As part of BeeCon 2024, an international conference hosted by the Centre for Bee Ecology, Evolution, and Conservation at York University, Craig Symonds presented "Exploring Mexico's Stingless Bees: A Photographer's Perspective." Through his images, he revealed the intricate world of these lesser-known pollinators and their essential role in biodiversity.
The Spring 2024 Newsletter of the Entomological Society of Ontario features a cover photo by Craig Symonds, a member of the society.
Craig Symonds is also a certified Pollinator Steward with Pollinator Partnership. He was trained to understand the importance of pollinators, the plants they rely on, and how to create healthy habitats for them. Pollinator Partnership co-hosts the North American Pollinator Protection Campaign (NAPPC), which promotes pollinator health across Canada, the United States, and Mexico. As the world's largest organization focused exclusively on protecting pollinators, Pollinator Partnership leads groundbreaking initiatives in conservation, education, and research.
Craig Symonds is a photographer based in Toronto, Ontario. He specializes in macro photography of bees and their relationships with the environment, wildlife, and people. With over ten years of experience and formal training from one of Canada's leading photography schools, he was initially known for his vibrant images of Toronto’s alternative nightlife. During the COVID-19 pandemic lockdowns, he took up beekeeping and photographed a honey bee for the first time. This experience awakened his lifelong passion for insects. He redirected his focus to photographing bug type creatures, enhancing the appreciation of nature and the need for increased wild pollinator conservation.
Craig Symonds is a member of the Canadian Association for Photographic Art, officially recognized by the Fédération Internationale de l'Art Photographique. He endorses The Royal Photographic Society's Nature Photographers’ Code of Practice, prioritizing the welfare of his subjects and their habitats.
