THE ESSENCE OF Wild Photography - Part I

Stories

The Essence Of Wildlife Photography – Part I

The who, what, where, why, when of a wildlife photographer ranks rather distantly in my appreciation of wildlife photography and as an extension, the wildlife itself. Rather, it’s the splendor and spectacle of nature, each species’ evolutionary journey, a competitive race through time and on a timescale beyond human comprehension which fascinates, and inspires me. It’s our humbling privilege to be at the finish line – the present, at a time when our tools and our senses are sufficiently developed that we can begin to divine the divinity of nature.

 

In short, it is the immersion in nature and the opportunity at the observation that is to be the essence of wildlife photography. As much as I believe that the focus of the photograph should be the subject itself, I am becoming increasingly attentive to the photographer behind the lens and their role in the final product.

It’s a subject often overlooked, but deserving of a moment of reflection.

Not so much a biographical essay, but rather an insight into the methodology. In an age of technological wonders, this background check can provide certain assurances that the records from the wild are accurately reflected in the photos which grace magazine covers and our computer screens. Images that ultimately form our impression of the natural world, one which fewer and fewer of us have the privilege of seeing first hand in its original and unadulterated form.

 

Colour, pattern, form; the aesthetic draws the artist from the photographer. Whereas for the biologist, it is the behavior and the complexity of natural history which demands attention and keeps the midnight oil burning. At the confluence of artistry and biology is where many find inspiration and aspiration, and I am no different. A portrait can convey the beauty of its subject, but a behavioral photo is a window into the natural world. It offers a glimpse into the beauty below the surface, hinted at, yet not entirely revealed.

These moments surround us, and seeing them is simply a matter of opening ourselves up to them.

My favorite moments from my time with Rainforest Expeditions in Peru rainforest were observations not captured on celluloid or on a digital sensor, but rather the arresting moments of quiet contemplation, beggared by the majesty of the place.

 

In Refugio Amazonas, one of their amazon jungle lodge, bioluminescent click beetle larvae dot the clay walls, their feeble light growing stronger as one’s eyes adjust, until they form constellations, guideposts to a state of wonder.

Predatory bioluminescent click beetle larva (Pyrearinus fragilis)

Predatory bioluminescent click beetle larva (Pyrearinus fragilis)

 

A Saturniidae caterpillar, a riot of bright colors, or a molting cicada suspended in the night, turquoise wings unfurling and expanding, preparing for its maiden flight, an otherworldly sight.

 

Moulting cicada

Wildlife Photography – Read Part II

  • What our guest say

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Dreamer627120 March 2024

The lodge is located in the middle of the forest accessible only by boat. The experience was very unique and exciting. Service is great, and the fun part are the nature activities and tours the hotel offers for free. We had an amazing tour guide that had a lot of knowledge and was fun to spend time with. The rooms are totally open to the forest which is really cool the struggle is the there is no privacy at all in between the rooms, also food was pretty basic. All together a very unique experience. Read all

This hotel is the perfect blend of comfort and hospitality, with the natural experience. The hotel is reached by a hours boat ride from Puerto Maldonado, expertly organized and accomplished. Most staff are members of the local Esa Ejja community. The food is good and plentiful. Hot water is always available and lovely bedding features mosquito nets. There is of course no air conditioning (one side wall is open in rach room) and the electricity is off for a few hours at night affecting overhead fans, so I was glad to have brought a small battery powered fan for sleeping. But the best of the experience is the wildlife. Our expert guide Oscar Mishaja introduced us to nearly 100 bird species, along with caimans, river otters, poison dart frogs and capybara. A trip of a lifetime. Read all

Excellent experience overall— really kind and welcoming staff at every point of the journey. All transfers were well organized and smooth. Excellent and educational excursions all around the rainforest. Delicious food for every meal. We had wonderful guides- Freet and Alvaro. Enjoyed our time here! Read all

Unbelievable.... Magical Everything I have dreamed of since I was 8 years old but MORE Read all

We had a surreal experience at Refugio Amazonas. From the well organized transportation to the warm welcome, hospitality and the experience of living in nature - we loved it all. Huge shout out to our guide Boris who went out of his way to ensure we had a good experience and got to watch all kinds of wild life. The meals and cocktails were delicious. And even though this place is smack in the middle of the jungle there was super fast WiFi available. We made unforgettable memories. Read all

We had an amazing time in TRC. From the guide, tours, lounge staff, food and room, everything has exceeded our expectation and like an amazing dream came true. We highly recommend to directly book with the lounge website, so that you got a private guide for your group. Special thanks to our guide Saul, who made this experience extra special! We were so impressed by his knowledge about all the animals and the rainforest. Read all

We had an amazing time in TRC. From the guide, tours, lounge staff, food and room, everything has exceeded our expectation and like an amazing dream came true. This is the only lounge available in Tambopata national park, and this eco lounge takes environment seriously. We highly recommend to directly book with the lounge website, so that you got a private guide for your group. Special thanks to our guide Saul, who made this experience extra special! We were so impressed by his knowledge about all the animals and the rainforest. If you are a natural lover, you can’t miss this place Read all

Excellent and luxurious place, wonderful experience and our guide Boris was first class, he had a unique patience with my 8 year old son. An experience in the tropical rainforest that marks the life of its visitors. In addition to the scientific research that takes place in the place: a whole research center. Rooms: Very comfortable and luxuriou Read all

El mejor hotel para visitar la Amazonia peruana. Hotel eco turístico metido en medio de la selva, equipado para visitar y vivir la selva, su flora y fauna, en todas sus facetas. Todo incluido, con guías preparados y amables, resultó una experiencia increíble para mi familia. Dentro de las opciones no se debe perder el Canopy de 45 metros de altura para observar y escuchar la selva, así como el lago de las tres Chimbadas, lugar único para ver caimanes, nutrias gigantes, monos y aves exóticas. Recomiendo mínimo dos noches!!! Read all

Wunderbare lodge mit freundlichen Menschen. sehr persönliche guides, tolle Tourangebote und super kulinarische Verpflegung ! Wir wurden herzlichst von Caesar empfangen und unser guide JuanJo hat uns phantastische Dinge gezeigt. Wir können die lodge nur wärmstens empfehlen! Read all

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