Wildlife Photographer of the Month: Nathan Moine

This July, we introduce Nathan Moine, an exceptional wildlife photographer whose journey began in 2022 in the suburbs of Paris. Initially capturing various wildlife species in the Parisian suburbs like owls and deer, Nathan later embarked on an expedition to Africa, where he had a profound experience.

“Though the wildlife in Paris’s suburbs may lack the exoticism of Africa, I found immense joy in observing them. The thrill of the search, the joy of capturing their images, and the peace of spending time with them have become deeply fulfilling experiences for me,” shared Nathan.

Embarking on an African adventure

Driven by his passion for exploring wildlife further, Nathan ventured to various African countries, immersing himself in wildlife photography. Highlighting Namibia as his favorite destination, Nathan encountered Hela and her cubs, an experience that left him speechless.

“My favorite wildlife destination so far has been Namibia. It was my first wildlife trip outside of France, and the biodiversity there is simply astounding. The variety of species and incredible animals left me speechless,” said Nathan.

Capturing the essence of Hela and her cubs

Nathan had the privilege of photographing Hela and her cubs, a cheetah family with a remarkable story. Rescued by the CCF team at just four months old in 2018, Hela underwent monitoring and rehabilitation before being released into the wild. Nathan’s lens captured intimate moments of their lives, showcasing the beauty and resilience of these magnificent creatures. For more about Hela’s journey, click here.

“I discovered the adorable face of one of Hela’s cubs peeking out from the bush. We spent about two hours observing the entire cheetah family as they interacted with each other, their environment, and us. Our group was fortunate enough to be on the ground, making this an unforgettable experience, especially because the cheetahs acknowledged our presence,” shared Nathan.

Apart from capturing amazing photos, Nathan also created his documentary ‘Namibia’, where Hela and her cubs stole the show. To watch the documentary, click here.

“Two moments stand out in my mind. The first was when Hela came very close to me and hissed: goosebumps! The second involved capturing several videos of the cubs walking gracefully. I am incredibly pleased with those shots. However, it’s difficult to choose just one highlight, as the entire experience with the cheetahs was absolutely amazing!”

Remarkable moments as a wildlife photographer 

Being a wildlife photographer is akin to embarking on a journey filled with unforgettable moments, each more captivating than the last. For Nathan, these moments are the essence of his craft, especially when it comes to his encounters with cheetahs. When asked about his most cherished experiences, Nathan eagerly recounted a few:

Sunset with Honey: Picture this – at Erindi, as the sun dipped below the horizon, I found myself in the company of Honey, a magnificent female leopard. She prowled gracefully until she found her spot, a towering tree. With effortless grace, she ascended, settling upon a branch to bask in the golden hues of the setting sun. In that moment, everything—the light, the scenery, the creature—seemed to converge in a symphony of breathtaking beauty.

Young black rhino: Amidst the vast expanse of the wilderness, a chance encounter with a playful young black rhino left an indelible mark on my heart. Watching this gentle giant revel in the cool embrace of the mud was both heartwarming and unforgettable, a testament to the joy found in life’s simplest pleasures.

Cape Cross and the sea lions: Journeying to Cape Cross, I bore witness to a spectacle beyond compare—the sprawling congregation of brown fur seals, their antics painting the shore with bursts of laughter and wonder. It was a reminder of the boundless diversity and marvels of the natural world.

Female orangutan in Borneo: And then, there was the serene encounter with a female orangutan amidst the lush foliage of Borneo. As our eyes met, time seemed to stand still, enveloping us in a moment of quiet understanding and shared tranquillity—an experience etched into my memory forever.

The Perks of Being a Professional Wildlife Photographer

Immersing oneself in the world of nature and animal photography, observing its intricate dance, and freezing those moments in time through the lens of a camera is a privilege like no other. Yet, the journey doesn’t end there. For Nathan, the magic truly unfolds in the quiet hours of post-production.

“Delving into the depths of my footage and photographs, I relish the process of selecting the finest moments, sculpting them into masterpieces that encapsulate the essence of each encounter. With meticulous care, I weave together a tapestry of colours and emotions, crafting visuals that not only mirror the memory but breathe life into it”.

“And then comes the moment of sharing—a culmination of anticipation and excitement. As I unveil my creations to the world through social media and other platforms, I am filled with an overwhelming sense of joy. For in that moment, I am not merely sharing photographs or videos; I am inviting others to journey with me, to witness the beauty and wonder that I have been fortunate enough to capture,” shares Nathan.

Get to Know More about Nathan’s Work

To delve deeper into Nathan’s captivating work and stay updated on his upcoming adventures across the globe, you can follow him on Instagram. Through his Instagram account, Nathan offers insights into his creative process, showcases his remarkable photography, and provides glimpses into his awe-inspiring travels. 

Join his community of followers and embark on a visual journey filled with breathtaking landscapes, mesmerising wildlife encounters, and unforgettable moments captured through his lens.

 Stay tuned for more inspiring stories and breathtaking photographs in our Photographer of the Month series.