Story By: Ernest Bio Bogore, Sub-Editor: Joseph Golder, Agency:  Newsflash

These stunning images by French photographer Gregory Pol are intended to capture the vulnerability of wildlife amid growing environmental concerns around the world.

Pol travels all over the world at his own expense to snap wildlife in their natural habitat before it is lost forever.

Among many others, he said he has visited the Arctic and the Antarctic including the French Kerguelen Islands.

Pol told Newsflash: “The aim of my photographic approach is to awaken consciences so that sceptical and influential people can finally understand that if we don’t change our way of thinking, acting and way of life, our beautiful world will die out far quicker than expected.”

Mainly using black and white, Pol said that tries to bring out the pure and innocent side of the animals and wilderness in his work.

He told Newsflash: “I hope the viewer feels at ease with my images and understand that what surrounds us is extremely vulnerable and at risk.

The former Navy serviceman said: “I sell art prints in galleries and photographic events. I also publish photography books and sell photos and articles to magazines.”

Like many small businesses, Pol said that he has taken a financial hit during the COVID-19 pandemic: “My trips were postponed and the events where I planned to sell my latest book and art prints have been cancelled.

“In addition, the French galleries where I exhibit and sell my images are closed too.”

However, he fondly recalled seeing a fight between two snowy owls in the sky, adding: “Their turf battle lasted a few hours and I was exhausted travelling in the snow.

“I sat in the snow to catch my breath when one of the owls landed a few metres away from me and instantly looked at me with wide eyes.

“I captured it in that moment and it turned out to be a pretty nice photo.”

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