Fred von Winckelmann
The work of wildlife photographer Fred von Winckelmann proves the tried and true adage that “a picture is worth a 1000 words”. There is a timeless and ethereal quality to Fred’s work that is breathtaking – animals immortalized in unguarded moments of “just being”. Long after their last heart beats – these exquisite creatures will live on in Fred’s beautiful images. Not staged or pre-planned but natural, free, wild and magnificent.
Initially I had planned on asking Fred to give me a description or location for his photographs – but as I studied each image I realized that my own emotional or humorous interpretation as a viewer – might be more interesting than details of camera angle, time of day, the type of lens or Canon versus Nikon. Just as no two people ever read the same book – no two people will ever look at a photograph and have an identical reaction. That is the beauty of art and the gift of the artist.
Fred very kindly agreed to let me share 15 of his favourite photographs and I have given each a comment that reflects my first reaction to the image.
Fred has given us the gift of his work – from the smallest bird – to roaming African dogs – to the mighty elephant – these photographs are evocative and real. In Africa – just as Nature dictates everywhere – some creatures must die so that others may live – the stealth of predator and the race of prey. For those of us with caring hearts this seems like an injustice – but it has been ever thus – and it is the reality of the endless rhythms of life. Just as the harshness of winter must eventually surrender to the warmth of the spring sun – the cycles of birth – life and death dictate the path of every sentient being.
This Is The Wildlife Photography Of Fred von Winckelmann
Enjoy!
The Chase Is Over But There Is A Gentleness In This Cat’s Face
A Welcome Pause For A Weary Soul
In A World Of Cruelty And Strife – I Am Grateful For Moments Of Such Sublime Beauty
I Am The King – Do Not EVER Under-Estimate My Power
Not Today Lion – Not Today
A Pack By Instinct – Driven By Hunger
Boo
Birds Just Havin’ Fun
Water – The Life Force – Of All Things Great And Small
You Are Not Welcome Here In My Space
From The Poem – High Flight …
“Oh I Have Slipped The Surly Bonds Of Earth And Danced The Skies On Laughter-Silvered Wings” …
These Little Twigs Will Not Keep Me Out
Should We Wait For Rex and Jimmie
Family …
This Message From Andrew Mercer’s Magnificent Poem – “The Vanishing” Came To Mind When I Saw This Last Image
“So Tell Your Children Fairy Tales
As The Tears Fall On The Page
When We Killed What Made Us Human
To Embrace An Empty Age” …
When I look at this magnificent photograph I know that both the majesty and the vulnerability of the elephant have been captured in a single arresting image. If we humans squander this moment in time – when we can stand up together and save endangered species – then our children with look at us with pity and rage and scream -“how did you let this happen” …
Were that ever to occur – then we will owe a debt of gratitude to caring and talented wildlife photographers like Fred von Winckelmann – that will never be paid in full.
Thank you Fred for the gentle heart, the passion and the practised eye behind these photographs and for allowing me to share your exquisite images on A Beating Heart.
