These incredible nature photographs have just won a major international prize – see the stunning shots now!

Leading conservation photographer Jon McCormack crafted his new book, Patterns, during the COVID-19 pandemic. Initially, the photos he took were small, impressionistic landscapes, inspired by Claude Monet’s haystack series. However, after a shift in perspective, McCormack sought to find more depth and meaning in his work.

To achieve this, he relocated to a small coastal town in the Bay Area of San Francisco. There, he photographed the same beach for 200 days, capturing shifting light patterns, ebbing tides, and an eclectic atmosphere. By slowing down his process and working in minutes-long exposures, McCormack allowed himself to be more present and meditative.

Through this newfound focus, McCormack realized that pattern and texture had always been present in his photography, even if he hadn’t previously articulated it. The book, Patterns, is built around these recurring visual similarities. It highlights the connections between animal markings, fossilized shapes, and other natural elements, framing them as the "language of the earth."

McCormack's background in technology, including his work on Apple iPhone cameras, has influenced his approach to photography. As a computer scientist, he understands the importance of pattern recognition, which aligns with his ability to see these connections in the natural world. Additionally, his colourblindness has shaped his perspective, as he focuses on pattern and texture rather than colour when interpreting a scene.

By presenting the images in a non-traditional structure, McCormack aims to keep the viewer surprised and engaged. The book disrupts expectations by intertwining animal textures with geological forms and aerial views. This approach ensures that each page turn offers a fresh and unexpected discovery, reinforcing the idea that patterns are everywhere and beautifully interconnected within the natural world.