Flipping through the pages of my photobook dummy.
Camp Beagle
Camp Beagle is the world's longest running animal rights protest camp in the near of Huntingdon in the UK. It started during the summer of 2021 - since then protesters live there in tents along the road, right next to the entrance of Marshall Bio Resources (MBR Acres) - a company specialized in breeding beagles and selling them for toxicology laboratories for animal testing. Camp Beagle is protesting every day against animal testing and specifically against MBR Acres - they stay in camp next to the breeding facility's entrance until the day this beagle breeding business is shut down. Camp Beagle exists over 3 years now.
What I'm doing in camp?
I'm photographing how is living life in a protest camp. I went to Camp Beagle multiple times in 2024 and stayed in total more than 3 months in the camp, documenting the every day life of the people living there. I was part of the group, protesting, cooking, cleaning, hanging banners, doing information stalls, creating videos for social media - all while taking photos every day.
I said "Every aspect of life" when they were wondering why I take photos during washing the dishes or when the portaloo is cleaned.
I took ca. 10.000 photos in total which I'm currently selecting to be published.
Why?
I'm a dog lover, vegan, and an advocate for animal rights. When I heard about Camp Beagle, I was immediately enthusiastic. I believe the work Camp Beagle is doing will go down in history books one day. I documented their work and struggle, which is worth remembering for future generations. I photographed their everyday life to be published in a photo book. This book will hopefully be shared in cafés - literally laying on coffee tables, raising awareness about Camp Beagle. Flipping through the pages will inspire others to get involved in any form of activism, showing the incredible perseverance and dedication of the Camp, which is truly miraculous.
Publication in the Dutch Professional Photographers magazine | 2024 Pf #8
I've started this documentary photo project almost a year ago. On my PC screen is the iconic photo which I knew since I was 20 years old - it stuck in my head for 18 years and last year inspired me to get to @thecampbeagle and start my photo project. At the moment of writing this my luggage lays on the floor ready to be filled for my next stay at Camp - I'm coming to the gathering on 21st December and staying in January. I'm incredibly thankful for everyone at Camp that they always welcome me and my dog Boris 💜💜