Animal portraits show strong characters

I often photograph animals in zoos. I know that many people are skeptical of zoos. I believe that—in addition to protecting species—they contribute to our ability to encounter animals at all, and for that I am grateful. Zoos give me the opportunity to get very close to animals, to approach them calmly and patiently, and to discover their fascinating personalities.

 

I'm particularly interested in the question: What makes this animal special? Just like human portrait photography, animal portraits also reveal fascinating personalities if you approach them with (a great deal of) patience and respect.

 

Photographing zoo animals takes a lot of time. I observe, wait, and learn their routines and behaviors. Then, sometimes, they reveal their impressive personalities.

 

I often work with a wide aperture because this creates a blur in the foreground and background, which directs the focus to the essentials—the head and the eyes. Ideally, a good animal portrait offers a fresh perspective on an unfamiliar creature that inspires reflection. Because those who engage with the animal as an individual see it as a personality with its own character.

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...which sometimes makes you laugh quite a bit.