My wild boar image
I’m thrilled to share that one of my wildlife photographs was recently featured on the MSN / Microsoft Start homepage. While seeing your work reach a global audience of millions is an honor, the real story behind this image lies in months of preparation and technical precision that the viewer never sees.
The Challenge of the “Invisible” Photographer
Capturing a wild boar from this distance is nearly impossible if you are physically present. Their sense of smell is incredibly sharp; they would detect a human long before a photo could be taken. To overcome this, I used a DSLR camera-trap system.
This method adds a massive layer of difficulty: since I cannot be behind the lens to adjust the focus or framing, everything must be pre-configured. I had to calculate the exact focal plane and depth of field, knowing that the animal had to step into a very specific, narrow area for the shot to be sharp. There are no second chances or refocusing in the moment; your planning must be flawless.
The Art of Patience
To capture this shot, I spent nearly five months studying the movements of these animals. Using camera traps, I monitored their routes, identifying which paths they took to reach the clearings and where they felt most secure while feeding. I even spent weeks “acclimatizing” the boars to the subtle sounds of the camera shutter so they wouldn’t flee when the trap was finally triggered.
More Than Just a Headline
Ironically, while this specific image caught the eye of the MSN editors, it isn’t even the one I am most proud of from this series. That title belongs to a much more intimate moment I captured: the old sow nursing her young. To me, that image represents the true reward of those five months of observation.
From the Forests to the Desert
While my work often takes me deep into European forests for months of patient observation, my passion for storytelling doesn’t stop there. This wild boar project is just one chapter of my journey as a photographer—you can explore my full professional portfolio and other galleries right here on Esteban Sanchez Photography.
And when I’m not tracking wildlife with DSLR traps, I’m usually leading photography expeditions in North Africa. If you’re ready to trade the forest for the dunes, come join me at Morocco Photo Tours for an unforgettable workshop experience.