Let us once again immerse ourselves in the world of photography with yet another intriguing theme, focusing on the wonders of wildlife photography.
For many, this type of photography has been adopted more as a hobby. It’s a profound and enduring passion that awakens a sense of wonder.
From the first click of the shutter, one embarks on a journey of discovery, constantly seeking to capture the beauty unfolding before their eyes. It is a pursuit that demands patience, a keen eye for composition.
Naturally, it’s a photography genre that records the life of animals in the natural settings, like in a forest or even underwater.
Hence, this type of photography often constitutes the images of animals in movement or action.
However, it is important to recognise that not every snapshot will possess the qualities that make it frame-worthy.
With a Bachelor of Science (Honours) degree in Biological Sciences under his belt, Fauzan Jamahat, 32, currently serves as a full-time government employee.
However, once his official duties are done, his reality seamlessly shifts into that of a dedicated wildlife photographer.
BEHIND THE LENS
“Photography started for me when my father gifted me with a vintage camera. The passion ignited further sometime in 2015 when I began actively carrying out bird-watching activities,” said Fauzan.
Experiencing such an activity, he found it to be a waste if he did not capture the birds in their true element. For Fauzan, inherent beauty lies in the ability to encapsulate moments or desired memories just as they are experienced.
“I also see this as an art form or medium to express my inner thoughts and feelings. Other times, it’s a manifestation of my pure enjoyment and cherished pursuits.”
Fuelled by unwavering resolve, Fauzan embarked on an artistic pursuit aimed at capturing awe-inspiring photographs.
However, with the nature of wildlife photography, there are certain priorities that needed to be addressed first – evaluating the limits and the potential hazards.
Striking a nuanced equilibrium between the allure of capturing unique visuals and effectively navigating the inherent obstacles remains an ongoing battle within Fauzan’s photographic journey.
“The difficulty lies in achieving a harmonious blend of inventive photographic concepts and visually captivating viewpoints, all the while being attuned to potential hazards and perils.
“This intricate dance has deepened my passion for photography, as I relish both the trials and the triumphant outcomes they yield. The act of capturing moments through the lens, pressing the shutter button, serves as a salve, alleviating the restlessness and tension within me.”
The avid wildlife photographer added that the moment he realised there are moments in life that he has missed without capturing in-camera, which later led him to an epiphany.
“I do not like to limit myself in a specific genre of photography, as I see photography as a realm of limitless possibilities.
“But if I had to choose, wildlife photography as it is the one I enjoy the most,” he quipped.
Making a firm decision to start his journey as a professional photographer, the 32-year-old detailed his investment into it through camera and photography equipment.
“Embarking on a deeper exploration of the intricacies within wildlife photography, I delved into the technical aspects. This genre proves to be exceptionally demanding, requiring precise camera gear and equipment to capture truly breath-taking images.”
MASTERING THE DIGITAL-ERA
Amid his journey, a pivotal step was transitioning from vintage cameras to contemporary technology, with the Sony a6500 marking his entry into the world of modern digital photography.
At present, he employs a pair of camera bodies complemented by an array of diverse lenses.
Capturing expansive scenes, Fauzan shared that a 200-600 millimetre (mm) lens proves indispensable, while a 90mm macro G lens adds a unique perspective.
“Among these, my unequivocal favourite is the 200-600 super telephoto lens, an essential tool for capturing the essence of wildlife in its habitat.”
To ensure utmost precision and authenticity, Fauzan maintains that a robust tripod or monopod takes centre stage in his equipment arsenal. While it’s possible to forego the monopod, the genuine natural effect in photographs is best achieved through its use.
He also underlined the essential nature of comprehensive research prior to venturing into a chosen location, further highlighting the significance of having the right equipment positioned strategically, and suggested that perusing images on platforms like Google can provide insight into the visual possibilities that lie ahead.
Drawing from interactions with colleagues and close friends who share his passion for wildlife photography, Fauzan also leaned on his background, including a course on animal behaviour during his academic pursuits, to understand the behaviour of creatures.
This knowledge contributed to his ability to pinpoint specific animal locations.
The profound impact of capturing animals in their natural habitats, untouched and genuine, has resonated deeply with viewers, evoking a wide array of emotions and perspectives – ranging from beauty to terror, cuteness to sympathy, often all at once.
This intrinsic ability to evoke such responses is a fundamental reason why Fauzan’s love for wildlife photography has endured.
The turning point for Fauzan’s dedication to wildlife photography materialised during his bird watching excursions.
Each photograph he managed to capture of the animals encountered during these activities filled him with a sense of fulfilment and contentment, confirming his unwavering commitment to this captivating art form.
UNANTICIPATED SUCCESS
Unexpectedly clinching the title of ‘Wildlife Photographer of the Year’ organised by the Ministry of Primary Resources and Tourism in 2022 in the Reptile Category was a deeply humbling experience for Fauzan, filling him with both gratitude and a sense of blessed fortune.
“The encouragement of my wife played a pivotal role in my decision to enter the competition.
Despite my initial reservations, her conviction that the world deserved to witness my work prevailed.”
In hindsight, Fauzan recognised the profound impact of this decision; it unearthed facets of his photographic prowess that he had yet to fully comprehend.
“The driving force behind my passion for wildlife photography lies in the recognition of our changing world, profoundly affected by climate change. This shift threatens the very fabric of biodiversity and wildlife, foreshadowing an uncertain future.
“The awareness that I possess the ability to freeze these creatures in a moment in time spurs me to intensify my efforts, acting as a guardian of their fleeting existence before irreversible changes take hold,” added the wild-life photographer.
GUIDING PRINCIPLES
“Clearly, for aspiring wildlife photographers embarking on this journey, it is paramount to commence with a well-defined purpose and a vivid vision of the anticipated results,” Fauzan mused.
He believes that gentleness and patience should emerge as essential virtues, guiding your path, noting that it is important to recognise that the essence of wildlife photography lies in its unscripted authenticity, free from deliberate human manipulation.
“Allow nature’s intricate rhythm to shape the very essence and culmination of your artistic endeavours.”
Before delving into the realm of wildlife photography, Fauzan reminded that the foremost consideration is to establish a clear purpose. This purpose becomes the bedrock upon which your creative aspirations are built, shaping the desired outcome of your endeavours.
“For me, this purpose revolves around capturing the unadulterated beauty of wildlife within their pristine habitats – unperturbed and devoid of human interference.
“This noble intent demands an abundance of patience, an invaluable virtue that allows one to seize the perfect moments in synchrony with nature’s design.” – Khayr Zakariyya
