Natural History/Science

Format: Exhibit

Damian’s interest in nature photography began in 1990 after he graduated from university with a Bachelor’s degree in Zoology. Damian believes that a good photograph comes from the eye and not the camera and has used his zoological training and experience to teach himself to quietly observe and photograph nature. His photography skills are self-taught. In 2006, Damian developed his observational skills through studying Miksang, a contemplative approach to photography. This meditative art form transformed his view of the world and encouraged him to take a more confident and meditative approach to his photography. Damian is now based in Halifax, NS where he combines his work as a zoologist and photographer. His work has been published in several international magazines, in galleries across Nova Scotia and has published a book of his work. The exhibit will showcase some of his work on Sable Island.

Damian Lidgard is an aquatic biologist at Fisheries and Oceans, Canada and has been involved with the seal program on Sable Island since 1996. He conducted his postgraduate studies on Sable Island on grey seal reproductive behaviour and later, through his work at Dalhousie University, lead a study examining interactions between grey seals and their prey using bio-telemetry. Damian is also a wildlife photographer and has exhibited his work from Sable Island in various magazines and galleries. In 2019, Damian collaborated with Sea to Sea Productions to produce the CBC Nature of Things documentary, Seals of Sable Island.