My name is Mads Hagen, I am 24 years old and my great passion is photographing animals. I have been photographing for the last 5 years, of which I have worked professionally with wildlife photography for the last 3 years. I am passionate about capturing the experience of the wild encounters with animals out in nature which gives me a sense of peace, added with a rush in my stomach. I photograph primarily in Denmark where I hope to inspire others to take better care of what little pristine wildlife we have, but I don't shy away from traveling and photographing animals in the rest of the world.
Q&A
- How did you start with photo/video?
I fell in love with nature photography through a general interest in the film medium. I watched a lot of films in many different genres and one day I fell in love with a British nature documentary series. As I watched this I couldn't help thinking that the photographers behind it must have had some truly amazing nature experiences. I just had to share that in some way and since then I've been searching for that wild nature experience myself, camera in hand.
- How would you describe your style?
I would describe myself as a portrait photographer who has replaced people with wildlife. I like the portraits that exude calm and show the most beautiful sides of the animals in the most amazing light. - What inspires you?
What inspires me the most is the encounter with wild animals and the great variety that exists in nature.
- What is your dream shoot or project?
I dream of photographing a sea eagle from my own hide in Denmark. There are many sheds abroad that can easily be rented, but there is something about the process of doing it yourself from scratch in Denmark that really appeals to me. - What is your best advice to others that want to develop as photographers?
The secret of wildlife photography is fieldwork with binoculars and notebook. It's about being in nature as much as possible and being observant. When you can predict what the animals are going to do and where they are going to move, then you know the good shots are close.
What is in your bag?
- What is the most important in your bag?
The most important thing in my bag is my binoculars. Without it, I would have difficulty doing the necessary fieldwork that precedes a good picture.
- What bag do you use?
I use a large hiking backpack with plenty of room for all my gear.
Discover more about Mads Hagen
Instagram: @Madshagennatur
Website: Madshagen.dk