Born in Cantabria, Spain, Marina has always had a passion for wildlife, but nowhere better was this displayed than in her seminal photographic publication ‘Cabárceno’ of 2009. Up to this point Marina had already been developing somewhat of a following amidst the photography world, but after the release of this large format book, containing a series of wildlife portraits, she soon had the World mesmerised by the beautiful clarity of her subjects. Although fascinated with wildlife, it has always been more about capturing the moment for Marina;
“Photographers usually say that they capture images, but for me the opposite is true, my models have captured me”. She remarks.
Marina’s photographs have now been published around the world in posters, magazines, books, advertising and editorial features and has now won numerous international awards for her images. Today we are privileged to have her in to share her glorious work with us and provide an insight into what inspires her with some useful advice for any budding photographers…
So, who or what was your main source of inspiration when starting out?
My inspiration was my father, he was an amateur photographer and I fell in love with photography when I was a little girl.
What would you say has been your favorite location to shoot and are you always on the lookout for wildlife to photograph?
If I could afford to live in Kenya I’d say Masai Mara or Amboseli National Park, but right now I have the largest park in the world where animals live in semi-freedom, 15 minutes from my house in Cantabria, Spain, called Cabarceno. I usually travel looking for wildlife photographic destinations, although I do also love landscapes as well, mostly seascapes. In January my next destination will be Japan, where I shall go to shoot the snow monkeys.
Are you one for luxury hotels or is camping more appropriate for wildlife photography?
I love camping and feel much closer to the Earth which helps me no-end for achieving those spontaneous photographic moments.
What equipment do you typically use and why?
I use Canon equipment; a 1D Canon Mark III and Mark IV. I currently use a 100-400mm lens although I am eagerly awaiting the launch of their new 600mm lens, which will not only be much lighter but also enable me to get even closer shots of my subjects
What would be your best advice for budding wildlife photographers?
First at all they must feel the passion for shooting and then everything will come easily. Once the passion is there then learn skills, technique & patience and you have the perfect recipe.
Could you tell us about your classes and how they are run?
If you love Nature photography and want to have an exciting experience you can spend an unforgettable time with a leading internationally recognised and award winning photographer. Improving your skills and enriching your approach, taking wildlife and nature photographs by having personalised tuition with me. Discover the way I experience photography, understand composition, light, process and much more.
For all of us eager to see more of your photos, when is your next exhibition and do you have another book in the pipeline?
I’m preparing a new exhibition in Cantabria, the place where I live, in Cabárceno, the largest park in the world and my next book I’m preparing will be Wildlife 101 Top Tips. To keep up-to-date with my most recent work visit my website: www.marinacano.net/www.marinacano.net and for class bookings I can be contacted directly at: marinacano@photo.net
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Interviewed by Sam Bryan-Merrett
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Congratulations, Marina , for all your great wok! Your photos are magnificent!