HANS STEL

Wildlife Photographer

Watching wildlife offers a serene glimpse into the beauty and harmony of nature, reminding us of our deep connection to the world around us.

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I began my journey in wildlife photography at the age of twelve, learning that extensive preparation, dedicated fieldwork, and a deep understanding of the subjects are the foundations for capturing truly remarkable images.

Art photography is a form of photography created to express an artist's vision, emotions, or concepts, rather than to simply document reality.

The beauty of nature lies in its harmony, diversity, and the sense of peace and wonder it inspires through landscapes, wildlife, and natural patterns.

Meeting a great ape—whether a gorilla, chimpanzee, orangutan, or bonobo—is one of those rare experiences that reshapes your understanding of intelligence, connection, and our place in the natural world.

Encountering a leopard in the wild is special because it feels like being briefly allowed into a secret world. Leopards are elusive and solitary, so seeing one means you’ve witnessed an animal that usually moves unseen. The quiet intensity of the moment—the leopard’s calm confidence and watchful eyes—often leaves a lasting sense of awe and respect for nature.

A wildlife photographer needs immense patience, often waiting hours or days in silence for the right moment to unfold. With a keen eye for wonderful scenes, they seek out beauty in the most remote places on Earth, where nature reveals its raw and untamed stories.