Ossian's Tips - Creating a Bond with Wildlife and the Environment

Intro by Skip Cohen

Last week I shared one of my favorite images of Ossian's, and here's another one. But, with today's image comes an encouraging story about an area of Argentina that's reversed a trend we so often hear about with the environment. Ibera, once an area with wildlife on the decline, is now thriving, and has become one Ossian's favorite places to capture the interaction between the natural "residents", the animals. 
 
Ossian is coming to the U.S. next week and will be speaking at B&H in New York on January 19 and teaching at Foto Fusion in Florida just a few days later.

He's a remarkable artist, educator and as he reminds us in today's post, a passionate environmentalist. Don't miss the opportunity to expand your network and get to know Ossian personally!

​Just click on the links above for more information.

1/1250 f4 ISO 400 @400mm ​

by Ossian Lindholm

As a nature photographer, every now and then there's a moment that stops you in your tracks and makes you think about our relationship with the animals and our environment. 

I was walking in Ibera, which is a huge wetland area located in the East of Argentina. I had a 150-500 mm telephoto lens with me, but no real agenda. I was just looking for some unique photo opportunities.  Ibera is one of my favorite places to observe wildlife in Argentina. It's an example of how tourism can work with the community to recover an environment.  I try and visit Ibera as often as I can. 

Here's why it's become so special. The story of Ibera began 15 years ago when gaming and fishing were forbidden and poaching controlled by the police.  Today the area is a paradise for photographers and nature observers. Ibera has become an economic success as well. There's a strong business in tourism with new hotels and restaurants. Most important of all the hunters of yesteryear are now guides and teachers of future young leaders. 

But the most interesting thing happened when the animals no longer felt threatened by man - they stopped looking at us as enemies. They no longer run away from human presence. They're comfortable around people and simply go about their natural activities. Today, they look at visitors almost like this Marsh deer looks at the Cattle Tyrant, just another member of the wildlife community.

Image copyright Ossian Lindholm. All rights reserved.