“For me, there’s nothing more exciting than photographing a lion that has never been photographed before,” explains wildlife photographer Will Burrard-Lucas.
“I believe that a photo taken in an unfamiliar setting, even if it’s of a commonly-photographed species, has a context that sets it apart from other pictures. And that is exactly the point for me. I have little interest in taking photos that aren’t somehow different,” he explains.
Burrard-Lucas is a wildlife photographer and founding father of Camtraptions, an organization specializing in gear for digital camera lure pictures. He gained awards for his work and shares why investing in your concepts and taking dangers can usually yield the perfect alternatives.
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I first visited Shompole Conservancy in Kenya’s Rift Valley two years in the past
“I was captivated by the rugged beauty of the scenery and amazed by the abundance of nocturnal life that thrived in the seemingly hostile environment.
“The space is particular for the way in which during which the native Maasai group shares the land with wildlife. The group advantages by way of the conservation charges that vacationers pay after they go to the conservancy.
“It was clear that the area had a lot to offer safari-goers, however, the animals were not particularly accustomed to people, which made them difficult to see and photograph.
“The space is dry with few sources of water that folks and wildlife should share. We determined to construct a brand new waterhole, removed from different sources of water, in order that animals might drink away from individuals and livestock. We additionally constructed a cover from which guests might observe the animals as they got here to drink.
“Making this idea a reality required some investment and there was no guarantee that it would pay off. On the other hand, if successful, I might be able to capture spectacular images of some truly wild subjects.
Taking dangers with out remorse
“Throughout my career, I find that it’s hard to capture noteworthy images without taking risks but whenever I back myself to try something new, I rarely regret it. The downsides of failure are usually outweighed by the upside of success.
“The waterhole was constructed in partnership with Shompole Wilderness Camp and I helped design a cover set-up comprised of two repurposed transport containers that have been excellent for photographers. It didn’t take lengthy earlier than the animals began to look.
“At first, utilizing the cover was difficult because the animals have been skittish – the slightest noise or motion despatched them fleeing. After just a few weeks, nevertheless, they bought used to the cover being occupied and I bought higher at shifting round quietly. The silent shutter and low-light focusing of my Sony A1 also allowed me to capture all sorts of nocturnal creatures.
“I was most excited to photograph lions and eventually, this spectacular male turned up. He approached the water cautiously, knowing I was there and held my gaze as he drank. After a while, he went off into the darkness, leaving me pinching myself in disbelief.”