PhotographerChris Fallowscaptures awe-inspiring images of wildlife in their natural habitats.
He first became known, decades ago, for his portraits of great white sharks.
The popularity of these pictures launched him from a hobbyist photographer into the field as a full-time professional.
Fallows cinematic photography showcases the elephants traversing the African landscape.
Taken from a worm’s-eye view, these creatures look majesticespecially as a tight-knit family unit.
Scroll down to read his exclusive interview with My Modern Met.
How did you begin your journey into photography?
What were some of your early photographs?
In the early days, I focused more on the intense action.
How did your early images inform the work youre making today?
Over the years, I became far more in tune with the environment in which I worked.
To get a good wildlife photograph is easy, to get a great one takes a lot of homework.
You have spent a great deal of time following and photographing great white sharks.
What is photographing a shark like, versus observing and photographing elephants?
Yes, for nearly 30 wonderful and privileged years I have specialized in breaching and hunting great whites.
It needs to have elements that others' work doesnt have.
Sadly, so many of my photos represent behavior that we will never again see on our planet.
If this is not a call to action, then nothing will be.
Logistically, how do you photograph the elephants?
I seek out magnificent specimens and know where and when to have the best chance to see them.
How long do you observe them before photographing them?
I need to be incredibly alert and aware of even the slightest changes in posture or behavior.
I rely on getting it right and being respectful at the same time.
What is the most extraordinary thing youve learned about elephants from taking their pictures?
I know its cliche, but it would be their incredibly strong family bonds.
I was always very much a predator person until I really spent time around elephants.
Mrs. Stumpy Tail
Is there a moment in photographing an elephant that is especially memorable for you?
Mrs. Stumpy Tail
Yes, in Mana Pools National Park Zimbabwe.
Quite simply, I love this funny looking insignificant little elephant.
What do you see as a photographers responsibility to helping preserve our Earth and the creatures that inhabit it?
People only understand, appreciate, and wish to protect that which they know and have exposure to.
Whats on the horizon for you?
Anything exciting you might tell us about?
I never stop chasing horizons; 2021 has some incredible adventures ahead.
And of course, several visits to Africas most iconic landmarks to search for its most magnificent representatives.
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