Evan van Wezel (13) prefers to view nature through a gigantic telephoto lens. The past mornings, Evan cycled every day from Cromvoirt to Vught to capture a pair of peregrine falcons in the DePetrus. And he does that ‘with a whopper of a telephoto lens’. And he does need it, because: “The peregrine falcon is the fastest bird ever”, Evan describes his photographic prey.
Nature photography has recently become Evan’s great passion. At DePetrus in Vught his camera is pointed at the tower on Thursday morning. “There is a pair of peregrine falcons there. They take turns flying away. This morning I had to wait half an hour before I saw one. When the male came flying, I was able to capture it immediately.”
Evan has only been shooting since June. “My father still had a camera lying around. I started photographing fighter jets at Volkel airport. But I couldn’t drive from Cromvoirt to Volkel every day to shoot fighter jets. Then I started photographing garden birds and that is continued to grow. I have also been to the Biesbosch a number of times for bird watching. My father taught me the tricks of photography. I am also happy that I can use his telephoto lens,” says Evan.
“Capturing a special bird makes me happy. I prefer to go out every day.”
Nature has stolen Evan’s heart. “I find it soothing. When I’m busy with things for school, I occasionally grab my camera and cycle into nature. I can become very happy when I see and capture a special bird. I would prefer every day go out.”
In the past period, Evan has already captured a lot of special birds. The most special? “The osprey in the Biesbosch. I am quite proud of that. We were on a boat and the osprey flew over us. Fortunately I was able to capture it. A special experience.”
“I’m young and I still have a lot to learn.”
Evan also photographed the rare kingfisher. “I did that from a tent, otherwise you won’t get close.” In addition, Evan hopes to get the Dutch birds of prey such as the white-tailed eagle, hen harrier and kestrel in front of his lens.
The young photographer realizes that he still has a long way to go. He dreams of having one of his wildlife photos featured in National Geographic magazine. “But I’ve only just started this hobby. I’m young and I still have a lot to learn.” But if Evan has to choose between a photo in the high-profile magazine or fighter jet pilot, he chooses the latter.
The photos of Evan can be seen at facebook, Instagram and YouTube.
