Life & Style

Irish photographer Dave Flynn is making it big with his mini worlds

IRISH photographer Dave Flynn has been living in London for 30 years.

Since picking up his first camera in 2010, he discovered a hitherto unrecognised passion for photography and hasn’t looked back.

In 2012 he was awarded the title Nature and Wildlife Photographer of the Year, but he has now taken his hobby one step further by reaching the finals of the prestigious Pink Lady Food Photographer of the Year 2017 competition with an image entered into the Politics of Food category entitled The Losers.

Pink Lady Food Photographer of the Year 2017 competition entry 'The Losers' by Dave Flynn

Judged by panel of 39 industry experts from around 8,000 images from across the globe, Dave Flynn’s entry was one of 150 photographs selected in 22 separate categories and achieved second place in his category.

“I’m humbled and thrilled right now,” said Flynn.

“I’ve been fortunate to have done well in past competitions but the recognition and praise from this level of jurors could go to my head.”

'Father Time' from Dave Flynn's Mini Worlds series

New found passion

Flynn, who now lives in Beckenham, Kent with his wife and three sons, is originally from Clondalkin, Dublin.

Swapping Ireland for London aged 19, he did various bar jobs before going back to college.

'Just One More Snap' from Dave Flynn's Mini Worlds series

However, after several years spent in retail, a road accident forced Flynn to give up his job and it was during his recovery that he discovered his new found love for photography.

It was on a family trip to the Phillipines that Dave decided to take in the local sport of cockfighting and it was then he captured the shot that was to bring him such recognition.

'Sea Stories' from Dave Flynn's Mini Worlds series

Although not the only focus for Dave, he describes competitions as “one way of keeping my skills fresh and my mind active”.

A hint of Gulliver

Currently, when not involved in his many freelance engagements, the Beckenham man is engrossed in a personal project entitled Mini Worlds.

'Flight Path' from Dave Flynn's Mini Worlds series

Mini Worlds is a selection of carefully thought out and planned images, often beginning with a sketch and series of photographs but ending in a single final image.