About

Axel Bertrand, photographe animalier

Wildlife Photographer

A graduate of the École de Condé, I am a photographer specializing in wildlife photography. My work highlights the beauty and diversity of the animal world through authentic and sensitive images.

After starting with wildlife photography in zoological settings, I broadened my perspective through my travels—notably a trip around the world that allowed me to observe wildlife in varied contexts, from Costa Rica to Southeast Asia. These experiences enrich my practice and my desire to raise awareness about the fragility of living things.

Today, I aspire to further explore the wilderness and plant landscapes, while continuing to develop my portfolio. Each image is an invitation to look at the animal world in a different way.

My thesis

In my thesis, I explore the emergence of animal photography as a genre, with the aim of shedding light on a specific question: how can the gaze of animals in photography create a sense of closeness? I briefly trace the history of animal representation, which began about 44,000 years ago, although the motivations behind these early representations remain uncertain (symbolic, religious, or aesthetic).

From the mid-19th century onwards, photography turned its attention to the animal world, initially capturing animals that were still, dead, or in captivity. At the end of the century, photographers sought to capture animal movement, combining art and science. In the 20th century, animal photography expanded to include domestic and everyday animals.

After the Second World War, photography played a role in highlighting natural resources and conservation. In the 1970s, with the rise of environmental concerns, animal photography increasingly turned towards ecological issues.

I focus on monkeys to illustrate how the gaze of animals in photography can evoke a sense of closeness, thereby serving the animal cause.

My approach

  • Freelance photographer

    From capturing the image to the final print, I master every step to guarantee the quality of my prints.

  • Nature enthusiast

    Through my photos, I reveal the beauty and diversity of the animal world, from primates to tropical birds.

  • Committed to the environment

    My photographs are a tool to raise awareness about the fragility of wildlife and the need to preserve it.

Meticulous work

  • Photographie flamant rouge (Phoenicopterus ruber) - plumage rose vif, oiseau des Caraïbes
  • Photographie spatule d'Afrique (Platalea alba) - échassier au bec spatulé, Afrique subsaharienne
  • Photographie ara hyacinthe (Anodorhynchus hyacinthinus) - plumage bleu cobalt, plus grand perroquet du monde