Read selected reviews, features and responses to Mayflies, Darren Smith’s photography book of identity, ritual, and social environments.
In an age dominated by digital homogenisation, Mayflies reminds us of the irreplaceable value of shared ritual, physical contact, and the freedom to reinvent ourselves. It is a lesson in style that celebrates the instant when fantasy takes over, giving anyone the courage to shine.Panorama · Nº 42 2026Italy
Incredible as it may seem, this collection of images gathered in Mayflies displays a striking unity: deliciously decadent, wonderfully roaring, inviting us to plunge into a revealing, effervescent bath in which colors play a score as improbable as it is intoxicating.Compétence Photo · Nº 110France
Each page is a true delight, and clearly Darren is a master of his craft. The diversity of our human species is something to be celebrated and enjoyed — and there's a beautiful cross-section of it on display here.Amateur Photographer MagazineUnited Kingdom
After seven years of travel, encounters and photographs, the real subject of Mayflies is not raves, carnivals or queer festivals. It is the communities that, for a few hours or a few days, give themselves the opportunity to reimagine who they are.DomusItaly
Down to the smallest detail, the mayflies have become what they want to be at that moment. The result is a series of compelling and at times surreal portraits that can fire everyone's imagination.Trouw · Amber DujardinNetherlands
The portraits have a powerful presence. These are not party snapshots, but photos in a long tradition of respectful, perhaps even monumental portraits.FD Persoonlijk · Jeroen BosNetherlands
Aalst carnivalists shine in photo book Mayflies: it's a world in itself.HLNBelgium
Our community - sharing the book far and wide
Mayflies is a lusciously printed tome of gorgeous artwork, each page a portal into a fleeting experience in a far-flung locale — or just next door. It celebrates culture, costume, character, and riotous color, but most of all it exalts the creative expression of its subjects, memorializing their passion and inventiveness. Smith's eye is as generous as it is discerning, and this book is an absolute pleasure to explore.
I loved this book from the moment it arrived. It's my first coffee table book, and what a way to start. Mayflies offers a vibrant and playful insight into real people's individuality. What makes it even more special is that these aren't models — they're real people, pulled aside at live events, captured in the moment by the lens of someone who truly sees them. It's more than a book, it's a piece of art, and a bold tribute to our shared humanity.
In Darren Smith's Mayflies, the ephemeral becomes eternal. Smith captures festivalgoers in states of magnificent transformation.
Mayflies is a vibrant, visually stunning tribute to the human spirit. This book takes readers on an exhilarating global tour of festivals that unite communities and light up cities. Each page bursts with life. Perfect for photographers, travelers, and anyone curious about the beauty of festivals — highly recommended for your coffee table, or your next burst of wanderlust.
More than just a coffee table book, it's a collection of stories that I find myself going back to regularly. In addition to the brilliant photography of ephemeral events around the globe, the book itself looks great on pretty much any surface. I highly recommend picking up a copy online if you're not able to find one at a local bookstore.
I have known and loved Darren's work for many years, so was very excited to order this book. It was even more beautiful than I expected — the presentation is so stunning, and it's so cool to see all his work together. Everyone who picks it up and flips through at our place loves it too.
This exploration of creativity, community and self-expression is so very beautiful. It has a centre stage place on our coffee table and is a great conversation starter.
Darren was incredibly responsive when I reached out to him. I had requested a custom print of a shot from a photo shoot we had done in 2022. He gave me several options and suggestions in the photo paper and treatment of the image. I love my new pieces of art. Highly recommend his work for anyone interested in an artistic, incredibly creative and powerful photo shoot.