Michael Huggan's Wildlife and Wild Places 2011 Calendar

The images I have selected for the 2011 calendar are some of my favourites from the collection of photographs I have taken over the last few years. During the last year I have travelled to India and North America, two countries that are totally different, both with a wealth of photographic opportunities.

India is one of those destinations that everybody must visit, the people are friendly, the rich colours are everywhere and the photo opportunities abound. A top destination, no doubt I will return.

North America is a country that has everything, whales, wildlife, exotoc birds and dramatic scenery, a must for all photographers.

Wildlife and Wild Places - enjoy the pictures!

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Alligator

Whilst sitting on a boardwalk somewhere in the Everglades getting ready to take a photograph of a Great Egret, I had the sensation that something was behind me and truning around I saw this alligator heading in my direction! I quickly took the shot before moving to a less vunerable position. The picture has turnedout to be one of my best sellers as a canvas print.

The Colours of Zanzibar

I took this picture in Stonetown, Zanzibar along the harbour front. There was many vendors selling their wares and I came across a rack of silk scarves displayed. The range of bring colours had an immediate impact on me and also makes a great image. Another picture that sells well a a canvas print.

Humpback Whales

I have travelled miles over many years to capture a whale breaching, after many hours and several locations I still had not got the picture I wanted. While in Boston, Massachusetts earlier this year I was invited onto one of the whale watching boats, it was here I managed to capture this image of a calf breaching with its mother nearby. Success at last!

Dancing Horse

One of the troupe of dancing horses displaying at the International endurance championships in Rajasthan. The presence of the horse and rider, plus the vivid colours makes this a good picture. This picture also looks great as a canvas print.

Red Stag Deer

One winters day in the Scottish Highlands, I ventured out with a colleague to photograph deer. I have always wanted to take this classic picture of 'The Monarch of the Glen.' After several days of lookig for the right location and subject, I managed to capture this image.

Sunset

Whilst photographing Ospeys on a lake in Florida USA, I noticed the sun was setting at a particular point. Waiting behind the cypress tress in the boat I used the trees to bracket the sunset. In fact this turned out to be the best picture of a few I took. Looks great as a canvas print.

Ghost Ranch

Whilst travelling through New Mexico earlier this year towards Albuquerque, from Chama, we drove past this rock structure. The images was taken at the side of the road amoungst other stricking rock formations. The image works well with the combination of rich blue sky and colour of the sandstone rocks. I have this images as a large canvas and it has tremendous impact.

Elephant

I was paddeling down the Zambezi River in a canoe, when this elephant came rushing out the bush waiving its trunk and flapping its ears. The guide in the canoe started paddling frantically while I took this picture. I shouted at the guide to slow down so I could 'frame' the subject correctly, the reply I got back was not for print, but it was tantamount to he's coming for us, paddle!!!

Great Egret

One of the great things of photographing in Florida, USA is the rich blue sky, the birds are in abundance and very accessible. The Geat Egret passed by with a gentle rhythmic beat of its wings. Camera ready and being observant always pays dividends. This picture always looks great as a canvas print.

Disco Camel

I could not resist taking this pictureof the camel's head. The camel was part of a troupe of dancing horses and camels at an event in Rajasthan, India. The detail of the face and the wonderful colours that adorn the camel makes for a great picture.

Reflections

One very cold frosty morning whilst walking alongthe banks of the River Garonne in France, I came across this view. The river was running but the reflection was captured without much distortion. Fortunatly, the image was captured by the camera in all its glory.

Chital Deer

Sometimes the simplest of subjects makes the best pictures. I photographed these Chital Deer in the forests of Ranthambore in India. Whist travelling along the road looking for tigers, the deer were one of the many subjects that made the trip worthwhile.