Toby Coulson captures people and places with exceptional, considered skill

Photographer Toby Coulson was shortlisted for the Taylor Wessing Portrait Prize while still a student at University College Falmouth, so it goes without saying that he’s really very good with a camera – but that’s probably disrespectful to the true extent of his talents. Aside from possessing an undeniable knack for using a lens, he’s also particularly gifted when it come to choosing an interesting subject.

Previous projects have seen him documenting the trials and tribulations of the people of Allaleigh in Devon – a village struggling with the demise of small-scale farming across the UK – forming a severe but beautiful picture of one of our country’s forgotten communities. But we’re suckers for a good portrait here so feast your eyes on Toby’s shots of competitors in animal shows. From pigeon enthusiasts and rabbit breeders to a selection of exceptionally proud cat lovers, Toby’s managed to capture them at the apex of concentration, lost in the severity of their grooming pursuits.