# Devoured Prey Photography Catherine Chalmers Photographs the Circle of Life By Vasiliki Marapas | Published 2014-07-15 | Fashion Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/catherine-chalmers References: [vice](http://www.vice.com/en_ca/read/catherine-chalmers-food-chain-714) & [catherinechalmers](http://www.catherinechalmers.com/) Catherine Chalmers captured predators devouring their prey in her latest series, titled 'Food Chain.' The series has some seriously stomach-turning images of the [circle of life](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/shiyuan-xu). It begins with a shot of a caterpillar snacking on a [tomato](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/farming-photographs), followed by an image of a praying mantis brutally slaughtering a caterpillar and eventually ending with a toad dining on a praying mantis. The series is complemented by Chalmers' accompanying project, 'Pinkies,' which features a similar trajectory: a photograph of [newborn mice](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/biocraft-pet-nutrition) who become tasty morsels for a snake and a toad. Of the project, Chalmers explains, "I was horrified. Really, you’re going to raise an animal specifically to photograph it dying? The thought of it gave me a stomach ache. But the more I considered it, and probably because I was so disturbed, the more I realized its power. How is it possible —-and isn't it a bad sign -— that an educated person could be so detached from the processes of life on earth?" ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 3.9/10 - Popularity: 51% | Activity: 59% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America, Europe, Asia ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Fashion](https://www.trendhunter.com/fashion) > [Photography](https://www.trendhunter.com/stylephotography) ## Key Themes ### What's Driving This Trend - **Circle of Life Documentation:** Opportunity for innovative photographers to capture the raw and sometimes disturbing realities of the circle of life in their work. - **Nature's Brutality:** Exploration of the harsh and violent aspects of nature through artistic photography opens up avenues for artists to challenge societal perceptions and provoke thought. - **Environmental Awareness:** Exposing the disturbing realities of the food chain serves as a catalyst for raising consciousness about the fragility and interdependence of ecosystems. ### Who This Affects Most - **Wildlife Photography:** Opportunity for photographers to capture captivating and thought-provoking images that showcase the realities of nature. - **Fine Art:** Inspiration for artists to challenge traditional conventions by depicting the darker aspects of the natural world and provoking conversations about the human relationship with nature. - **Conservation Education:** Utilizing shocking imagery to raise awareness about the importance of protecting ecosystems and the delicate balance of the natural world. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Striking Urban Wildlife Art](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/clare-allin.md) - [Photography Project Series](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/still-life-1.md) - [Animal-Perspective Video Cameras](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/imaging-system-1.md) - [Bug-Inspired Jewelry](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/murder-hornet-ring.md) - [Almost-Extinct Animal Sculptures](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/fauna-series.md) - [Realistic Food Candles](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/pantlers-rations.md) - [Wild Animal-Decorated Gowns](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/schiaparelli-lion-head.md) - [Animal Welfare Campaigns](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/food-lion1.md) - [Untamed Nature-Inspired Jewelry Designs](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/untamed-nature.md)