Meet ViewBug community member and wildlife photographer Jean-Francois. I love photography because itâs a passion. More or less, the act of communication remaining what it is, whether in words or in pictures. There is an aspect of art that has always fascinated me, Through photography, I discovered that I can express things and share my passion for capturing life moments of wildlife with people. One of the photos I am most proud of is the one below. The mood, the colors and the light. The way this red dear looks at me is just amazing. Also this picture won the People choice for the Celebrating Nature Photo Contest Vol 1, so it has a special place in my heart.
My camera lets me capture the essence of nature. My photographs are an invitation to discover special moments, and I hope that my pictures, raise awareness about the urgency of protecting wildlife. I take the side of seduction, where others take one of denunciation. I hope my work will give all the people the desire to save our planet so that future generations, too, can contemplate theses wonders. I find inspiration when the weather is rainy, windy, stormy. When i look outside and the weather is overcast and the sun is nowhere to be found.
My favorite place to shoot is Quebec because we have four seasons, so i have always different backgound for may pictures. Also with the four seasons the animals that i shoot change with the seasons. Their fur change. Some animals turn white in winter and i love shooting them on a white background, like the arctic wolfs series I did last winter. My favorite lens is: AF-S Nikkor 200-500mm f/5.6E ED VR. This inexpensive Nikon 200-500 has excellent optics, it's sharp, has little distortion, focuses well and has terrific vibration reduction.. It's the best buy in Nikon ultra telephotos ever. Also my body is a D7100, so the 500mm become a 750mm with the DX factor.
These are 3 quick tips Iâd like to share with fellow photographers:
1. Do your research on the animal, on the site, check the weather, etc.
2. The 3 âPâ : patience, patience, patience. Patience is a virtue. With wildlife you will need a lot of it.
3. When possible getting lower to the ground provide a more intimate connection with the subject. I like the direct eye contact in my animal images, as it helps to engage the viewer.
Follow Jean-Francois to see more inspiring wildlife photography.
