Nick Brandt

Photographer / Co-founder of Big Life Foundation

“My favourite animal to photograph is the elephant. They’re so extraordinary and charismatic.

I’ve spent years photographing animals in Africa. I’m thinking of those moments when you’re in close proximity to an animal like an elephant, and the indefinable charisma of their presence and personality. It comes from spending many many hours in close proximity where you don’t go to the elephants; they come to you, and a herd or family of elephants gathers around your vehicle. I’ve had baby elephants come up to me, so close to me that I can touch them from the car, because the family is just munching away around where the car is parked.

For me, sitting there for hours never ever ceases to instil an absolute sense of wonderment. I have such a general impatience with so much about humanity but with animals I never lose my patience. I can very happily sit for hours and hours doing nothing but gazing at them when they’re getting on with their life.”

Photo by Nick Brandt