INSPIRATION
Storytelling in Animal Photography
ANIMAL KINGDOM
ENCOUNTERS IN THE WILDERNESS
“If I know what love is, it is because of you.” ― Hermann Hesse
Animals are the reason we are here and perhaps the wisest teachers of all. Whether it’s learning how to fly, swim, or climb, or the myriad technical inventions that have been inspired by or created at the expense of animals, what we owe them is immense. And regardless of our technological advances, we will never be able to sustain as beautifully balanced an ecosystem as nature does.
But we’ve come to look at the animal kingdom from a position of power. We have the means to make animals work for us – using them for food and materials, and enjoying their company as desired. And for that reason, we consider ourselves superior. Much animal photography is poisoned as well by our need for a perfect shot, our desire to capture impactful scenes, and our continuous preoccupation with technical aspects. Everything is about us!
In the context of our current theme, Animal Kingdom, we emphasize the importance of storytelling over personal glory, and the urge to be a friend, an unseen observer whose only job is to care for the animals and make their voices heard. Every time you photograph animals, repeat the following mantras and remember you are not photographing them for your benefit. You photograph them to tell their stories.
Banner image © Lea Milde
FIRST MANTRA OF ANIMAL PHOTOGRAPHY: I LOVE YOU
Images © Lea Milde from her Instagram grid. See more at @lea.milde
Wherever you are, there is life around you. Whether you walk in a peaceful forest or cross a desert, whether you walk on the street of a busy city or hike a steep mountain, there will be animals around you. Be open to new encounters without judgments. Love all animals, from the tiniest insects to the spectacular polar bears, because not a single one of them is insignificant, and all of them have lovely stories to tell.
Lea Milde, a German ecologist, conservationist, and wildlife photographer, is a good example in that regard. Her work doesn’t focus on a particular species or ecosystem. She just walks around in the wilderness, in silence, with an open heart and a soft step, and starts photographic conversations. As anyone can notice by looking at her work, there is an intimate connection between the photographer and the subject. There is love there, and respect, and a mutual understanding that we are all equal creatures enjoying the same environment. Therefore, the animal kingdom reveals itself to her in its most outstanding manner.
SECOND MANTRA OF ANIMAL PHOTOGRAPHY: I AM HERE FOR YOU
Images © Junji Takasago Photography from his Instagram grid. See more at @junjitakasago
Just like you would probably do when photographing people on the street, ask animals for permission to take their pictures. They don’t speak your language, of course, but they do understand the language of love. Ask them without words and respect their decision. Don’t force yourself on them in any way; otherwise, the magic of storytelling will be lost. Most animal photographers are careful not to get noticed, and that’s the best way to do animal photography. But if they notice you, start a conversation.
At the same time, show them that you care by being present in the moment and taking the time to understand their situation. Many wildlife species are endangered by human activity or natural disasters. Raise awareness and help them in any way you can. They share their stories with you for a reason.
Junji Takasago, a Japanese nature photographer, reveals his encounter with a Chinstrap Penguin parent and child. He says “Perhaps protecting its child, the parent put its arm (wing) around the child and they were looking at me. As we looked at each other for a while, it started to feel like the parent was introducing its precious child to me. For any children – be it penguin or human – to grow up safely, it is necessary that the functions of Earth are kept healthy.” His modesty and care are an inspiration for us all.
THIRD MANTRA OF ANIMAL PHOTOGRAPHY: I’LL BE BACK IF/WHEN YOU NEED ME
Images © Laurent Ballesta from his Instagram grid. See more at @laurentballesta
Engagement with the subject is a big part of storytelling. It refers not only to taking the time to get to know the subject and understand their environment and lifestyle but also to coming back however often is needed. When you are invited into and trusted with a story, it becomes your responsibility to revisit the location and continue documenting it. The same commitment is required for storytelling in animal photography.
French wildlife photographer and marine biologist Laurent Ballesta has dedicated his career to ocean creatures. He is fascinated by them and studies them thoroughly, infusing his photography with unique details, scientific and aesthetic. Ballesta visits his subjects in their homes, which sometimes are protected waters and oftentimes freezing and hostile. But his encounters and re-encounters are worth it every time. He never forgets that he is a guest and behaves most politely.
FOURTH MANTRA OF ANIMAL PHOTOGRAPHY: I AM YOUR FRIEND
Images © Nima Sarikhani from his Instagram grid. See more at @nsarikhani
Animals are honest, open, and trustful. They are incapable of pretending to be someone else and don’t know what lying means. When you win their trust, it’s forever. Therefore, animal photography is like speaking about an old friend, someone you know very well and care for deeply. Maybe they smile, maybe they are sleepy or sad or playful. Show them the same camaraderie you would show a human friend and create compositions that showcase their lifestyle and attitudes.
British amateur photographer Nima Sarikhani has a patient way of looking after his animal friends. He gets invited to meerkat conspiracies, polar bear sleep time, hyena games, and giraffe show-offs. Sarikhani gives the impression of a Sunday afternoon spent with friends rather than a three-day photo session waiting for the perfect shot to appear. There is no struggle or bitterness; there is no hunt or anger. Just a patient friend waiting for another friend to join the meeting.
I love you. I am here for you. I’ll come back when you are in need. I am your friend. Repeat these mantras whenever you photograph animals, and storytelling will soon become second nature. Storytelling skills can’t be acquired using your mind. You need to open your heart and truly care about your subjects before being invited to convey their messages.
Created with ❤️
Words by Monica Radulescu
Photography © the author.
