Icons of the Wild: Africa in Focus
Icons of the Wild by Swedish photographer Johan Siggesson is a celebration of Africa’s most recognisable animals – elephants, lions, cheetahs, zebras and more – captured in their natural environments without staging or interference. Using low, wide perspectives, Siggesson creates intimate yet respectful portraits that highlight both the animal and its surroundings. This series honours the quiet strength and presence of wildlife, reminding us of what endures and deserves our attention.
Photography Johan Siggesson
This series shows a selection of wild animals photographed across Africa. All the images were taken in the wild with no baiting, staging or interference. The aim is to present these animals in a natural and respectful way. They are species people instantly recognise. Elephants. Lions. Cheetahs. Zebras etc. These animals are part of how many of us picture Africa, and that’s why they are often called iconic.
I use medium to wide-angle lenses and usually work from a low angle. This creates a sense of being close to the animal without making the image feel forced. It also helps place the subject in its environment without losing focus on the animal itself.
“These photos are not about showing something rare or extreme. They are about showing what is still here, and worth seeing.”
“All the images were taken in the wild with no baiting, staging or interference.”
Some of the individuals shown here are well-known, like Craig the elephant and Malaika the cheetah. Others are not named but still carry a strong presence. What connects all these images is the effort to show the real animal in a real moment. No drama. No tricks. Just a quiet interaction or a strong pose that says something honest.
These photos are not about showing something rare or extreme. They are about showing what is still here, and worth seeing. I take these photographs to remember these moments and to share them with people who value wildlife and the natural world.
About Johan
Johan Siggesson is a wildlife photographer from Sweden, now based in Malta. He travels regularly to Africa and other regions to photograph wild animals in their natural environments. His work focuses on clean, simple compositions that show animals as they are, without heavy editing or dramatic effects. Johan often works in black and white to keep the viewer’s attention on light, shape and emotion. His photographs have been awarded in international competitions and shown in exhibitions across Europe and beyond. Johan’s goal is to create honest images that show respect for the animals and the places they live in.
To see more of his work, visit his website or follow him on Instagram
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