Unapologetically vibrant. Unforgettably real
This is the world, as I see it.
Where light leads, I follow.
I’m Sandy Coburn—a fine art photographer based in Edinburgh, Scotland. My photography moves with my curiosity and sense of wonder. I’ve followed my lens across 35 countries and five continents to capture ethereal and surreal beauty among landscapes, wildlife, and culture.
My images are immersive—framed in shimmering sapphire streams, featuring the joyful eyes of seal pups, and the symmetry that connects people to places and allows places to hold a memory. I capture more than moments; I create immersive visual atmospheres that span across continents and vivid color palettes.
Most of the photos on this site are available as museum-quality art prints, limited licensing, or for gallery exhibitions. Contact me for a quote or gallery inquiry.
I am available for freelance custom photography assignments for collectors, interior designers, hospitality spaces, and mission-driven organizations.
I am represented by Chrissy Moore Art Advisory.
upcoming exhibitions
September 19-21, 2025, at the Edinburgh Art Fair.
October 15-20, 2025, for Vanishing Points: Art Beyond Boundaries for Chrissy Moore Art Advisory
And follow me on Social Media
A global storyteller turned
fine art photographer
It all began with the sparkling teal glacial waters contrasting with the orange and amber autumn leaves of Jiuzhaigou in Sichuan, China. The otherworldly landscapes showed me a beauty in nature that I had never imagined. I snapped image after image to capture the natural art before me and preserve the serenity in a world that rarely stands still. From then on, I knew photography was my calling.
For a decade, I worked at the intersection of editorial photography and humanitarian storytelling, entrusted by USAID to document changemakers across Côte d’Ivoire, Ethiopia, Kosovo, Mozambique, Nepal, Tajikistan, and Zambia. My images stood out because they captured the quiet power, dignity, and pride of seemingly ordinary people who were reclaiming their power in their communities.
My images have been exhibited at the World Bank Land and Poverty Conference, featured in Exposed DC, and awarded by USAID’s Feed the Future photo contest. I also lead hands-on photography workshops that center on composition, technique, storytelling, ethical practices, and visual impact.
Award-winning photo for USAID’s Feed the Future photo contest. Farmers drying apricots in Tajikistan. This couple holds workshops teaching women farmers in their community how to grow cash crops, which they are able to do in part thanks to land certificates that give farmers greater decision-making power over what to grow on their land.
capturing serene moments in a world that rarely stands still
In 2025, with the dissolution of USAID, I decided it was time to dedicate myself fully to fine art photography. I relocated to Edinburgh, a city with a deep sense of culture and history, where expansive wilderness surrounds the city and the home to my ancestors.
I learned from my work in global development how to navigate the globe, work with local communities, respect the environment, and view the world from a multitude of perspectives.
That same lens frames my fine art photography: architecture worn smooth by centuries, landscapes shaped by wind and time, and lives illuminated by fleeting light. It’s art rooted in respect, captured with care. Even in a world that often feels in chaos, it’s important to pause and get lost in the often fleeting beauty.
Photography with a past.
Art with a conscience
I bring a strong ethical commitment to every shoot. My editorial work is grounded in consent and respect for the people involved, always prioritizing dignity and shared authorship. I collaborate with local communities and guides to support local economies, minimize environmental impact, and leave no trace. Animals are photographed in their natural habitats or in conservation reserves where their protection comes first—and I continually assess my travel to reduce my carbon footprint without compromising the story.
For more information about my work and ethics, please view my FAQs page.
A group mostly comprised of Buddhist Monks and Nuns in Bangkok Thailand asks me to take a moment to pose for a photo.
Thank you!
My journey has felt magical, but it wouldn’t be possible without so many people. I cannot thank you enough for everything you have done.
Fellow travelers—Cora, Graciella, John, Julie, Kelly, Tzip, Scottie, Jeremy, Justin, Kayla, and Chris—thank you for patiently waiting, often in extreme weather, while I got the shot I wanted and thank you for taking the photos on this page instead of allowing me to always hide behind the camera.
The Guides, Drivers, Translators, and Global Development folks who helped me navigate this world—Ahmed, Alecia, Berhan, Bina, Brian, Charlie, Chinara, Chris, Dilnosa, Dipendra, Emanuel, Ian, John, Mary, Mikhael, Peri, Rajeeve, Roberto, Rodrigo, Romi, and Tara.
The folks who believed in me and have encouraged and supported me in following this dream—Andrew, Barbara, Elizabeth, Jamie, Kaje, Kevin, Laura, Madeline, Mae, Max, Samantha, Sola, Stephanie, Tony, Zee, and my parents, Dave and Kris, who gave me my first camera.
A special thank you to my uncle Ron McCarty, who gave me both my sense of wanderlust and my appreciation for nature and wildlife as art. My sister, Amanda Adkison, who taught me everything I needed to know to begin my photography journey. My bestie forever Kelly Haydon, who has always been there for me no matter what. To Chrissy and Andy at Chrissy Moore Art Advisory, who are helping me share my art with the world.
