For over a decade, Hannes Lochner has dedicated himself to capturing the untamed spirit of Africa’s diverse landscapes, showcasing his profound connection to the arid wilderness and its enigmatic inhabitants through his previous works, focused on the Kalahari region. Now, with his latest masterpiece, “Once Upon a Time,” he turns his lens towards Botswana’s Okavango Delta, a place brimming with vibrant life and boundless wonder.
This book represents the culmination of five years of meticulous work and offers a distinctive approach to wildlife photography that transcends frozen moments, as he skilfully weaves enchanting narratives through his captivating images. Each page unfolds like a storybook, beckoning readers to immerse themselves in the mesmerising tales of the Delta’s inhabitants. Accompanied by his talented filmmaker wife, Noa, he ventured deep into the heart of this extraordinary landscape.
I had the privilege of sitting down with Hannes Lochner to delve deeper into the enchanting fairy tale that is “Once Upon a Time.”
Top 3 moments where nature yet again amazed you:
I truly value the small things with numerous incredible moments to choose from. It’s effortless to become fixated on pursuing grander experiences, but the most awe-inspiring sights of the past year were unquestionably witnessing a colossal crocodile (“The Great Escape”) engulfing a fish, with a tiny one managing to slip away between its enormous teeth. Just before being released into the water, you could spot the little fish wedged between those teeth, resembling a tooth itself. I’ll also never forget the moment when a young female leopard captured a young impala, unsure of what to do next, she carried it up a tree. Both of them rested on a decaying tree, gazing upon the sunset.
Lastly, I treasure my Standard Edition front cover of the Spotted Genet catching fish, he kept an eye on the movement of small carp in a waterhole. Hunting for small frogs and sometimes fish, the carp is oblivious to the danger above. I placed a camera in a homemade waterproof housing and triggered the camera from a distance. These three moments, each unique in their own way, remind us of the boundless beauty and wonder that surrounds us. They serve as a testament to the intricate tapestry of life, where even the smallest encounters can leave an indelible mark on our hearts and minds.
How did you decide on the name of the book?
With each new publication I release, I strive to reinvent myself. It was high time for a change. I possess a deep admiration for images that weave tales, hence I decided to concentrate primarily on them. My intention was to craft a whimsical approach to storytelling through a book.
Your images have such unique names, how do you go about naming the photographs?
I have a fondness for humour in photo descriptions, so I make it a point to include amusing insets or narratives that tell stories.
The story behind the cover image “The Fishmonger”?
A Spotted Genet strolled next to a riverine bed, the sound of autumn leaves crunching under its paws. Suddenly the glint of fish swimming in the shallow waters of a small stream caught its eye. The genet, usually a land-dwelling predator, was intrigued by the fish and crept slowly towards the water, its keen senses on high alert. With its eyes fixed on the potential prey, he waited patiently for just the right moment to strike.
The fish were unaware of the danger lurking nearby and suddenly, with lightning-fast reflexes, the genet pounced, its sharp claws extending to grab hold of a fish. As it pulled its prey out of the water, it knew to act fast. The fish was slippery, but luckily it was small and the predator managed to hold onto it and quickly pulled it out of the water. As the small mammal finished its meal, it felt a sense of satisfaction and contentment. It had caught a fish, something it had never done before and had proven itself to be a versatile and adaptable predator. And so the cat-like animal continued its nocturnal adventures, always on the lookout for new and exciting prey to catch.
How did you capture the moment?
I placed a camera in a homemade waterproof housing and triggered the camera from a distance, using three different light sources. A soft light source for underwater and two bounce sidelights. I was working on this particular image for a few years, images like this need a lot of planning and you need to know exactly where and when and for how long these animals are in the area. And of course, they need to do exactly what you hope they’d do. That’s why it took me so long to get this image.
Hannes Lochner’s artistic prowess shines through in every image. He masterfully captures the intricate details of a lion’s regal gaze, the grace of a leopard as it prowls through tall grass and the sheer power of elephants bathing in the Delta’s shimmering waters. Through his lens, we witness the delicate balance between predator and prey, the intimate family bonds within animal societies, and the relentless cycle of life and death in the untamed wilderness.
It comes as no surprise that his work has received international acclaim and numerous awards. His photographs have the power to transport viewers to the heart of the African savannah, evoking a deep sense of connection to nature. With “Once Upon a Time,” he pushes the boundaries of traditional wildlife photography, embracing storytelling as an integral part of his art.
As readers turn the pages of this extraordinary book, they are treated to stunning visuals and invited to reflect on the delicate interplay between humans and the natural world. Through his lens, he reminds us of the profound importance of conservation and the urgent need to protect these precious ecosystems for future generations.
“Once Upon a Time” is not just a coffee table book; it is a testament to the power of imagination and the enduring beauty of the natural world. His remarkable journey through the Okavango Delta is an invitation to rediscover our childlike wonder and embark on our own adventures, even if only within the pages of a book.
So, grab a cup of coffee, settle into a comfortable chair, and allow yourself to be transported to the wild wonders of Africa through the captivating lens of Hannes Lochner. Let this book awaken your imagination and inspire you to appreciate the extraordinary stories unfolding around us every day.
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