Photographer Bastien Masson will share his remarkable six-year journey to photograph the elusive river otter during a special photography conference on Friday, August 29, in Ploulech as part of the Léguer en fête festival. The photographer, who spent years tracking these secretive animals in the Cantal region, has documented his extraordinary quest in a book titled "L'ombre de l'eau" (The Shadow of Water).
River otters are among nature's most secretive creatures, making them particularly fascinating subjects for wildlife photographers and nature enthusiasts alike. In the Léguer River, as in waterways throughout France, these elusive mammals maintain an almost ghost-like presence, rarely revealing themselves to human observers. Their discrete nature has made them a compelling challenge for photographers seeking to capture their natural behaviors.
Masson's dedication to his craft required extraordinary patience and persistence. It took him two full years just to capture his first photographs of the secretive otter in its natural habitat. However, the photographer's commitment to the project extended far beyond those initial successful shots. He spent an additional four years accumulating enough high-quality images to create a comprehensive visual narrative worthy of publication.
The photographer's upcoming conference will offer attendees an intimate look into the challenges and rewards of wildlife photography, particularly when dealing with such elusive subjects. Through his book "L'ombre de l'eau," Masson combines both words and images to tell the complete story of his quest, providing insights into both the technical aspects of wildlife photography and the natural history of river otters. The conference promises to be an engaging presentation for both photography enthusiasts and nature lovers attending the Léguer en fête celebration.
