“Our guide told us there was a bear cave 300m away. We didn’t take him seriously. It was a miracle we survived”

Boris Belchev is a nature photographer from Bulgaria, now based mostly in Lithuania. He additionally works as a wildlife information within the nation, specialising in hen and conceal images.

How did you get into images?

It began with birdwatching – my first digital camera was given to me throughout a mid-winter hen depend in Bulgaria in 2005. I turned obsessive about wildlife images and was impressed by Bulgarian photographer Svetoslav Spasov.

Then, in 2007, I earned sufficient to purchase my first DSLR and telephoto lens. I nonetheless discover the quantity of photos you’ll be able to absorb only one second overwhelming.

You focus rather a lot on birds. What is it in regards to the avian world that appeals?

Birds are throughout us so it was a simple alternative. In Europe alone we now have round 700 species to see. I get pleasure from photographing landscapes and different wildlife however the avian world is so fascinating. It turned my ardour, from white-tailed eagles and vultures to passerines, waders and – very particular to me – Arctic birds.

Which of your wildlife photos is most vital to you?

Even if the standard is just not nice after 20 years, my first shot of a feminine merlin remains to be my favorite, adopted by one of many kingfisher, which I selected for my emblem.

What was your most difficult shoot?

It was photographing the capercaillie. I went right into a tent at 4pm and was solely allowed out the subsequent afternoon. It was completely price it!

Which of your encounters with wildlife has been most memorable?

I used to be engaged on a mission to {photograph} pink fox cubs close to a hedgerow, going each night when the sunshine was in the suitable route. I promised myself I’d not feed them – they have to settle for me as somebody who wouldn’t hurt them, they usually did.

Another time, on my twenty second birthday in Alaska, I discovered a Canada lynx. I had my new digital camera and managed to snap some photographs of it climbing the shore on the opposite aspect of the river.

Have you had any significantly bushy experiences within the wild?

In 2013, I received a photograph competitors and my prize was a visit to shoot Balkan chamois. We have been scouting for the subsequent day’s motion and, as we had sleeping baggage and meals, determined to sleep on the mountain.

Our information was a joker and instructed us there was a bear cave 300m away. We didn’t take him severely. Well, it was a miracle we survived.

It was the pop music on the information’s telephone that saved us, after we instructed him, for the fourth time, that there was an offended bear just a few metres away at midnight. The information misplaced his telephone within the rush downhill and I didn’t get a single shot of a chamois.

What’s been your riskiest shoot?

I used to be strolling on Vitosha mountain, close to Sofia, with my new digital digital camera, once I encountered a uncommon, virtually white, leucistic widespread viper on the path. With all the arrogance of youth, I acquired down on the bottom and as a substitute of zooming determined to take a close-up.

Of course, there was a livid response and I ended up with the toxic snake hanging on my digital camera’s neck strap. Luckily, we have been each unhurt.

Are there any species that proceed to elude you?

I’ve spent years attempting to {photograph} sure birds, and succeeding, however I all the time appear to overlook out on the gray (or pink) phalarope.

Can you recall any epic fails?

That can be my most up-to-date one. I’d captured some dream photographs of white-tailed eagles with their talons out making dying spirals to the bottom when my Canon R6 jammed.

I knew I’d need to take away the battery to reboot the digital camera, however what I didn’t know was that the photographs have been caught within the reminiscence buffer and once I eliminated the battery I deleted the lot. I needed to smash my digital camera on the ground.

What equipment would you by no means be with out?

Apart from my digital camera, lens and mini-drone, it might be my Pulsar thermal in addition to my Swarovski 8×42 binoculars – and an NYa-Evo backpack to carry all of it.

Any recommendation for budding photographers?

Be affected person and be taught as a lot as you’ll be able to about your topic. Respect nature and you’re going to get magical photographs in consequence. Don’t attempt to copy others. Be your self and discover your type. You will discover it a lot extra rewarding.