Vincent Spagnolini, a 49-year-old forester, is presenting his first wildlife photography exhibition at the Carmes hall in Langon, Gironde. The amateur photographer has returned to his childhood passion for photography, which he originally discovered with his brothers. The exhibition features approximately thirty wildlife photographs that will be on display until November 29, 2025.
The collection showcases a diverse range of subjects including birds, mammals, and reptiles captured in their natural habitats. Spagnolini shares behind-the-scenes stories of his magical encounters in the wild lands, from meeting the elusive Eurasian curlew to capturing deer during rutting season in the forest. His photographs present beautiful scenes of wildlife in their natural environment.
"My brothers and I spent our childhood in the woods, and recently I even bought a house in the middle of the forest," confides the amateur photographer. "I'm living a dream, and some of these shots were taken just steps away from my home." This connection to nature stems from his lifelong relationship with forest environments, both professionally as a forester and personally through his living situation.
Spagnolini's most memorable experience involves his encounter with the Eurasian curlew, a very shy bird typical of the Landes landscape. "It was such a privilege to observe it after long periods of waiting with my ornithologist friend Franck Ibaniez," he explains. This particular photograph represents the patience and dedication required in wildlife photography, especially when dealing with extremely cautious species.
For this nature lover, photography serves as both an escape and mental respite from daily life. "I always have my camera (a Nikon Z9) in the car, just in case," emphasizes Spagnolini, who acknowledges some disappointment with the printing quality of certain photographs in this exhibition. "Two or three photos appear too dark when in reality they're not. That's just how it is – you have to go through your first exhibition baptism to learn these things."
Despite these minor printing challenges, the exhibition features numerous spectacular images that are sure to capture visitors' attention. Notable photographs include a Short-toed Snake Eagle at its nest feeding its chick, a Tawny Owl keeping watch over the forest, a brilliant Goldcrest, and a stag in full rutting display. These images offer viewers an immersive experience into the wild Landes region's natural beauty.
The exhibition provides an opportunity for visitors to experience the wilderness dreams of the Landes through Spagnolini's lens. Entry to the exhibition is free and follows the regular opening hours of the Carmes facility. This accessibility allows the broader community to appreciate the natural wildlife that exists in their regional environment through the eyes of a dedicated amateur photographer who has turned his childhood passion into a compelling artistic display.
