I often feel like I’ve got the best job in the world.
During a recent shoot for a European pharmaceutical company we brought six beautiful, female Asian elephants to my Chicago studio. Among all the animals with which I’ve had the privilege to work, I think the elephant is my favorite. Despite their large size, these beauties could not have been gentler. As I shot each one, we kept a second elephant nearby to help make the subject more comfortable. As the handler put it, “Wouldn’t you feel more relaxed in a strange environment if you had a friend with you?” The “friend” hung out behind the camera, sniffing me from head to toe with her trunk as I worked, sometimes unwittingly adjusting my camera angle along the way. Perhaps she had her own idea of the perfect shot she wanted to share with me!
This is one of my favorite photos from the shoot, but I also love the behind the scenes shots that we captured. Click this link for more elephant photos from that great afternoon.
love the pictures! beautiful shots of those elephants
Thank You!
I love everything about this shoot. It’s obvious from your website that your talent and experience with shooting animals makes it possible to end up with such powerful images. Great!
Lisa-Thanks for your kind words. I must say, though, that it would be hard NOT to take good photos of these beautiful girls. Talk about well trained animals, these sweethearts didn’t so much as pee or pooh once, the entire time they were in the studio. I can’t say that’s always the case. Check in again to see other behind the scene photos of some interesting upcoming shoots.
Beautiful shoot of such magnificent creatures. I never cease to be amazed at the moments that you catch!
Steve – these are just beautiful. And truly transport the viewer into the “studio
for a day” I think the blog is a wonderful addition to the web site. I also love the
close up shot of the trunk and the detailed change in skin pattern.
Great job!
Hello Steve! I just stumbled across your photos on the net and did a little research and found your blog! I love animals and currently go to school for photography, so I really admire your work! Can’t find a bio on you, but was very inspired by your work and was curious since I read that you have been shooting for 30 years! Anyways just wanted to say I am a huge fan and aspire to be like you some day!
I’m glad you enjoyed the work. Thanks for your kind words. I strongly feel that if you’re passionate about your subject, it’s difficult not to take great photos. BTW, 2 photographers whose animal photography I admire are Elliot Erwitt & Yann Arthus-Bertrand. Check out their work!