Interview with Patricia Homonylo
Written By: Mariana, a Junior Giraffe Club member
Meet Patricia:
Patricia Homonylo is a photographer and filmmaker based in Toronto, Ontario. Through her photography and filmmaking, she is determined to speak for the most vulnerable animals and give agency to the causes that drive her.
She will do whatever it takes to bring a concept to fruition, so when she was called to advocate for wildlife conservation, it was natural for her to pick up a camera and add to her portfolio of skills. She has used her photographic and filmmaking talents to assist many animal and conservation efforts: The Mad Dog Initiative (Madagascar), Hope for Wildlife, Aspen Valley Wildlife Sanctuary, Trumpeter Swan Restoration, Great Lakes Cormorants, FLAP and many more.
She has just completed the award-winning film WHEN WORLDS COLLIDE for FLAP (Fatal Light Awareness Program) Canada.
Patricia achieved her BA in art history (University of Toronto), BFA from the Ontario College of Art and Design, and MFA (Concordia University, Montreal). While building her fine art career in the alternative gallery system, Patricia returned to Toronto and entered the Film Industry. Along with her active film career, Patricia continued her artistic life by exhibiting, teaching, and studying. Most recently, Patricia graduated from the Documentary Film Institute (Seneca College, Toronto).
Today, Patricia is a contributing member of Creatives for Conservation and WeAnimals.org.
Insights from Patricia - The Interview:
Junior Giraffe Club member Mariana asked Patricia about her inspirations, her life as a photographer, and more.
1. What initially inspired you to pursue wildlife photography and conservation photojournalism?
It was a visit to Hope for Wildlife Rescue in Nova Scotia (Canada) that changed everything for me. It was heartbreaking to see that every animal admitted to Hope for Wildlife resulted from human interference. I was deeply moved by the work they were doing and I wanted to help. What could I do? I am not a vet - but if I could combine my talents with my purpose, maybe there would be something.
I decided to turn my camera on the stories of human/nature conflict while spotlighting the heroes who do the hard work of rescue. I found my purpose in creating images that move people emotionally and spark them into action. Maybe in this way, I can facilitate change.
2. How do you approach storytelling in your photography, and what message do you hope to convey through your work?
Patience and keen observation are paramount. I like to sit quietly, observe, and absorb what is going on; let things unfold in front of me without my interference. It is important to be as unobtrusive as possible. The less anyone (or any being) knows I am there, the better. In that way, I can capture behaviors that are true to your subject. I don’t like to “chase” a story, but let it unfold in front of me in its own time. It can take months or years to tell a story.
My message: I look for the connection between our world and the natural world. We are not divided or separated. I want my work to have some connecting point for the viewer where they can enter the story and create empathy. Non-human beings are trusting us to take care of them and we are letting them down. It is our responsibility to honor and nurture this planet, not to destroy it.
3. Can you share a specific project or image that had a significant impact on wildlife conservation efforts or public awareness, and how did you go about doing it?
Photo by Patricia Homonylo of dead birds that have collided with buildings, collected by FLAP (Fatal Light Awareness Program).
The most impactful work to date? I would say the images and documentary I created on bird-window collisions. I had heard about FLAP.org, an organization whose volunteers patrol city streets looking for casualties of window collisions. I joined the patrol myself and started photographing their work. To tell this story it was important for me to walk in their shoes. I wanted to see what they see, but I wasn’t prepared to feel the deep heartache faced doing this work. When I found my first bird and held it in my hands I wept at the loss of life to such a preventable cause. It is never easy and I think that comes through in my images. Bird-window collisions are killing BILLIONS of birds globally and it is a problem we can fix. It became much more to me than a photograph. It became my purpose.
4. What are some of the biggest challenges you face while working in the field, especially in remote or urban environments?
You need to create trust with the subject and that takes time. I often work with science teams, and volunteers. They need to know I am there to support their work. I am not there to interfere or be critical.
It is also hard physical work. I carry a lot of camera gear and I am on my own the majority of the time. I am often trekking through thick-growth, forests in the dark, and getting up at 3, or 4 am. I don’t use any light source on location so as not to disturb any wildlife, so I have to be careful and keep myself safe too. I have had a couple of bad falls. If a situation seems risky - don’t do it. Better yet, do not go out alone.
Sometimes the hardest part is feeling that you are the only one who cares. I know that isn’t true, so it is important to connect with people who believe in the beauty of this planet and want to protect it like I do. Find people who share your concerns and love of our natural world. That helps with the emotional impact of doing this work.
5. What advice would you give to aspiring wildlife photographers who are passionate about conservation and want to make a difference through their art?
I say go for it! Start in your backyard. There is magic in nature all around us and there are so many species in your neighborhood that need your voice - you don’t need to go far. You don’t need expensive equipment either. Use what you have available. The story you have to tell is what matters. Not your camera equipment.
Make friends and connect with groups that speak to you (like the Junior Giraffe Club). Making friends with like-minded people and volunteering changed my life. Research your subject and learn how to use your camera so it is second nature. It’s hard work, and the harder you work the greater the reward. PLEASE observe ethical photography protocols. Stay back, don’t bait with food, and do not use animal or bird call recordings! No photo is worth jeopardizing the care and welfare of nature. Nature is relying on us to take care. Please do.
I guess my last word would be, to be patient and be kind. You will be rewarded in ways unimaginable. Oh, the things I have seen!
Check out Patricia’s beautiful work: https://www.patriciahomonylophoto.com/