Two dedicated wildlife photographers have spent a decade documenting the untamed beauty of France's Limousin region, culminating in a stunning collection that showcases the area's rich biodiversity. Eric Nicolas and Francis Rousset have compiled 10 years of their most captivating photographs into a book that celebrates the wild fauna and flora of this naturally abundant region.
The photographer wasn't really looking for her, only hoping. This tawny owl appeared, almost posing in front of the lens, captured Eric Nicolas. Their collection features breathtaking images of deer antlers emerging from fern forests, birds caught mid-flight or during their grooming routines, adorable fox cubs, delicate insects, stags in full rutting season, a roebuck surrounded by flowers, and magnificent skies that frame the Limousin landscape.
"The book aims to promote the fauna, flora, everything wild that can be seen in Limousin. We have an incredible chance to be in a place where nature is still omnipresent, but we must be very careful," explains Eric Nicolas. For the past 20 years, both Francis Rousset and Eric Nicolas have been photographing nature, often working together as a team.
"We share the same common interest in our region and we had the same photographic approach to nature. We've shared hiding spots to spend more time in the field, we prepare together. There are moments when we both like to be in the field together, during the deer rutting season for example, these are moments we like to share," Nicolas describes their collaborative partnership.
Both photographers maintain the same ethical approach: photograph yes, but disturb animals and trample flowers, absolutely not. They go to great lengths to minimize their impact on wildlife. "For us, it's extremely important, even though we know that zero disturbance doesn't exist. As soon as we set foot in nature, we inevitably disturb something," acknowledges Eric Nicolas. "The roe deer will sense you, it will leave, and that's often better for it. We try not to make ourselves felt at all in order to capture normal animal behaviors."
When they venture out, they strategically choose which animals they plan to photograph. "We know what we're going to find. Right now, it's roe deer rutting season, so we go to meadows and woods to photograph roe deer. But if we come across fox dens, we'll also get photos of fox cubs," Nicolas explains. Sometimes, extraordinary opportunities don't require traveling far – a bird bathing in a backyard or a chickadee in the garden can offer equally beautiful images. The patience required for wildlife photography remains constant regardless of the subject.
As seasoned observers, both photographers have witnessed firsthand changes in the natural environment. "It's difficult to quantify, but we spend a lot of time in the field and we've seen significant population declines, especially in bird species," states Eric Nicolas. "Less so with mammals. There's even been an increase in deer and wild boar populations." When asked about future photographic goals, Nicolas mentions he'd love to photograph wolves or lynx, species he hasn't yet encountered in the region.
The photographers' work has gained recognition beyond their regional focus. Several of Francis Rousset's photographs have been selected for the International Festival of Animal and Nature Photography in Montier-en-Der, Haute-Marne, which will take place in November. This prestigious festival showcases the world's finest wildlife photography.
The book, titled "Les âmes sauvages" (Wild Souls), is a self-published 144-page collection priced at 40 euros. It's available in bookstores throughout Limoges and at Shop Photo, offering nature enthusiasts and photography lovers a comprehensive look at the wild beauty that still thrives in the Limousin region.
