Life On White Or Wild Animals In Studio By Eric Isselee

Isselee, who has a hands-on attitude to all the photoshoots, admits that he has had some hair raising run-ins with some animals. He said: 'As many people surely know, working with animals is a lot like working with children, if they do not want to sit still, nothing is going to make them change their mind. Especially if they are the size of a rhino or as tough as a tiger. They get bored and tired very quickly so it is all about capturing the best moment very quickly. I have always loved felines so I would have to say that the first contact with a tiger was terribly exciting. Being in the cage with such a majestic animal was one of the most exhilarating moments in my life. I chose to photograph with a white background because it allows the focus to be entirely on the animal. When I photograph an animal, whether an elephant or an insect, I try to show not only its beauty but also its emotion.'
The 43-year-old Belgian said that conservation was a key reason for his work. He said: 'I'm very much looking forward to photographing my first polar bear next year. As an endangered species facing extinction I hope that if the worst happens, at least there will be some photographs as a legacy to remind us human beings of what we are doing to this world, although I realize it's only a drop in the ocean. On a more practical level, I donate each month a percentage of the income from my animal photos to an animal charity or sanctuary, and if I have managed to help even one animal, then I am happy.'