Edwin Kats is an internationally renowned wildlife photographer from Holland. He has been published in wildlife staples such as National Geographic and BBC Wildlife Magazine. I have talked before about getting out and exploring that natural beauty within a short distance of your home, and Edwin Kats is a perfect example of not only exploring that beauty, but capturing it masterfully.
Using locations and wildlife within a somewhat small 10 mile radius of his home, Edwin has managed to amass an amazing portfolio of wildlife imagery. This is not from just going out a few times and shooting whatever is around. It comes from days, weeks, even months of following certain animals, gaining their trust and being around to capture that perfect shot.
“A thing I learned along the way is that you can get great results by sticking to just one subject for a long time. Try to get to know your subject and follow it through the seasons. Try to get them in the snow, against autumn colors and with a nice back-light on a sunny summer morning. Another advantage is that the animals, even the very shy ones, will get to know and trust you. The best possible feeling I can get is to be accepted and trusted by a wild animal” Kats said in a recent interview with MyModernMet.
After many months following and gaining the trust of these animals, Edwin was able to capture these amazing shots.
I personally see this as a great inspiration. Edwin is a published wildlife photographer who has been sent on assignment all over the world. Yet, he is still able to find inspiration and create amazing images of the small animals living within a short distance of his home.
One of my favorite things to do is go out to the local wildlife refuges in my area and shoot images of the wildlife. I have not been able to do that much lately with winter and family get togethers. Seeing this beautiful imagery from Edwin has inspired me to make it a priority to get out and shoot more.
So be inspired. Take some time every week to get out and explore the local wildlife and scenery around you. You may just find something special to capture!
If you liked Edwin’s work and would like to see more, please feel free to check out his Website, Facebook, or 500px pages!
CREDITS: All photographs by Edwin Kats are copyrighted and have been used with permission for SLR Lounge. Do not copy, modify or re-post this article or images without express permission from SLR Lounge and the artist.
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