Red deer in Richmond Park
(Picture: Alfie Bowen)Autistic photographer Alfie Bowen has published his debut book “Wild World | Nature Through an Autistic Lens” on the private lives of animals – including stunning shots of lions from ZSL London Zoo and red deer in Richmond Park.
Other species captured by his enquiring lens include tigers, cheetahs, chimpanzees, elephants, rhinos, giraffes, eagles, and flamingos.
The 23-year-old environmental campaigner conducted in-depth research into every one of his animal subjects before even picking up his camera.
He credited photography with saving his life and giving him a career that continues to go from strength to strength.
Mr Bowen said: “Photography provides me with an output for my emotional energy and I often travel back to the tougher times in my life to provide emotional energy for my imagery.”
His school career was marked by continual bullying, growing up with the challenges of having an autism spectrum disorder and generalised anxiety disorder.
He believes that autism gives him the necessary reserves of obsession that he needs to persevere in conditions that are often challenging and lonely.
Speaking on Alfie’s book debut Sir Richard Branson said: “I have long followed Alfie’s inspiring journey to capture the perfect shot, while raising awareness of autism.
“People create their best work when they love what they do – that passion shines through in every photograph in Wild World.”
