Bella Falk is a documentary maker, photographer and writer. Her images and words have been published in BBC Wildlife Magazine, BBC Travel and National Geographic Traveller.
How did you get into wildlife photography?
It started with a love of travel photography but I’m not really into cities or beaches – I prefer being away from the crowds, in nature, where animals tend to hang out. I found them more exciting and rewarding to photograph than landscapes or architecture. I visited the Galápagos, Antarctica and Tanzania, and I was hooked.
Which of your shots is most important to you, and why?
In Kibale Forest, Uganda, I photographed a chimpanzee posing beautifully on a log in perfect light. It was one of my first wildlife photos to be published and has since become my most stolen image. Just about every chimpanzee trekking operator in Uganda has it on their website. It still makes me quite ragey but I’ve learned not to look now!
What’s been your most memorable encounter with a wild animal?
Tsavo, in Kenya, goes through long periods of drought, so the team at Kipalo Hills fills waterholes for the animals. I was taken to watch the ranger turning on the tap, and then sat just a few metres away as a dozen enormous bulls sucked up the water and poured it down their throats. One of my photos was shortlisted for the Wildlife Photographer of the Year competition.
What’s been the most time you’ve had to invest in photographing something?
I’ve had several failed attempts to see wild dogs. The first time, again at Kipalo Hills in Kenya, the dogs had been regular visitors to the camp for days before I arrived, but while I was there they vanished. We searched for them for four days with no luck.
Then, a few months later in Botswana, we had several reports of dogs being seen but each time we raced to the location they had gone. I did finally manage to see them for the first time in January – twice!
Have you ever experienced any particularly hairy moments?
One evening in Botswana, coming back late from a game drive, we stopped to let a herd of elephants cross the road in front of us. One huge bull decided he didn’t like us, and started huffing and flapping his ears. You know it’s tense when you see the driver put his hand on the car key, poised for a quick getaway. Fortunately after expressing his displeasure for a bit, the elephant continued on his way.
What’s the worst level of discomfort you’ve had to endure in the name of wildlife photography?
In Uganda I went gorilla trekking during rainy season. And when it rains in Uganda, it’s torrential. For four hours we got drenched while we slogged and slip-slided up and down muddy jungle trails-turned-rivers in search of our gorilla family.
All my gear was double-wrapped in plastic bags, and I was convinced I wasn’t going to be able to take any photos at all. But, just as we found the gorillas, the rain finally eased and I was able to get the camera out.
What one piece of kit would you never be without on a shoot?
For wildlife photography, it would have to be my Canon RF 100–500mm lens. I love the versatility of being able to get both tight close-ups and wider environmental shots with one lens. That said, I do dream of one day being able to afford (and carry!) a 600mm f/4 prime.
What’s your one piece of advice to budding wildlife photographers?
It’s something I’m guilty of not doing enough when I’m home, but get out there and practise. Wildlife is everywhere – even in London we have pigeons, urban foxes, squirrels, parakeets, deer, ducks and swans, even pelicans. If you know your subject and shoot it often, you can still capture distinctive images of common species and, if you practise a lot and master your camera, you won’t mess up when the big moment happens.
- “I endured one and a half hours submerged in the freezing water, with only my head visible.” Wildlife photographer shares adventures above the Arctic Circle
- “We heard movement in the bushes and saw two large eyes. The smell of jaguar got stronger.” Wildlife photographer shares incredible encounter
- “I spent hours picking them out of my toes.” Wildlife photographer stumbles into huge pepper tick nest in Kenya
- “I camera-trapped the Congo jungle for a year. These are my best photos”
Top image: Bella on the Chobe River. Credit: Bella Falk
