The images by Leila Jeffreys often capture the personality of birds in a unique way. Bored Panda reached out to the artist to ask some questions about her work. We wanted to know how the photographer establishes a connection with her avian subjects to bring out their distinctive traits. Leila explained: “The simple answer is time. It’s either a connection that I form over time with my subjects, or it's the wildlife carers who already have a close bond with the birds that they have formed over time.
Their traits, as you say, are already there. But it takes time to bring them out of their shells. Which is understandable given that birds need to learn to trust us. Once they trust us, they display a variety of emotions, just like us.”
Bird photography, particularly capturing them up close, must present unique challenges. We were wondering if Jeffreys could share some of the challenges she’s faced and how she’s overcome them in the pursuit of these stunning images. The photographic artist told us: “The first and most obvious is access. I am not a wildlife photographer so I have to spend many years searching to meet these birds. My subjects are not pets but wildlife that have either come into care or live in conservation-based organizations. I travel to the birds and set up a studio.
The equipment I work with is the most advanced available. I work with a Phase One medium format camera which enables me to capture incredible detail, accurate color and expression that would otherwise not be seen by the human eye.”
Asked if throughout her career, Leila has had any specific bird encounters or moments that stand out as particularly memorable or impactful, the photographer said: “Photographing Sirocco the kākāpo was one of the most incredible portrait sittings I have ever experienced. He is a critically endangered flightless New Zealand nocturnal parrot.
I traveled to Zealandia in Wellington, New Zealand, it’s an incredible wildlife sanctuary where the biodiversity of 225 ha of forest is being restored. I had to set up all my equipment around a favorite tree stump where we hoped he would return to, which fortunately he did. He is so important to the survival of his species that he even has his own mobile phone number. It was a great privilege to work with him when he was finally ready to be photographed and walked in.”
Lastly, we were curious if, beyond the artistry of her work, Jeffreys sees her photography playing a role in bird conservation or raising awareness about the beauty and importance of avian life. The photographer shared: “I certainly hope so. It is my life mission to help these unique beings who share the planet with us. I exhibit my photographic prints at human size so that we see them as equals. I have been told many times that people who have attended my exhibitions have woken up to the beauty of birds and that starts their journey back into a connection with nature.”
