The photographic work of De Montfort University Leicester (DMU) graduate Amy Jones will appear in a new book of photography about animal exploitation.
The book, HIDDEN: Animals in the Anthropocene, collects the work of more than 30 photojournalists to document animal stories around the world.
The book features a foreword by Oscar-winning actor and animal rights activist Joaquin Phoenix, in which he writes: “The photojournalists represented in HIDDEN have entered some of the darkest, most unsettling places in the world. The images they have captured are a searing reminder of our unpardonable behaviour towards animals and will serve as beacons of change for years to come."
Amy, who studied English and Creative Writing, has spent the last two years investigating and photographing animal exploitation around the world, to draw attention to the situations of animals used for food, fashion, and entertainment.
The 26-year-old photojournalist’s work has taken her from animal zoos in Thailand to cattle auctions in England, and has been featured in more than 150 publications including the Guardian, The Independent, and MailOnline.
Credit: Amy Jones
Amy said that the skills she learned while studying at DMU were important in building her career.
“The understanding of the fundamentals of storytelling I gained during my degree is something that continues to influence the way I present my pictures to this day,” she said.
“I also had the opportunity to take part in the DMU Frontrunners programme which allowed me to manage the Demon Media website. This experience was invaluable, enabling me to get a job in digital media with the international development organisation Bond after graduating.”
Credit: Amy Jones
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Amy has also worked for non-profit organisation People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) where she learned more about animal photojournalism in the media. She credits her time at PETA for sparking her interest in providing visual evidence for investigations into animal welfare.
In 2018, Amy secured funding from the Culture & Animals Foundation and co-founded Moving Animals with her partner Paul, a project which publishes investigations into animal cruelty in conjunction with major news outlets.
She said: “My camera has become a vehicle to build relationships, tell stories, and allow others to witness the injustice to animals that is so carefully hidden from us. That’s what I love most about what I do. I hope that my work helps others to look through a different lens: one which views animals as individuals, not commodities.
Credit: Amy Jones
“Although many of the stories we cover are tragic, it's been incredible to see the tangible, positive impact our investigations have led to.
“My work revolves around ensuring that my photographs are covered in some of the most engaged-with and far-reaching platforms, to help raise awareness and drive social change. I hope that every view my visuals receive holds the promise to make the world a kinder place for animals.”
HIDDEN: Animals in the Anthropocene will be published on 17 November 2020 and is available to pre-order here.
Posted on Wednesday 4 November 2020