Musical Wildlife

Regular watchers / listeners of the show will know Dave Williams. He’s a great friend, and amazing photographer, and he has a skill I value… an eye for great guests. In fact, he has connected me to more potential guests than I think anyone else. Because of that, when Dave sends me someone, I pay attention.

Today is the result of that process.

Dave described Paul Kober’s work to me, and I was immediately struck by how unique the concept was. Paul is what most would call a wildlife and nature photographer, but I have never seen his subjects photographed in quite the same way before, or since for that matter.

All of Paul’s photos are taken in his backyard, and he places various string, woodwind, brass, and percussion instruments hanging from the trees or sitting on the ground. Next, he smears jelly, peanut butter, or birdseed in strategic places on the instruments to attract wild animals. Then, he waits…. and waits, sometimes for many hours. When the squirrels, birds, deer, or other wildlife come into the scene he has created, he grabs the shot. Catching the wildlife in artistically pleasing positions is the key, and somehow he does exactly that. It’s also important to note that no animals are photoshopped into position, it’s all about the patience he has to wait for just that right moment.

His interest in photography only started about twelve years ago, and over the years he has experimented with doing portraits, landscapes, and architecture images, before finding his niche.

Paul is very passionate about music, and in fact made a living as a professional jazz saxophonist for a number of years.  He’s also passionate about animals – he and his wife currently have five shelter cats.

In this relatively short period of time, Paul’s photography has garnered him a great deal of recognition. He has been showcased in Photoshop Magazine, and AirSpeed Magazine. He won the prestigious international GURU award, and nine awards in the London Photography Awards. One of his pictures was even used as the cover for a flute composition.

Join photographer Paul Kober and me as we explore his musical wildlife photography project, on this Behind the Shot.

Connect with Paul

Website: paulkoberphoto.com
Instagram: @paulkoberphoto
Facebook: @paul.kober.52

Dave William’s Post About Paul on DIY Photography

This Photographer Shoots Cute Animals Playing Musical Instruments: diyphotography.net

Paul’s Photographer Pick

Kaylee Greer: dogbreathphoto.com | @dogbreathphotography

Chapters

00:00 – Intro
00:38 – Intro to Paul Kober
14:12 – Photo Discussion
42:52 – Speed Round Q & A
47:44 – Paul’s Photographer Pick – Kaylee Greer
51:19 – Outro
51:41 – Remembering Terrell Woods