Meet Konsta Punkka – a Finnish wildlife and nature photographer, who spends about 200 days each year in the wild learning the daily routines of animals, and earning their trust to photograph them, both in wild and urban environments. In that sense, he represents a bridge between the city and its complex and rather unseen lives. The work of this “fox whisperer” as he has occasionally been known, has earned over a million instagram followers. Eliisa Pass asks what it takes to capture the souls of our almost invisible co-inhabitants in the urban environments.
What sparked your journey into wildlife photography at age 17? Was it a long-term process or do you remember a specific moment where you became dedicated?
I fell in love with the thought of capturing moments that will never repeat themselves. Moments that will only present themselves to you if you spend time with nature and its habitants' behavior. I am attracted to the idea of capturing the "secret lives of the wildlife" that we humans normally oversee.
On your website we can read your quote "What inspires me the most is that people live their busy lives in the cities and they don't have any idea that they might be sharing the same neighbourhood with a fox, owl and squirrel family." It's beautifully said, yet it is so tragic that people tend to not notice these creatures, even if they’re right in their backyard. Do you have any thoughts about what causes the ongoing alienation between humans and nature?
When people live their own busy lives in their sterile urban environments, nature, dirt, bugs and animals can feel scary, nasty or even dangerous. But when one steps out of their comfort zone and enters nature it can really open people's minds to see how we humans are not the only living thing on this planet and that's what I try to do with my work. To show people what nature has in store for them and encourage people to explore themselves more.
For your many followers, you are known as a "squirrel whisperer". You also have some personal relationships with specific fox families. Can you walk us through your process for building trust with wild animals – for those who'd like to (re)connect with their backyard foxes and squirrels?
First things first, never harass or bait wildlife – to have some kind of bond with them means that you must prove you are not a threat to them. You are part of their environment like any other living organism. I often spend a lot of time getting to know specific animals' habits so I can capture unique moments of their special behavior. By using camo suits and tents, I try to minimize my impact on them as much as possible. Animals are always first – not the photos.
You've taken photographs in Finland’s wilderness, Patagonia, Arctic regions and urban areas – how do these environments compare? Are there any similar traits between all of them?
You can always find wildlife, even in the biggest cities of the world. Arctic regions are the closest to my heart, as I grew up myself in a cold environment. The Arctic region is also the most fragile one with the biggest risk of change due to climate impacts. People sometimes think that they have to travel to the most exotic locations to find authentic wildlife, but I seek to show that even when visiting big cities, one can walk through the local park and capture the most unique photos there. You don't always need to travel far. It's all about perspective.
Are there some animal/bird species or certain wildlife environments still on your bucket list?
I have always wanted to capture photos of the endangered wild eurasian lynx. I have managed to see it a few times but I have never managed to capture the elusive cat – maybe one day our paths will cross again when I have my camera with me.
You spend most of your time in the wild. What are the most destructive human impacts towards wild nature that you have experienced?
Greed and people's selfishness for short gain money and power is the most destructive impact on nature. Mining in vulnerable environments being one of the worst types I can imagine.
How do you view photography as a tool for conservation and science communication?
Impactful photos can change people's opinions on nature and conservation. An impactful photo is one that evokes feelings.
How has social media shaped your career and approach? Do you feel pressure or freedom from it?
Social media was definitely the one factor that helped me shape my career, giving upcoming young photographers the chance to show their work to the world. Nowadays I see my social media as a tool to showcase my work and feel quite relaxed using it.
Can you describe one very special moment/experience from nature that you will remember for the rest of your life?
One of my all time favorite moments was when I was visiting New York City for a speaking gig, and I decided to stay for a few extra days to try to capture the wildlife in the heart of the bustling city. I spent two days walking around the city photographing pigeons and rats, but not until the final evening did I decide it was important to walk around Central Park in the hopes of finding raccoons. After five hours of walking, I sat down on a bench and thought to myself "not this time". Suddenly a few raccoons climbed over the fence next to me and just stood there waiting for me to capture them with the city skyline. Still one of my most memorable moments as a wildlife photographer.
Do you have any advice for aspiring wildlife photographers or for those who would like to see nature as beautifully as you do?
You don't need to travel far, nor own the most expensive gear. Just go out into nature and learn by yourself. Capture what evokes emotions in you. Disappointments and failures will teach you to capture the subject better next time.
Interview by Eliisa PassPhotography by Konsta Punkka