Life On White Or Wild Animals In Studio By Eric Isselee

Each photo session takes around a week to get a set of images. The animals, including adorable Menari the baby orangutan, are often born into breeding programmes from zoos and conservation centres across the globe. But despite not being born in the wild, Isselee wants the pictures of captive animals to highlight the plight of their endangered cousins.
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.'