Help Radoslav in getting his dream camera
Donation protected
I have created this page on behalf of my friend, Radoslav Valkov, a talented and award-winning photographer of the invertebrate natural world. He is aiming to raise funds to purchase a new (secondhand) camera to further his research. Radoslav, currently living in rural Bulgaria, has spent many years conducting invertebrate research in his back garden. Some fantastic finds include the first record of the Fig leaf roller moth in Bulgaria, micro-moths never studied through their exact ecological function, the role of rare net-winged insects and local populations of flies and moths feeding on decaying wood. You can read some of Radoslav’s articles with the invertebrate conservation trust Buglife here:
This is what he is hoping to achieve in his own words:
“Researching plant-insect interactions and studying insects not only requires substantial time and devotion, but also highly efficient equipment to capture what I see. My own garden, an exceptional habitat of pleasant surprises, offered unique finds the last 3 years, including rare indicator or heavily understudied species, like mantisflies and snakeflies.
I am now entering a new phase in my research work. Pushing modest equipment beyond any reasonable limits and producing excellent output is my specialty (all my photos here are taken with such kind of gear). However, no missed opportunities are allowed when photographing insects for scientific purposes in the field.
Like my current Nikon D70s, I have once again selected a secondhand camera, but now, a professional-grade body from a UK-based seller to fully reveal my artistic and scientific potential. It will deliver quicker data collection and flexibility to handle a much greater quantity of images (more time for me to do the scientific bit!). Furthermore, re-using electronic equipment is an environmentally responsible habit that is very much needed nowadays.
I believe we can find inspiration, solutions to global problems and understand our own human species better through exploration of the tiny detail around us. Entomology (the study of insects) is my innate passion since early childhood. It helps us understand the complexity of vital ecosystem services (like pollination and nutrient cycles), improve our food security and protect habitats. Please consider making a contribution towards my camera purchase, which will greatly increase the overall quality of my research output and help me continue protecting insects!
Organizer
Bill Jeffreys
Organizer
England
