The Disappearing Wild

Gorilla: This picture took a lot of effort as gorillas get aware of being shot and intentionally look elsewhere. Photograph/Salvatore Arone

Salvatore Arone makes pictures at zoos to create a series of stark, close-up portraits to give a human-like quality to endangered animals.

My Assignment

• Description: To create a series of close-up portraits of endangered animals.
• Duration: A year of research, shooting and postproduction.
• Notes: I tried to represent the subjects as though they were human subjects posing for me.

Wildlife is disappearing at an unprecedented rate. Massive human activities combined with drastic climate change represent the biggest threat to the living species. Animals like tigers, rhinocerouses and many more risk extinction, especially due to the lack of specific conservation programmes.

During a walk in Sao Paolo zoo, Brazil, I was fascinated by certain endangered species of animals and birds. I decided to photograph them in an effort to preserve a portion of beauty that we may lose forever.

My Perspective
The intention behind my work was to create a series of close-up photos in a way that creates a studio-like feel. Also, I wanted to convey the impression that the animals were willingly posing for me, like human subjects. At times, it was the zoo that would inform me about an animal’s endangered status. At other times, I would specifically research species that live in fragile environments, and find out which zoos they are found in.

Cassowary: I had to be careful while shooting this one as they may be timid but can cause harm if troubled by humans. Photograph/Salvatore Arone

The Process
Using a tripod was out of the question since I needed freedom of movement that would allow me to follow the animal. The distance between me and the animal was crucial. It had to be close enough to get a tight frame, but I also had to keep in mind the minimum focusing distance of the lens.

To create an impression of a posed portrait, I digitally eliminated the original background of the cage. I needed to be careful while shooting, so that the shadows do not look unnatural. This is why I shot all photos on overcast days.
The scratched textured look I created suited the concept of my series perfectly— the idea that these images would be all that remain of these animals in a few years, if we do not wake up.

Common Marmoset: I needed to be very close to the subject to fi ll the frame, and thus more cautious to not disturb the animal. Photograph/Salvatore Arone

My Equipment: I used the Nikon D300 and a Nikkor 80–200mm f/2.8 lens. A fast telephoto lens is useful to blur out the cage in the foreground.

This article originally appeared in the May 2016 issue of Better Photography.

Photographing at the Local Zoo

• Be Aware of Animal Habits: This will help you understand which shots are possible and in what situations. Some animals spend hours sleeping so waiting for them to wake up would probably be a waste.
• Do Not Shoot Everyone: Take a walk around the zoo and select only two or three animals. Concentrate only on these throughout the day.
• Be Patient: A single picture needs a lot of time. You may often be surrounded by other people who are shooting pictures as well, distracting you and the animals.