Antigua through the lens of Colin Banks

Although self-taught amateur photographer Colin Banks lives in the UK, Antigua holds a big place in his heart. Born and bred in rural Essex in the southeast of England, Colin has always been surrounded by nature, and his childhood was spent roaming the fields where he lived. Thence began his love affair with nature and bird spotting, with that passion continuing today. He specialises in nature shots and, more specifically, macro nature photos. Colin’s incredible images demonstrate a tiny world that human eyes so often miss.

Colin Banks

When did you first become interested in photography?

I first became interested in taking photos when I was about eight, but I knew nothing about cameras. I would use my dad’s very basic Brownie camera, which was as simple as they come where you just pushed the button. Unfortunately, neither of my parents were interested in photography, so they couldn’t help me at that time.

Fast forward to the age of 16, I was given a simple Polaroid instant camera that developed the picture while you waited. After buying my first SLR camera with 35mm film when I was in my early twenties, I had no idea how to use it. So I simply took it out and experimented until I got it right. From then on, I progressed step by step without ever having lessons.

Awakening blue water lily

Photocred: Colin Banks

You spend a lot of time on the island. What makes Antigua so special for you?

Antiguan Lizard

Photocred: Colin Banks

After visiting many European countries and even travelling as far away as Brunei in the Far East, I visited Antigua in 2007 to see what it was like and completely fell in love with the island. Since then, I’ve returned at least once a year apart from when the pandemic hit. The locals have always made me feel extremely welcome, and I have made some fantastic friends.

I love the Antiguan people, the warmth of their friendship and the great food on offer. And the beaches are probably the best I’ve seen.

Water Lilies

Photocred: Colin Banks

What is your favourite subject matter for your photography?

My photography has always been about nature, especially macro nature. I can spend hours searching for butterflies and bees, especially in Antigua, where there is such a variety. My other passion is photographing birds, especially hummingbirds, and I will sit for hours trying to get the right shot.

Cotton Stainer

Photocred: Colin Banks

What is your favourite photo that you have taken?

Probably a photograph of a sparrow hawk when it was only about 12 feet away from me.

English Harbour

Photocred: Colin Banks

What else do you like to do in Antigua when you’re visiting?

The island is also a great place to go fishing, so I usually bring my rods and tackle.

Colibri

Photocred: Colin Banks

I have been diagnosed with PTSD, which can be stressful sometimes. So going to Antigua with my cameras is great for relaxing and focusing my mind, especially when I am sitting looking at the mind-blowing seascapes, which also make great photos.

Dragonfly

Photocred: Colin Banks

To view more of Colin’s work: flickr.com/photos/franbanks1 Instagram.com/lord_colin_banks colin.f.banks@gmail.com