Patience Wins: A Photographer’s Journey into the World of Baby Animals

Photography has always fascinated me. It’s magical how a single image can capture the essence of a moment, freezing it in time forever. I’ve spent countless hours honing my craft, exploring different subjects and styles. And yet, nothing has captivated me quite like photographing baby animals.

There’s something truly extraordinary about these little creatures. Their innocence, their curiosity, their untamed spirit – it’s all so pure and raw. Each encounter feels like a glimpse into a secret world, a world where wonders never cease to exist.

From the tiny paws of a newborn kitten to the fuzzy feathers of a baby bird, every detail tells a story. It’s a story of vulnerability, of resilience, of the unbreakable bond between a mother and her offspring. And as a photographer, it’s my mission to capture these stories and share them with the world.

But let me tell you, photographing baby animals is no easy task. It requires a special kind of patience – the kind that allows you to sit in one spot for hours, waiting for the perfect moment to unfold. You see, baby animals are unpredictable. They have a mind of their own, and they don’t always cooperate. But when they do, oh, it’s pure magic.

One of the things I’ve learned along the way is that you have to adapt to their rhythm. You can’t rush them or force them into poses. Instead, you have to let them be, observe their natural behavior, and simply be ready to click the shutter when the moment presents itself.

Every photoshoot is an adventure. I’ve chased baby deer through meadows, climbed trees to capture squirrels at play, and even waded into shallow waters to photograph ducklings. It’s exhilarating and exhausting all at once, but it’s a labor of love – a love for these fascinating creatures and a desire to show the world just how remarkable they are.

My new book is a testament to this love. It’s a collection of intimate portraits that invite you to step into the world of baby animals and experience their beauty up close. Through these photographs, you’ll witness tender moments between siblings, playful encounters with their surroundings, and the sheer joy of being alive.

So if you find yourself drawn to the wonder of nature and the innocent charm of baby animals, I invite you to join me on this journey. Together, let’s celebrate the magic that unfolds when patience meets opportunity, and create a lasting tribute to these extraordinary beings.

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Suzi Eszterhas is a renowned photographer who has captured stunning images of wildlife. Her photographs can be found on the covers and feature stories of more than 100 publications, including TIME and Smithsonian. She has also contributed to BBC Wildlife, The New York Times, and Ranger Rick. Suzi is incredibly busy, often found working on multiple projects simultaneously, but frequently encounters moments of anticipation.

One amazing photographer, whom you may have heard of, specializes in capturing incredible moments with newborn animals and their families in their natural habitats. You could say she has a sixth sense for finding these precious moments, as she’s always on the lookout for biologists to notify her about a new arrival. When the call comes, she rushes out the door, excited and eager to document the miracle of life.

However, this talented photographer’s work doesn’t start right away. It can take weeks for her to capture her first image. Why? Well, she understands that patience is key when it comes to gaining the trust of wary parents. She knows it’s important to give them time to become accustomed to her presence. Only then can she capture the true beauty and intimacy of their family life.

But that’s not all this remarkable individual does. She’s also a passionate conservationist who uses her photography to raise funds and bring awareness to environmental organizations worldwide. Recently, she even established a non-profit organization called Girls Who Click, which aims to inspire and support young women interested in pursuing photography in this male-dominated field.

Her dedication and talent have earned her recognition as the Outstanding Nature Photographer of the Year by the North American Nature Photography Association. Despite her busy schedule, she graciously took the time to answer a few questions from Mongabay about her latest book, “New on Earth: Baby Animals in the Wild.”

Mongabay: You’re well known for capturing adorable pictures of baby animals, why do you focus on them so much?

Suzi Eszterhas: Ever since I was just six years old, my parents gifted me a simple camera. With that camera in hand, I would spend countless hours photographing my cute little cats in the backyard. But in my imagination, those cats transformed into majestic lions prowling the African savanna or fearless tigers exploring the dense jungle. I was completely captivated by the world of wildlife. My walls were covered with magazine cutouts of cute baby animals. It’s hard for me to imagine a life where I wouldn’t be drawn to this incredible work.

Look at this adorable picture of a young African elephant calf in Kenya! It’s so cute, right? Baby animals have this special charm that just melts our hearts. They’re innocent and vulnerable, which is something we don’t see enough of in our busy world. When we see something cute, it opens us up and makes us feel things we might not feel otherwise. It’s like a superpower that brings out our compassion and love.

Mongabay recently interviewed a photographer about the process of capturing these amazing wildlife images. They wanted to know why it takes so much time and effort. Well, let me tell you, it’s not easy. Photographers have to be patient and wait for the perfect moment to capture the cuteness. They spend a lot of time studying the animals and learning their behaviors. It’s hard work, but it’s worth it when they finally get that incredible shot.

Suzi Eszterhas: Yes, this work requires a lot of patience. At first, I have to build trust with the mother of the animal. This can take a while. Sometimes, I photograph animals that are a bit shy and not used to people, so I have to spend a long time getting them comfortable with me from a distance. It might take days or even weeks before I can approach them and take pictures. And even animals that are used to humans can still be shy or defensive when they have babies.

When I form a bond of trust with an animal mother, I get the privilege of spending long stretches of time by her side, from the first glimpse of daylight to the last ray of sunset. These rare, deeply personal encounters are not an everyday occurrence. Some might assume that wild animals are always in motion, but the reality is that they spend a great deal of their time resting or engaged in mundane activities that aren’t exactly captivating or worthy of a photograph. To capture truly impactful images, I have to dedicate an immense amount of time to observing and understanding my subjects.

Brown bear with 3-4 month old triplet cubs, Katmai National Park, Alaska. Photo courtesy of Suzi Eszterhas/New On Earth: Baby Animals in the Wild/Earth Aware Editions.

Mongabay: Tell me about the scariest or worst moments you faced while doing this work, like almost getting bitten by venomous snakes or encountering poachers, getting sick, or being stuck on an island during a storm. What was it like?

Suzi Eszterhas: Oh boy! I’ve experienced all of that and more. But, to be honest, my most terrifying moments have mostly involved people. Animals can be unpredictable, but humans take that to another level. Once, I was suddenly snatched from the street and forced into a vehicle, but I fought my way out and managed to escape. Then, in Africa, a group of intoxicated rangers appeared in the middle of the night, trying to arrest me for “poaching.” Being a woman working alone, I always have to think about my personal safety.

But let me tell you, nature likes to keep things interesting! I’ve had some pretty wild encounters – finding ticks and beetles crawling up my nose, having bugs lay their eggs in my feet, getting swarmed by a swarm of bees, and even being chased by a mamba snake! Just when I thought I’ve seen it all, I also had a run-in with an alpha male chimpanzee who charged at me and gave me a friendly smack (thankfully, not too hard!).

And that’s not all – being a nature photographer means I have to do some pretty odd things too. Like peeing in water bottles when I’m out in the field and can’t find a restroom. And there have been times when I’ve gone weeks without being able to take a proper shower or bath. So, if you think this job is all about glamour and beauty, let me tell you, that couldn’t be further from the truth.

Look at this adorable photo of a baby capybara resting on its mother in the Pantanal region of Brazil. The photo was taken by Suzi Eszterhas and is featured in the book “New On Earth: Baby Animals in the Wild” published by Earth Aware Editions.

I wanted to talk about the impact and outcomes of my work. What do I hope to achieve? There is one particular experience that stands out to me.

One day, a young girl approached me after a presentation. Her eyes were full of wonder, and she looked at me with excitement. She told me how my photographs had ignited a passion for nature in her. She started spending more time outdoors, observing and appreciating the world around her. This encounter made me realize the power of imagery in inspiring and connecting us to our natural world.

Every time I capture a beautiful moment through my lens, I aspire to evoke emotions and curiosity in others. I want people to feel that same sense of awe and fascination that I have when I’m out in nature. I want them to develop a deep appreciation for our planet’s incredible biodiversity.

Through my work, I hope to inspire others to protect and conserve our natural world. I believe that by cultivating a love and understanding for nature, we can create a future where humans and wildlife can coexist harmoniously. We need to recognize the interconnectedness of all living things and take action to conserve the fragile ecosystems that sustain us.

The world is full of breathtaking beauty and fascinating creatures, but it’s up to us to ensure their survival. I hope that my photographs can serve as a reminder of the wonders of our planet, and encourage others to join the efforts in preserving it for future generations.

Suzi Eszterhas: I really hope that my pictures can motivate someone to care about our planet and take action, even if it’s something small, like helping to save an endangered animal or being kind to others. I don’t think this job is just about taking pretty pictures. It’s about using images to make a difference. I’ve decided to support around twelve wildlife conservation groups around the world. I try to raise awareness and also raise money for them. One thing I’m really proud of is that I’ve been able to raise $200,000 for conservation through selling my books, prints, and organizing photo tours. A big part of the money I make from my new book, New On Earth, will go to Wildlife Conservation Network, one of my favorite organizations to support.

Mongabay: You are clearly destined for success in this challenging and male-dominated field, but you are also actively working to encourage more girls to join. Can you share with us your involvement in Girls Who Click and what excites you about it?

Suzi Eszterhas: I recently received the prestigious title of Outstanding Nature Photographer of the Year from the North American Nature Photography Association. This recognition filled me with joy and gratitude. However, it also reminded me that I am only the second woman to be honored with this award in the past 24 years. This reality brought mixed emotions to the surface. There is no justifiable reason for this field to be dominated by men. Photography has brought me immense happiness, and I believe that more women should have the opportunity to experience this same joy.

Bengal tiger cub (approximately 6 weeks old) with its mother at a den in the breathtaking Bandhavgarh National Park in India. This heartwarming photo, courtesy of Suzi Eszterhas, captures a serene moment in the wild.

Back in 2017, I had a brilliant idea called Girls Who Click. Its mission: to inspire and empower more women to join the field of nature photography, while also tackling the persistent sexism that continues to overshadow the industry. Together with an incredible team of 29 top-notch female nature photographers from all over the globe, we organize free nature photography workshops exclusively for teenage girls aged 13 to 18. But that’s not all. We also have an incredible Ambassador Program, where aspiring female nature photographers between the ages of 16 and 30 are paired up with professional female photographers for a year-long mentorship.

Girls Who Click is all about sisterhood, solidarity, and lifting each other up. It’s a remarkable collaborative effort, and I personally want to extend my heartfelt appreciation to my colleagues who generously donate their time and expertise to our cause. We couldn’t do what we do without them.