Inspiration from France

I have been inspired by a great number of photographers since I first picked up a camera five years ago, though one in particular has remained a predominant influence.

It wasn’t until I discovered the work of Vincent Munier that I began to realise what wildlife photography represented to me – and my objective changed. It wasn’t about taking a nice picture; it was about capturing something abstract and hard to define: the essence of a wild place; the spirit of an animal – a feeling.

The subjects in Vincent’s photographs are often depicted as shapes or silhouettes. Many of his images are made in the ethereal conditions of fog, snow and frost. His photographs have an enchanting quality to them. He has a wonderful ability to place his subjects within the context of their environment, revealing the relationship between a creature and its habitat. It is almost as though they are an extension of the landscape itself.

From whooper swans and red-crowned cranes in Hokkaido, Japan, to the bears in Kamtchatka, snowy owls in Canada, and the scenery and inhabitants of his homeland in the Vosges mountains, France, visit Vincent’s website at www.vincentmunier.com to view some of his work.

NBPS Flickr Contest 6 (Image by Elliot Young)

Humor is always a good thing to include in an image! Images that make the viewer laugh or smile are enjoyable to look at. In this image of a seal that appears to be waving, Elliot Young has captured a priceless moment. Not only is the subject strong, the composition and exposure are also compelling. The first thing I notice when I look at this image is the seal waving and the connection I feel with the seal. The second thing I notice is that the seal is at my eye level. Instead of shooting down on the seal, Elliot has gotten down low and has photographed the seal at eye level. You can tell because of the blurred sand in the foreground of the image. I also like the shallow depth of field which emphasizes the detail in the seal’s fur and the sharpness of the eyes. Fantastic image Elliot!

– Gabby

Editor, NBPS

Spring lambs (Jodie Randall)

Here are a couple of images taken yesterday. I know lambs and daffodils aren’t exactly ‘wildlife’ but after what seems like a very long winter, spring has finally sprung, so I thought I would break the mold and post  some iconic British flora and fauna to celebrate the new season.

http://www.jodierandall.co.uk

NBPS Flickr Contest Winner (Gabby)

Nick Leech’s image of a duck silhouetted on a pond (see previous post) is the winner of March’s NBPS Flickr Contest. Nick will receive a year-long subscription to Nature’s Best Photography Magazine (www.naturesbestphotography.com).

Congratulations Nick!