Damian Lidgard

As a research zoologist my core interest is in the behavioural ecology of marine mammals. I have been involved with marine mammal research since 1993. I am currently a biologist at Fisheries and Oceans Canada involved with the marine mammal program. I became involved with nature photography in 1990 and formed Lidgard Photography in 2006. During the same year, I began to explore contemplative photography, also known as Miksang. This form of photography has transformed the way I see nature and has had a large influence on my photographic style. In 2019, I collaborated with Sea to Sea Productions to produce a CBC Nature of Things documentary on the "Seals of Sable Island". This work brought together my interest in science and art. I graduated as a professional sommelier in 2014 with the Canadian Association of Professional Sommeliers, Atlantic Chapter. My interest lies outside of the traditional restaurant scene and more with breaking the pretence surrounding wine through providing informal tastings in the local community and education. I designed a Master Class in Nova Scotia wine for CAPS in 2018 and updated the CAPS curriculum for "Sensory Development and Wine Styles" in 2020.