We had the chance to speak with Mónica, who shared more about how she prepares for her photography expeditions. She explained the routines and strategies she follows to get ready—both mentally and physically—for shoots in extreme and remote environments: “When planning a photography safari at least six months in advance, I thoroughly research the location, wildlife, and weather to organize all the necessary gear. The crucial mindset is the excitement of a completely new adventure that allows you to enjoy and make the most of every experience, regardless of the circumstances that arise during the trip. I always seek to integrate my mind and body with nature, becoming one with it.”
When asked about a specific moment behind the lens that changed her perspective on wildlife, the photographer shared with us: “This happened in Serengeti National Park back in 2022, during the COVID pandemic, when there were almost no tourists in Tanzania, and animals roamed peacefully everywhere.
During the afternoon game drive, we spotted 4 young adult cheetahs coming our way. We stood still inside the pop-up roof vehicle with all windows and top open when suddenly two of them crept up. With my camera in hand, I saw one of them jump right in front of me onto the hood, moving his head curiously at my lens. I didn’t want to put the camera away and he stayed there for a few minutes looking and moving around the hood. When I could, I backed up and found the other brother trying to climb into the vehicle through the rear window. I jumped back and tried to close it, but it was stuck like most of the rusty safari vehicles in the area. My first reaction was to grab my backpack and cover the open window while the cheetah jumped again and again, trying to get in with its large, retractable claws. He didn’t seem upset; on the contrary, he seemed to be enjoying the battle, and after a while, he decided to join the other three siblings and walked away. This made me realize that even being strong, wild cats, if left undisturbed, cheetahs are not aggressive towards humans.”
Corcuera also shared an interesting fact about her work that might surprise many of us: “Wildlife photography isn’t just about pointing your camera at an animal and starting to shoot. It’s much more than that: It’s a challenging field that requires a lot of patience, respect, and learning and understanding of each species' behavior, as well as not encroaching on their habitats. Animals are constantly moving and are unpredictable; sometimes, it can take hours or perhaps days to capture a striking image. It's also important to shoot during the best hours of the day; morning and afternoon lights make the difference.”
The photographer also kindly shared a story from a safari in Zambia — a treat for anyone fascinated by extraordinary animal behavior: “Shooting and tracking for hours a large pack of wild dogs in South Lungwa National Park, I assure you, it's pure adrenaline. They possess one of the most extraordinary behaviors in wildlife, worthy of being captured for being smart and relentless, for their endurance and teamwork. They form a well-organized, loving, and committed family led by the alpha female, the main breeding female, while the rest of the pack strictly follows her rules until her death. It was June when the puppies were hidden in the den away from predators, and the mother went hunting twice a day with the rest of the pack while two or three members stayed behind to protect them, as well as the old and sick ones. After a long hunt, upon their return to the den, the whole family fed the pups and those who remained, regurgitating much of the prey they had killed. They are selfless and always willing to give their lives for each other.”
Lastly, Mónica shared some words of wisdom for aspiring photographers hoping to make a meaningful impact with their work: “ Wildlife photography requires time, patience, perseverance, and being prepared for long hours of waiting and lots of attempts to capture the perfect shot. Study your camera and find all the possibilities it can offer for shooting in different situations. Learn from other photographers, but never compare yourself to them. Try to discover your own personal style, which ultimately is what you will transmit through your images.”
