Derek Nielsen is a wildlife and conservation photographer from the USA, with his prints funding wildlife conservation organisations around the world.
- “I was setting up a camera trap when we heard a trumpet. An elephant was charging, flattening every tree in its path.”
- “I’ve been frozen like an ice block, overheated to the point of melting and immersed in water for hours.”
How did your career start?
Out of curiosity. I’ve always been fascinated by the natural world and then I fell in love with photography, so I decided to use my new skills to raise awareness.
Which of your images is the most important to you, and why?
Two come to mind, showing undeniable love. The first is of a baby orangutan clinging to its mother, finding safety in her arms as we all do in our early years. The second is of an adult elephant with its trunk embracing a youngster’s trunk, as if hugging. So relatable.
Is there a shoot you’ll never forget?
Camping on the shores of the Antarctic Peninsula with my wife, I saw a full moon rising, so I took out my telephoto lens to capture it. Later, when reviewing the images, I found I’d caught a humpback whale breaching and my heart just about exploded.
What has been your most memorable wildlife encounter?
I was photographing chimpanzees in the jungle canopy when one sneaked up and sat beside me. After several moments of non-verbal communication, I switched lenses and captured her. Her eyes pierced my soul in a way I’ll never be able to explain.
Can you remember any close calls?
Once, in Cambodia, our guide was telling us about some men harvesting honey in the forest when, without warning, the entire colony of hundreds of thousands of bees came down on us like rain. It was deafening. We dived under a mesh net for protection.
Do you have any epic fails to share?
My first trip to shoot mountain gorillas in Rwanda was a total fail. I was so excited about the experience that my photography knowledge went out of the window and almost all of my shots were blurry. I was so caught up in the moment that I forgot to check my settings – a humbling experience.
What has been your favourite species to turn your focus on?
Elephants. Their complex minds and compassion for one another make me feel deeply for them. I am fascinated by the way the elders take care of their young or share their wisdom about the environment. Every time I am around elephants, I learn something new. They are so powerful yet sensitive and delicate.
Which species is top of your bucket list?
I’d love to photograph polar bears before it’s too late. Animals like these need us to continue to raise awareness of the impacts of habitat loss and climate change.
Have you had any challenging shoots?
Killer whales, particularly the southern resident killer whales of the Pacific Northwest, are a challenge. I’m currently filming a documentary about their fight for survival, and it has been a test.
They’re protected, so getting close to them is almost impossible, and they spend so little time above the surface that it’s hard to know when they’ll pop up. Photographing them can be a nightmare – but it’s so worth it.
What is the worst discomfort you’ve endured in the name of photography?
In Rwanda, photographing primates, I went ahead of our group one day to capture birds in the canopy. I stopped to zoom in on one, unaware that driver ants were climbing up my legs, all the way to my trunk. When they started biting it was incredibly painful. In a panic, I ripped off my trousers and was standing in my underwear, screaming – just as the rest of the group caught up.
Which piece of photographic kit would you never be without?
A lens cloth. Dust, moisture, a whale’s ocean spray or a primate’s fingerprints all impact image quality. A polished lens is a must.
Any tips for budding photographers?
Don’t compare your work to that of others. Study and support them, but remember they are on a different path. I have been rejected or passed over so many times. If you love what you are doing, stay the course.
See Derek's work at dereknielsen.com.
