Congratulations to Robin Zygelman for becoming our October 2023 Photography Virtual Artist in Residence. The Virtual Artist in Residence Program is awarded monthly to the artist (or photographer) who has submitted four or more entries to the ENDANGERED Fine Art & Photography Contest and has been selected by the Curatorial Committee as best interpreting the aims of the Contest.

Artist Statement

As a visual storyteller, I have spent years capturing the many inspiring and amazing people and animals around the world in colorful images.  At the core of my practice, I celebrate humanity. I constantly strive to connect with others, learn from them, and pay homage to them in a photograph.

As an avid traveler, I enjoy going to different places to see how people live, worship, and simply go about their days. 

I have a special fondness for animals. I do walk the walk as I am a pet sitter. It is the way to pay for my photography, so I am around animals on a daily basis. I feel it is important to speak and to take care of the animals who can not speak or take care of themselves. They make us better people.

Photography is not just my medium of choice—it is the vehicle through which I navigate the world. When I visit a new city or event, I always bring my camera, seek out moments, and look to capture them.

Biography

My name is Robin Zygelman. I grew up in West Islip, Long Island, and spent the past decade capturing images in Boca Raton, FL. I have loved photography since I took a darkroom course at the New School in New York City in my 20s.

I rediscovered my passion four decades later when my photographer friend taught me about digital photography during a trip to Italy. I returned from that trip and enrolled in classes at my local community center. When the pandemic started, I shifted to Zoom for weekly photography critiques with The Art of International Photography.

I am now able to pursue my passion and follow my dream of photographing unique people and scenes that catch my eye. I believe I am a work in progress and will spend the rest of my life learning and growing as a visual artist. I hope you enjoy my images as much as I’ve enjoyed collecting them.

Why I entered the Endangered Fine Art and Photography contest

What truly fuels my enthusiasm is the power of photography to advocate for wildlife conservation. Through my lens, I've witnessed the splendor of nature and the vulnerable ecosystems that sustain countless species. Each image reinforces the urgent need to protect these creatures and their habitats. Photography serves as a potent tool to raise awareness, inspire action, and document the biodiversity we stand to lose. Preserving wildlife isn't just about saving species; it's about safeguarding the delicate balance of our planet. My love for photography, intertwined with my commitment to conservation, drives me to be a voice for the voiceless and advocate for a sustainable future where the beauty of nature endures.

I do have an exhibit coming up in April in Barcelona, I won an honorable mention in the 2023 Julia Margret Cameron Women's Photographer Awards. I will have 7 prints exhibited. They are not about animals, they are portraits, plus a series in black and white of people in hats.

I have won awards and been published in Black and White Magazine, International Color Awards, and Black and White Spider Awards.

See more of Robin’s work and get in touch with her by clicking on the link below:

Facebook: @robinzygelmanphotography

Instagram: @Robinzygelmanphotography