Bored Panda got in touch with Ian and asked him a few questions about his work. We were curious about what initially drew Ford to wildlife photography and learned that he has been immersed in the outdoors since childhood: “Growing up on a farm, I was always surrounded by nature, and that early connection with the land and its wildlife had a lasting impact on me. I spent countless hours outdoors, watching animals go about their lives, which naturally sparked a deep appreciation for their behaviors and the beauty of the wild. That curiosity stayed with me, and as I traveled more, I found myself wanting to capture those moments—not just to document them, but to share the raw, untamed essence of nature with others. Photography became the perfect way to do that. Over time, I honed my skills, learning how to blend patience with technique, always striving to tell a compelling story through each image.”
Wildlife photography requires patience and perseverance. We asked Ian to share a moment when he waited hours—or even days—for the perfect shot. The photographer told us: “Patience is definitely key in wildlife photography, but I’ve learned to embrace the unpredictability of nature. I always have an idea of what I want to capture, but more often than not, the scene unfolds in a completely unexpected way.
One moment that stands out was in the Pantanal while photographing jaguars. I had been watching a particular jaguar for hours, hoping for a classic hunting shot. But instead of the stealthy stalk I envisioned, the jaguar launched an explosive ambush on a caiman right in front of me—a split second of raw power and precision. It wasn’t the shot I had planned, but it turned out to be something even more dramatic. That’s the beauty of wildlife photography—you have to be ready to adapt, because nature always has its own story to tell.”
The photographer also shared his thoughts on the most unexpected—and even dangerous—encounter he’s had while shooting in the wilderness: “I’ve had a few entertaining shark encounters while diving, but one of the most awe-inspiring moments was snorkeling with humpback whales. I was in the water when a mother and her calf slowly rose up towards me, passing incredibly close just beneath me. It was a breathtaking experience—seeing such massive yet gentle creatures move with such grace and awareness of their surroundings. It wasn’t dangerous, but the sheer scale of the moment was humbling.
That said, some of my more unpredictable encounters have been with animals on land—jaguars hunting in the Pantanal or elephants getting a little too curious. You never quite know what to expect, which is part of the thrill of wildlife photography.”
Many wildlife photographers have a favorite animal or species they love to capture, and we were curious if that was the case for Ian. He revealed his deep fascination with big cats: “I’ve been incredibly lucky to photograph big cats in many places—tigers, lions, leopards, snow leopards, cheetahs, and jaguars. While each has its own unique appeal, jaguars are probably my favorite.
There’s something about their power, stealth, and presence that makes every encounter unforgettable. In the Pantanal, watching them move effortlessly through the water and launch ambushes with such precision is simply mesmerizing. That said, every big cat has its own magic—from the elusive beauty of a snow leopard in the Himalayas to the raw intensity of a tiger in the jungles of India. They all offer something special, but jaguars have a certain mystique that keeps drawing me back.”
