Laurent started photographing african fauna in 2002 during a trip in Tanzania. He immediately decided to take pictures of wildlife only in b&w. “Africa is rich in colors but for me it is a land of light and contrast”. From this date and during more than 10 years, he traveled in the East of Africa in many wild areas, South Africa, Namibia, Tanzania, Kenya, Botswana and more.
Laurent never prepares his photo trips because he prefers to be surprised by what nature wants to give and shoots primarily with 600mm and 800mm lenses to maintain an unobtrusive distance from his subjects. The photographer presents photos which emphasize attitudes, animals with almost human looks. He also wants to show the vividness of these species which are still living, but more than ever threatened and the immense richness that they represent for the planet.
“I don’t know how photography can help preserve the wild ecosystems, but I am happy when people understand that animals are just as ‘human’ as us, they have personalities and feel emotions and experience the idea of family just like we do.”
