Category: Wildlife

World Wildlife Day 2023

Today is World Wildlife Day 2023, and this year’s theme is “Celebrating Diversity: Promoting Conservation and Sustainable Use of Wildlife.” As we reflect on the beauty and importance of wildlife in our world, we can’t help but admire the stunning photographs captured by Fujifilm X-Photographers.

These photographers have dedicated their lives to capturing the beauty of wildlife in its natural habitat, and their work has inspired countless individuals to become advocates for wildlife conservation. Their photographs have the power to transport us to far-off lands and introduce us to rare and endangered species that we might never have the chance to encounter in person.

The Fujifilm X-Photographers are a group of talented photographers from around the world who have been selected by Fujifilm for their exceptional skills and creative vision. They use Fujifilm’s high-quality camera equipment to capture stunning images of wildlife, landscapes, and people, showcasing the diversity and beauty of our world.

As we celebrate World Wildlife Day 2023, it’s essential to recognize the role that these photographers play in raising awareness about the importance of wildlife conservation. By sharing their work on social media, in galleries, and in publications, they inspire us to take action to protect our planet’s most vulnerable species and their habitats.

Their work reminds us of the intricate relationships that exist in our natural world and the importance of preserving biodiversity. Through their lenses, we can witness the beauty of the natural world and gain a deeper appreciation for the fragile ecosystems that support our planet’s life.

If you’re interested in wildlife photography or simply admire the work of these talented photographers, make sure to check out the virtual X-Story Showcase hosted by Fujifilm. Here, you can view the stunning work of these photographers and gain insight into their creative processes.

World Wildlife Day 2023 is an opportunity to celebrate and protect the diversity of life on our planet. By supporting the work of wildlife photographers and becoming advocates for conservation, we can ensure that future generations will be able to experience the beauty and wonder of our natural world.

© Simone Sbaraglia (Italy)
© Javier Ramos (Spain)
© Peter Delaney (South Africa)
© Dariusz Ogłoza (Poland)

The design for the header image was created by ©Xavi Reñé (@wildlife_erra).

Capturing the reintroduction of an extinct species through photography

The ‘Alpine Eagle Foundation’ is about reintroducing the white-tailed eagle, which was made extinct by mankind hundreds of years ago. Because of the extinction, they wanted to capture all developments of the reintroduction of this eagle back into our world through photography. 

In 1934, Fujifilm’s journey began as one of Japan’s first photographic filmmakers. Thus, we always have been and still are huge advocates of photography. Let’s have a look at those impressive animals and the work the “Alpine Eagle Foundation” is doing through the medium of photography on today’s ‘World Photography Day’.

Remi Chapeaublanc discovered his interest in photography at a really young age, but it was not until after his studies that he realised that photography was his passion. One of his first photo series was ‘Gods and Beasts’ which he shot in Mongolia. As Jaques-Olivier Travers, a French filmmaker who is passionate about hawks, saw this photo of Remi’s series, he fell in love with it.

From the photo series ‘Gods and Beasts’

Ever since, they have decided to work together and already started working on bird portraits in 2017 with a FUJIFILM GFX 50S. Nevertheless, it was not until they got their hands on the FUJIFILM GFX 100S that Remi was able to fully commit and trust this new camera of his, which finally met his technical expectations. The FUJIFILM GFX 100S has an extremely fast and flawless autofocus without losing mobility, which is important for animal photography.

Jacques-Olivier and Chopard start their work on the ‘Alpine Eagle Foundation’

Jacques-Olivier has been passionate about the Alpine Eagle since he was very young and thought that if man had been able to make it disappear, he should be able to reintroduce it. Eight years of perseverance later, with the help of the Swiss jeweller Chopard, for whom the alpine terrain around their manufacture and the local wildlife play a major role, Jacques-Oliver set up the ‘Alpine Eagle Foundation’ which has just obtained authorisation to reintroduce the first young birds into the wild.

‘The Alpine Eagle Foundation’ is a charitable foundation endeavouring to reintroduce the white-tailed fishing eagle species in France. This white-tailed eagle is a majestic sea eagle, which was made extinct by humans in Europe about 200 years ago, mainly due to hunting.

How did Remi join the Foundation?

When Jacques-Olivier asked Remi to photograph all the communication images for the foundation, Remi said it would be an honour for him and joined the project, knowing right away that the GFX 100S would be the ideal system to use.

The idea was to create a photo line which displays each stage of development.

After the first photo session which captured the eggs to the hatched eagle babies, the second photo session aimed to shoot portraits of birds between the ages of 6 months to 4 years. Even though Remi is specialised in animal photography, he had never worked with such young birds before. This made his job even harder because the birds’ behaviour became even more unexpectable than it already used to be. 

About ‘World Photography Day

Today we are celebrating the annual ‘World Photography Day’ which was initiated 11 years ago with its first global online gallery on August 19, 2010. However, it actually originates from the invention of a photographic process, the Daguerreotype, developed by Louis Daguerre and Joseph Nicephore Niepce in 1837 which changed the world of photography. Today, the intention is to dedicate one day completely to photography to celebrate its art, craft, history and science. 

To read more about the Alpine Eagle Foundation and the work of Remi Cheaupeblanc we encourage you to check out chapter 1 and the following chapter 2 of this story on our website fujifilm-x.com.

A perspective on the wild side

By applying psycho-analytical theories, X-Photographer Chris Weston tells you how to alter your perspective as a wild life photographer, to create images which truly captivate the viewer.

By Chris Weston

One of the most rewarding parts of my job is making an emotional connection with the wildlife I encounter. One of the most challenging aspects of my job is conveying that connection in a photograph. To do that, I have to make use of a very important compositional tool – perspective. Continue reading “A perspective on the wild side”

Never Miss The Moment: A first look at the FUJIFILM X-H1

Professional wildlife photographer and X-Photographer Chris Weston is no stranger to shooting in challenging situations. Having recently taken the new FUJIFILM X-H1 to the south of France to capture the stunning Camargue horses, Chris gives us his verdict on the latest addition to the X Series.

By Chris Weston

Wildlife photography throws up many challenges. For starters, weather and environmental conditions are rarely ideal. Dusty African savannahs, humid jungles, persistent precipitation in rainforests, sub-zero temperatures in the Arctic and Antarctic – they all demand the very best of the equipment I use, in terms of both performance and reliability. In reality, it’s about confidence – I need to know that when the going gets tough the camera I’m using will perform consistently and uninterrupted. Having worked with X-T series cameras in camera-hostile environments around the world, I already have surety in the Fujifilm system.

I have recently spent time working with the FUJIFILM X-H1, including a trip to the stunning Camargue region in the South France to photograph the wild horses there. It’s obvious the designers and engineers have taken weather resistance to even higher levels with this new camera, with more robust seals to prevent electronics’ two main enemies, dust and water, leaving you high and dry. Continue reading “Never Miss The Moment: A first look at the FUJIFILM X-H1”

Making your photos WILD! – A Guide to Wildlife Photography

X-Photographer Ben Cherry explains how to put the WILD back in wildlife photography!

By Ben Cherry

With ‘wild’ experiences becoming rarer as humanity continues its ferocious endeavour to progress, often at the natural world’s expense, how can we treasure those encounters however big or small? I personally think photography is the single most powerful medium when it comes to nature. Continue reading “Making your photos WILD! – A Guide to Wildlife Photography”

Art and Mind – 10 Days in Japan [Part Two]

In this second and final article about a recent trip to Japan, X-Photographer Chris Weston takes a more mindful approach to photography, producing some stunningly artistic, unplanned shots of swans at Lake Kussharo.

By Chris Weston

Part 2: Art and Mind

Hokkaido (Days 6 – 10)

We often hear or read the quote, “It’s not the camera, it’s the photographer”, meaning the creation of great photographs is not dependent on having the latest or most expensive gear but on having a keen eye, an open and inquisitive mind and the artistic skills to turn vision into a reality that is a photograph. After sixteen years as a professional photographer, I can attest this is absolutely true. Continue reading “Art and Mind – 10 Days in Japan [Part Two]”