The magic of nature with its creatures has fascinated me since I was little. Moments which allow me to observe the world of animals in their environment are moments of pure joy.
A gift from my mother was taking me out into the wilderness frequently and showing me the local fauna and flora around our home. I learned from her to see the uniqueness of all living things, it doesn’t matter how little and common they are and to treat nature with respect.
A couple of years ago I started capturing wildlife as an amateur photographer. I wanted to capture the magic, the beauty, the fascination, the diversity and the soul of animals in the special encounters I do experience. Meanwhile photographing wildlife it is a deep passion which keeps me running.
So I changed my high heels and lots of dresses into rubber boots and camouflage clothing. I’m based in Munich in the southern part of Germany.
At home I try to go out to the countryside as often as possible. There is some very pristine nature in the surrounding area but also directly on my door step in the city of Munich itself astonishing wildlife can be found. My work as a flight attendant takes me to different places in the world where I do have the chance to search for wildlife as well. I’m very fortunate to have this possibility.
The versatile wildlife in the cities draws my attention too. It is fascinating how animals adapt to the human world. All over the planet you can find creatures living next to humans often in secret.
The complexity of all the connections in the natural world is astonishing and I am keen to learn more about it. One question in general is leading me to the next question. I try to understand as much as possible about those connections and the ecology of the habitat my subjects are living in.
Sometimes people ask me which animals are my favorites. It is quite hard to tell. Of course some there are my favorites like otters and the mustelidae in general. But when I start sorting out which animals I like the most the list is always quite long in the end.
Observing a subject over a longer period, trying to gather as much information as possible, returning regularly to the same sites, sitting patiently, reading the signs of nature, and yes every now and then being frustrated, but sometimes being rewarded with magic moments captivates me.
Experiencing wildlife is a privilege and the protection of the animals without disturbing them has a priority for me. A nice picture is always the icing on the cake.
My photographic skills are self-taught by reading books, watching tutorials, by trial and error, talking to more experienced photographers. There is still much room for improvement and I’m looking forward to face the challenge.
I love to share my photographic results of my „wild“ encounters with everybody who is interested to join my wildlife journey.
So enjoy my gallery and get in contact with me if you have any questions, ideas or would like to purchase one of the images as a print!
Daniela
Gear:
Mostly I use my Canon 1Dx Mark II which is quite heavy but extremely quick, defies the elements, can deal low light situations with a Canon 400mm DO II 4/f which I still can carry quite a long time and I also can shoot handhold. I carry a monopod with me most of the time.
If the conditions allow it, I do like to use a bean bag. I rarely use a Tripod.
In my husbands closet at home I do find more gear which I may use (thanks for that):
A Canon 5D Mark IV, a Canon 7D Mark II, Canon EF 70mm-200mm f/2.8 IS III USM, Canon EF 500mm f/4 L IS II USM, Canon EF 100mm-400mm f4.5-5.6 L IS USM II