LAURENT GESLIN

Lynx in the Jura Mountains

Introduction

Laurent Geslin is a photographer who works mainly on environmental issues and, like many, his passion for wildlife led him to the work of Stephen Dalton and Michael ‘Nick’ Nichols. After being a naturalist guide in France, South Africa and Namibia, Laurent moved to London where he became a professional photographer himself and from there, he began his project to photograph wildlife in cities. His original work has been published in numerous books, foreign magazines, is regularly exhibited in galleries and museums and has been recognised by competitions such as the 2014 BBC Wildlife Trap Camera Photo of the Year. Now, Laurent lives in the Jura mountains of Switzerland and has been working extensively with lynx for the last years. His new book ‘LYNX, regards croisés’ is the result of fours years chasing the elusive cat.

Laurent has kindly shared some of his images with us below…

What inspired you to get involved with camera trap work?

I did not have the choice, when I started my project on European lynx, I knew it is a very elusive cat and hiding would not be enough.

What do you specifically find are the advantages of using these techniques?

I can search for clues or other places while my cameras are working…

From a technical perspective on location, what are the greatest challenges you have had to overcome?

Wood mice are a pain. They eat the cables even if I hang them in branches.

The equipment used can get quite specialist, ranging from a simple remote system to complex lighting, trip-beams and flashes. How complex do your setups get or do you find keeping it simple is the best approach?

I use from one to 4 flashes, depending on the setting and the time I have to set up the equipment.

What has been your most successful trap-camera project to date and how long did it take from concept to first successful image?

I have just publish my book on European lynx and it took me 4 years to get all the pictures. I don’t think I’ll spend so much time for my next project.

What’s been your biggest failure, either technically or photographically?

I set up a camera near a den after tagging the kittens with the biologists. I wanted a shot with the mother carrying the kittens, but when she came back, she did not come near the den, she called her cubs 5 meters away and the kittens moved towards her… she knew the camera trap was there.

Laurent Geslin

Website: laurent-geslin.com

You can see more of Laurent’s work, as well as buy his latest book, on his website here.

Back to Interviews

Other Interviews

How to Photograph Nocturnal Wildlife in Infrared

What is Infrared (IR) Photography?Light that comes from the sun consists of a very wide spectrum, and when we look at the world around us we are only seeing it in a very narrow part of this spectrum known as ‘visible light’. The sensors inside digital cameras are...

Terry Whittaker – Camera Trapping in the UK

IntroductionSince starting out as a freelance photographer in 2000, Terry has built up a reputation as one of the UK’s foremost wildlife photographers. He has won multiple awards for his work and his images often carry a strong conservation message. Terry’s desire to...

Richard Peters, on a Back Garden Safari

Introduction Richard Peters is a professional wildlife photographer from the UK with a style that often takes a priority of light, over subject. During the last year however, he has begun working with camera traps, concentrating on a location he has a personal...