Huge Talent at Such a Young Age
Nina Wild is a 24-year-old German photographer oozing creativity and talent. I mean, this photographer has some wonderful ideas to show the world!
Nina, who, in the middle of her college work, finds time behind her camera hunting for beautiful frames. Her great fascination for people and animals have created a special impression on her where she's very excited to show their personalities in her photos.
Nina believes that every personality and character is completely unique and thinks differently while working with different models.
Where Two Passions Collide
Nina’s first digital camera was a gift from her parents when she graduated from high school, and her childhood dream has been working with animals. Nina has since then worked towards her dream creating beautiful photos of models with live animals.
When asked about her photographic journey and particularly it's beginning, she says:
“I got my first DSLR in September 2013 and started shooting my girlfriends for fun. I also tried to capture a friend’s wedding and was basically just playing around with the camera for a while.
The first real animal shoot I did was in 2015, when I was on a road trip with a model friend, and having heard that I liked sheep very much, someone had offered us to use their sheep for a photoshoot. What can I say?
It was a disaster as the sheep were really afraid of us and ran away as soon as we got almost close enough for a photo.
We were almost ready to accept our fate and head back for the exit, when suddenly the alpha sheep’s head peeked around the corner of its shed, eyeing us curiously, especially the carrots that we had brought.
My relationship with the animals has been a love story ever since.”
Image by Nina Wild, Four Corners Photography
Image by Nina Wild, Four Corners Photography
Image by Nina Wild, Four Corners Photography
Image by Nina Wild, Four Corners Photography
Image by Nina Wild, Four Corners Photography
Image by Nina Wild, Four Corners Photography
The Animals Used for the Shoots
Nina mentions how the animals that she photographs are treated by explaining:
“What is very important for me is to make sure that the animals don't suffer during or from my shoots. Some of the animals I work with are kept as pets, they enjoy interacting with humans and photoshoots also means LOTS of treats for them.
Others are animals that got hurt or are orphans that are brought to the orphanages and sanctuaries that I work with.
I try to keep away from those animals that will be released back into the wilderness and they are usually not fit for photo shoots anyway as they are too shy and don't like to be touched. But, there are also the ones that need intensive care or are orphaned too young and need bottle feeding and in that process, they often get quite tame.
I like to work with these animals because they are very curious and don't get scared too easily, so shooting will not be a very stressful job (especially considering all the treats and attention they get).
If an animal loses interest in the model, we let them go, we don't force them to do anything and often enough there is another animal just waiting to get to the treats, so we will continue with that one.”
Image by Nina Wild, Four Corners Photography
Image by Nina Wild, Four Corners Photography
Image by Nina Wild, Four Corners Photography
Image by Nina Wild, Four Corners Photography
Image by Nina Wild, Four Corners Photography
Image by Nina Wild, Four Corners Photography
Nina's Photographic Process for Capturing These Emotional Images
She continues to tell us about how she gets her photoshoots done while working with animals, as it can be a very sensitive and difficult job:
“If there is one magical trick for working with animals it is patience. The noise of the shutter, a girl in a ball gown waiting for them in their pasture, etc., are things they are not used to usually, so they might not be too enthusiastic or interested at first.
However, sooner or later their curiosity will get the best of them and most of them really don't mind the ball gown as soon as they notice the treats that are hidden underneath the fluffy skirt.
We always take a lot of time for the shootings, letting the animals decide to take the first step. It usually doesn't take very long though, especially babies are super curious and ready to cuddle as soon as they find someone who is willing to give them attention.”
When Nina talks about any techniques that she uses to photograph the models with animals, she says,
“When it comes to techniques there is really no magic there.
I use my Canon 135mm f2.0 lens most of the time as it allows me some distance between me and my models. That way, the animal does not get distracted by me and can focus on the model.
I also like to use the serial shot mode, to make sure I catch exactly the right moment when something sweet is happening, for example, an animal kissing or licking the model's cheek.”
Nina says:
“Every picture has four corners, what you put between them is up to you!”
Nina uses her work to support wildlife sanctuaries and orphanages and sends an important message:
“Every living soul deserves to be treated with love and respect!”
Image by Nina Wild, Four Corners Photography
Image by Nina Wild, Four Corners Photography
Image by Nina Wild, Four Corners Photography
Image by Nina Wild, Four Corners Photography
Image by Nina Wild, Four Corners Photography
Image by Nina Wild, Four Corners Photography
If you like Nina Wild's work, you can see more of them in the links below.
Further Learning
When it comes to post processing, we know a great deal of you use Adobe products like Photoshop & Lightroom.
This Photoshop Basics from Steele Training course is excellent for beginners learning the ropes!
