MAJESTIC CREATURES

This series explores the existence of the world’s most incredible creatures through dynamic composition and close portraits.

MAJESTIC CREATURES

This series explores the existence of the world’s most incredible creatures through dynamic composition and close portraits.

King Louie - In the heart of the dense and vibrant jungles, resides a majestic and charismatic character known to many as King Louie. This legendary figure, brought to life in Rudyard Kipling's "The Jungle Book" and later immortalized in animated and live-action adaptations, draws inspiration from the fascinating world of orangutans.

King Louie, the smooth-talking and swinging ruler of the Bandar-log, is a giant orangutan with an insatiable desire for knowledge and power. In the tales of the jungle, he is depicted as a larger-than-life personality, his flame-colored fur matching the vibrant hues of the dense foliage that surrounds him.

In "The Jungle Book," King Louie encapsulates the charm and curiosity of these real-life primates, blending anthropomorphic qualities with the innate characteristics of the orangutans. Their expressive faces and arboreal lifestyles, navigate the intricate canopies of the rainforest of Borneo, embodying the very essence of these biodiverse ecosystems. However, the insatiable demand for palm oil has led to widespread deforestation, threatening the orangutans' homes and pushing them to the brink of extinction.

Shadow Of The Jungle - Silent and contemplative, the orangutan navigates the intricate network of branches, a shadowy figure blending seamlessly with the dappled sunlight that filters through the dense foliage. Its movements are deliberate, each swing a dance with the shadows that play upon the verdant tapestry of the rainforest.

As the shadow of the jungle, the orangutan becomes a guardian of the secrets held within the heart of the wilderness. It is a custodian of the wisdom embedded in the ancient trees and a living testament to the delicate balance between nature and its inhabitants. The orangutan's silent presence, nestled among the leaves, is a symbol of the symbiotic relationship between creature and environment.

In the dance of light and shadow, the orangutan emerges as a living embodiment of the jungle's spirit.

The Devil's Eye - Hippos have such prehistoric appearances, they look like they are from another world. The hippos are the deadliest animals in the African bush. Even if they are herbivores, they are extremely territorial and very agressive with anything that crosses their private space.

They have a look in their eyes that I have never seen in any another animal. This image was taken about 15 meters from the shore and when I saw this look in the view finder of my camera, I was literally scared. It was an intense sensation looking at this creature that could easily snap me in half if it wanted to.

Hippopotamuses, with their impressive size, unique adaptations, and complex social structures, add richness to the diverse tapestry of African wildlife. As we continue to explore and appreciate the wonders of the animal kingdom, the conservation of hippos and their habitats becomes increasingly vital to ensure that future generations can marvel at these extraordinary creatures in the wild.

Winter Is Coming - In 2011 when I heard of a TV show that was based on best-seller books it triggered my curiosity. Like a lot of people, I dived into a medieval world of fantasy that usually is not my favorite theme when it comes to films or tv shows. However, the story plot and the intensity of the show kept me locked in this world. Game of Thrones is before anything else a characters story that is illustrated through a very strong script and captivating cinematography style. As the series conclude, Game of Thrones remains an indelible part of the collective consciousness.

I knew I wanted to create an image that refers to the show and the elements came to my mind quite easily. The main storyline of the show is based on the quote of Lord Stark « Winter is coming ». The Stark family is the center piece of the story and their coat of arms is represented by a wolf.

To create a captivating image that place people back into the world of Game Of Thrones, all those elements needed to be reunited in the image: the wolf, the cold and the quote. I spent a freezing february morning with this majestic artic wolf at « Rendez-vous en terre Animale » center, roaming in his vast territory. The overcast weather created the perfect light conditions for the shot I wanted. The frozen grass from the night before adds the subtle touch to illustrate the cold in the image. At this point I just needed the wolf to stand in a position where we could see his environment. After a few hours of observation he finally walked into the spot I was waiting for and I knew I had the image I envisioned. Making a picture is a much longer process than taking a picture, but when you get the result you wanted, it is so much more satisfying.

True King - Lions are known to be the kings of animals. For me, this title belongs to elephants. They are the most majestic living creatures on this planet. This photograph was probably one of the most intense moments in my life. Coming face to face with one of these incredible mammals.

After a long morning drive we spotted this female that was alone in the bush. We stopped and I lied on the ground for at least an hour, waiting for her to get into the right position. Wind and dust were slapping my face and I was close to giving up on that shot. But when she turned, she looked at me right in the eyes and I was able to get the portrait I wanted.

Despite some great efforts from government officials, the ivory business is still ongoing and puts elephants at very high risk of extinction. 30,000 to 35,000 elephants are targeted each year by poachers to respond to the demand of the end market. This year only we lost 2 of the last 20 big tuskers on this planet. In 2017, China (main end market of ivory) banned elephant ivory trade within the country. However, since then, outbound travel to find ivory on the black market is projected to 200 million trips a year. Achieving the ultimate goal of banning ivory trade and saving Africa’s last remaining elephants is not going to be easy. Please have a look to the Space for Giants website to consult the 2021 impact report and learn more about their actions to save African wildlife.

Rush Hours - As the early morning sun bathes the Camargue in a soft, golden glow, I find myself standing at the edge of the marshlands, camera in hand, ready to capture the enchanting spectacle before me. Before long, a horde of magnificent white horses materializes from the mist, their ethereal forms blending seamlessly with the mystical landscape.

I carefully frame my shot, ensuring that the up close composition is a mix between chaos and beauty. The horses move with a natural grace, their hooves creating a symphony on the marshy ground. With each click of the shutter, I strive to encapsulate the untamed spirit of these creatures and the timeless charm of the Camargue. The scene is dynamic, ever-changing, and I am determined to freeze these moments in time.The horses, aware of my presence, run pass me. I become part of the landscape, a silent witness to the dance unfolding before me. As I continue to photograph, through the lens, I see the side horses running straight to me. I am struck by the force and the power of those heaven made creatures at full speed.

As the sun climbs higher in the sky, the brutal shock put me lying down in the freezing water, my camera soaking wet but grateful for the privilege of capturing a glimpse of the Camargue's enchantment. In that quiet moment, surrounded by the serenity of the marshlands, I recognize that these images are more than photographs—they are windows into a world where the spirit of the wild still roams free.

First Flight - In the heart of the lush rainforests of Borneo, a heartwarming spectacle unfolds as baby orangutans take their first daring steps into the boundless world of the treetops. With a backdrop of ancient trees stretching towards the sky, these curious infants embark on a journey of discovery, learning the art of jumping from branch to branch under the watchful eye of their mothers.

Nestled in the embrace of their mother's fur, they observe with wide eyes as she effortlessly swings through the canopy, demonstrating the grace and agility required for a life among the treetops.

The art of tree-to-tree navigation is not just a physical skill but a cognitive challenge for the baby orangutans. They learn to gauge distances, understand the flexibility of branches, and develop a keen spatial awareness that will serve them well in their arboreal existence. Each successful jump is a triumph, a step towards independence in the vast and complex canopy of the rainforest.

Hide And Seek - One of my lifelong dreams was to meet the famous mountain Gorillas. There are about 1000 of them left on this planet and I wanted to see these almost human creatures with my own eyes. I stayed in the Bwindi forest for 3 days, and trekked twice into the deep rainforest in order to meet the Nkuringo family.

After the passing of Rafiki, the previous leader of the Nkuringo Family who was killed in 2020 by a group of poachers, Rwamutwe became the new upcoming Silverback of this family of 13 members. Even if the silver hairs just started to appear on his back, he is already very impressive to say the least. I would love to go back to Bwindi in a couple of years to see him as a mature alpha male.

The stay in the Bwindi forest was an incredible experience. To be able to see them so close was a thrilling adventure. The Gorillas share 95% of their DNA with humans and you can definitely see it when you spend time with them. Their social interactions between themselves and the way they interact with the rangers are fascinating.

Pegasus Meteor - In the pantheon of anime and manga, the white horse of Saint Seiya becomes a mythical steed, carrying its rider beyond the limits of mortal strength and into the realm of legends. As Pegasus Saint Seiya charges into battle, his white horse becomes a celestial force, embodying the timeless ideals of heroism, sacrifice, and the enduring struggle against the forces of darkness in the cosmos.

The white horse, Pegasus, becomes not just a steed but a transcendent force, embodying swiftness, purity, and a connection to the celestial. Seiya's battles against the forces of evil take on a mythical resonance, as the white horse becomes a symbol of hope and righteousness in the face of cosmic chaos.

The Pegasus Meteor, an awe-inspiring technique harnessed by Seiya through the formidable Pegasus Cloth, transcends the boundaries of mortal combat. As the battle intensifies, and the forces of evil threaten to plunge the world into chaos, Seiya channels the energy of the cosmos itself into a dazzling display of prowess.

Brothers In Arms - The wolf, a creature of the wild, possesses an innate understanding of hierarchy, cooperation, and the importance of protecting the pack. Similarly, brothers in arms share a code of honor, placing the welfare of their comrades above personal interests. In the crucible of battle, they become a united force, their bonds as resilient as the sinewy ties that bind a wolf pack.

Just as a wolf relies on the pack for survival, brothers in arms draw strength from the shared sense of purpose and the knowledge that they are not alone in facing the storm. In the face of adversity, their collective spirit, like the relentless gaze of a wolf, remains unyielding.

Wolves exhibit an unparalleled sense of family duty, caring for their young with an attentive devotion. The pack works in harmony to nurture and protect the pups, ensuring their growth into formidable members of the pack. Siblings play together, learn together, and forge bonds that will serve as the foundation for their shared existence in the expansive wilderness.

Black Lines - The primary function of the zebra's stripes has long been a subject of scientific inquiry. While the exact reasons are not fully understood, several theories propose that the intricate patterns play a crucial role in the survival of these graceful creatures. One prevailing idea suggests that the stripes act as a form of camouflage, disrupting the zebra's outline and making them less conspicuous to predators amidst the tall grasses of their habitats.

As zebras traverse the savannah in groups, their patterns create a living mosaic that dances across the horizon. The optical illusion of movement created by their stripes may also serve as a defense mechanism, confusing predators and making it challenging for them to single out an individual zebra from the herd.

The black and white patterns of zebras, captivating and enigmatic, evoke a sense of harmony with the natural world. They stand as a testament to the beauty of adaptation and the intricate designs that emerge through the eons of evolution between species and their environments. The zebra's coat, adorned with its timeless stripes, remains an enduring symbol of nature's artistry, a visual symphony woven into the fabric of the African wilderness.

In my exploration of wildlife photography, I find inspiration in the immersive storytelling techniques of motion pictures. The visual language, dynamic compositions, and emotional depth seen on the silver screen have fueled my passion for capturing intimate wildlife portraits.

I meticulously compose my images to reveal the mystic aura of the subjects. Through the lens, I seek to create a visual dialogue that transcends the boundaries between the people and wildlife, offering a glimpse into their enchanted world.

MAJESTIC CREATURES

“Nature Is The Most Beautiful Art There Is.”

Through my intimate wildlife portraits, I invite people to connect with the subjects on a personal level, fostering empathy for the delicate balance of life in the animal kingdom.

By blending the artistry of cinema, TV shows and pop culture, with the authenticity of wildlife photography, I hope to inspire a renewed appreciation for the wonders of nature and ignite a sense of responsibility toward its preservation.

MAJESTIC CREATURES

Animal portraits preserve the soul of mother nature’s exceptional creations

BUY MY WORK

MAJESTIC CREATURES

Animal portraits preserve the soul of mother nature’s exceptional creations