TITLE: The Rhino and the Flock of Birds

Covered in mud beneath a cloudy sky, a powerful rhino stands surrounded by a flock of birds—its trusted partners in the wild. These birds, often perched on the rhino’s back, help by eating insects and parasites from its thick skin, offering natural protection and relief.

AUTHOR: Alessandro Marena (Italy)

I’m a passionate amateur wildlife photographer who, by day, practices law. My journey into photography began at a young age, experimenting with black and white photography and developing my own prints in a darkroom at home. Over the years, I explored various genres of photography, but it was the pandemic that ignited my deep love for wildlife photography. Africa’s diverse landscapes and fascinating creatures have become a central focus of my work, capturing the timeless beauty of the natural world through the lens of black and white photography. The pandemic also kindled my determination to delve deep into the techniques of photography and the understanding of what goes into capturing a remarkable shot, fueling my desire to explore other continents in the future to photograph the new Big 5 and share their beauty with my photographs.

There’s no sensation quite like being in front of a lion, walking toward me with the perfect angle for a shot, or lying on my belly on the ground as a line of elephants approaches my camera. These moments in the wild are unparalleled, and through my photography, I aim to convey the awe and wonder that these encounters bring.