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."
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 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 A. C. Symonds is a photographer and naturalist known for his images of bees, butterflies, and the intricate connections between plants and insects in nature. With over ten years of experience and formal training at one of Canada's leading photography schools, he was initially recognized for his vibrant event photography of Toronto’s rave scene and nightlife. During the COVID-19 lockdowns, when public gatherings came to a halt, he turned to beekeeping, photographing his own honeybees in their hive. Fascinated by their behaviour, he soon began following them as they foraged on wildflowers. This shift led to a broader exploration of insects and an artistic practice rooted in ecology and conservation. Through his work, Symonds documents biodiversity to enhance our understanding and appreciation of the environment. His images invite us to pause and truly see, offering a glimpse into the secret lives of species often overlooked—inviting us to linger, to notice, and to share in his vision of the natural world.
