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Paul Sorrell

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Paul Sorrell is a prolific author and nature photographer based in Dunedin, New Zealand. As a child, Paul was fascinated by the natural world, marvelling at the stunning images in Animals Magazine, the forerunner of BBC Wildlife Magazine. His passion for nature and wildlife has run through his life and work.

One memorable experience was a photograph of an osprey emerging from a lake with a salmon in its talons, surrounded by a cloud of spray. This image had a lasting effect on Paul and set him on his current path as a nature photographer. Since the early 2000s, he has devoted himself to photography, which has given him a new form of creative engagement with his long-standing interest in wildlife and nature.

Paul's images have been entered into numerous local, national and international wildlife photography competitions. He has published articles both online and in print, including in airline magazines, the Tourism New Zealand website and conservation and gardening publications. He has also published four books on his native Otago with Penguin Random House. With photographer Graham Warman, he has produced four book projects. Their first book, Fleurs Place , was a bestseller. This was followed by Trail: Riding the Otago Central Rail Trail, Peninsula: Exploring the Otago Peninsula and Oamaru: New Zealand’s Living Victorian Town.

Since about 2005 Paul has been photographing New Zealand wildlife, especially birds, in the Orokonui Ecosanctuary, a nature reserve near his home. This "little corner of the world" gives him the opportunity to experience and capture nature in all weathers, seasons and times of day.

In his book Getting Closer: Rediscovering Nature Through Bird Photography , he emphasises the importance of such places for effective wildlife photography. Only through repeated visits and close observation can one gain an intimate knowledge of animals and birds in their natural environment. Getting Closer is also a comprehensive guide to nature photography, with a focus on birds. It is aimed not only at photographers, but also at birdwatchers and nature lovers.

Through photography we gain an intimate understanding and deeper appreciation of the wildlife that surrounds us. Paul believes that it is from this appreciation and love of nature that the motivation to protect it comes.

[ Text 10Photos ]

10Photos says: With his camera and his words, Paul Sorrell brings the beauty and fragility of nature to a wide audience and inspires others to work for the protection of natural habitats. His images have an extraordinary intimacy and authenticity. Paul's work is not simply documentary. With a trained eye for detail and a deep connection to nature, he captures the grace and behaviour of birds and other animals in their environment with impressive creativity. His images not only show the appearance of the animals, but also convey their way of life and character. This is nature photography that inspires in every way.

See more of Paul Sorrell's work on his Instagram account @paulsorrellnz and 500px . An overview of Paul's books can be found on Google Books.

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