Mats Andersson and nature enjoy a quiet communion. As the autumn light gradually fades behind the treetops, the forest predators come out for a few hours – allowing the photographer to take pictures of them. His Large Predators series speaks of the grace and beauty of these wild animals, whilst also making an appeal for their protection.

 

… I’ve always been fascinated by wildlife and nature. As children, we were constantly outdoors, hiking through the forests of John Bauer, who was a famous artist known for his paintings of trolls in dark forests. Most importantly, the images have to move people. And I like them dark and melancholic. A bit like Mozart’s Requiem. It can feel like a funeral mass, but still be beautiful …

 

… I truly hope that everyone who sees my images understands that our nature and wildlife are something unique and worth protecting and preserving. The wolf pack here is a family, just like ours. They feel love, fear, loyalty, and grief just as deeply as we do. They care for one another, protect their young, and survive through cooperation and trust. Wild animals are not lesser beings simply because they are different from us – their lives have value, their bonds matter, and they deserve the same respect and compassion that we expect for ourselves.