Through The Lens Of An Alabama Wildlife Photographer

Do you ever find yourself spending hours at your local zoo admiring wildlife behind the separation of glass and cages? An Alabama based Wildlife Photographer provides a unique perspective to the animals we are typically seen confined by the cages we place them in.

As a recent graduate of the University of Montevallo, artist Jeremy Black introduces us to a new view focused solely on the animals themselves. Isolated from their environments, these captive animals no longer appear to be confined within Jeremy Black's work. The utilization of a black background helps to draw attention solely to the animals themselves.

According to artist Jeremy Black, "Through my lens, I’m able to present the animals in a way that shows their strength and pride, not their captivity. I try to take the cages away." The motivation for his obsession with freedom developed from years of being placed in a box of his own, and as he grew older and learned how to break down the walls that confined him, it only felt right to do the same for the animals. Their portraits represent the value of untouched wilderness, the beauty of the products of nature.

Many of the animals and reptiles depicted in his recent series entitled, "Fauna Distaccato" or (Detached Wildlife) can be found at the Memphis Zoo, The Birmingham Zoo, and the Montgomery Zoo.

This ongoing project has been a way for Jeremy to draw attention to the wildlife we take for granted on a daily basis. Take a look at some of Jeremy's photographs below and vote for your favorites.

More info: JeremyBlackPhotography.com

Known as the oldest female African Elephant in the United States, Tyranza played a large role in the inspiration for this ongoing photographic series. She was born in 1964 and originally lived in the wild. In 1977, Tyranza retired from the Ringling Brothers Circus and was relocated to the Memphis Zoo where she currently resides. She has just celebrated her 53rd birthday on July 12, 2017.