When Austin-based photographer Nine Francois first began work on her fantastic Animals series — which we spotted thanks to Feature Shoot — she intended to use the images to create an alphabet book for her kids. Since then, the project has expanded into something much larger. “So far, I’ve photographed vicious bunnies, amorous tigers, wise old owls, man-eating turtles, noble armadillos, charging elephants and crazy chickens,” she explains. “It is exhilarating, challenging and sometimes scary. Over the years, I’ve learned how to get close, work fast, hold my ground in some cases, and run like hell in others. I enjoy the ‘hunt’ so to speak, and the joy of sometimes getting it just right.” Click through to check out a selection of stunning shots from the work in progress, and visit Francois’ website for even more animal portraits.
Elephant #1. Photo credit: Nine Francois
Zebra #2. Photo credit: Nine Francois
Giraffe. Photo credit: Nine Francois
Wolf #3. Photo credit: Nine Francois
Longhorn #3. Photo credit: Nine Francois
Cougar #1. Photo credit: Nine Francois
Kinkajou. Photo credit: Nine Francois
Lynx #1. Photo credit: Nine Francois
Owl #5. Photo credit: Nine Francois
Grizzly #2. Photo credit: Nine Francois