Almost human: Photographer's intimate studio portraits that show wild creatures making unnervingly similar gestures to us

By Leon Watson

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How he got them to sit still, we don't know.

But somehow award-winning UK-based photographer Tim Flach managed it, and this was the result.

The 54-year-old has created a collection of incredible photographic portraits of animals so intimate they reveal the complex emotions of their subjects. And the emotions on show look strikingly familiar to our own.

These stunning pictures were created by UK-based photographer Tim Flach, who has made a name taking intimate photos of animals

These stunning pictures were created by UK-based photographer Tim Flach, who has made a name taking intimate photos of animals

0021_Panda_Portrait copy.jpgAfter receiving worldwide attention for his photographs of dogs and horses in projects titled Dogs Gods and Equus, London-based
London-based photographer Tim Flach's latest project, titled More Than Human, consists of intimate studio portraits of various wild animals, from various monkeys and apes to specially-bred featherless chickens

Mr Flach is known for his highly-stylized animal portraits. His work aims to capture the emotion animals evoke in humans

Almost humanlike: Turned away from the camera, this gorilla was captured for a spectacularly intimate shot

Almost humanlike: Turned away from the camera, this gorilla was captured for a spectacularly intimate shot

After receiving worldwide attention for his photographs of dogs and horses in projects titled Dogs Gods and Equus, Mr Flach, from London, turned his attention to more exotic creatures.

His latest project, titled More Than Human, consists of intimate studio portraits of various wild animals, from various monkeys and apes to specially-bred featherless chickens.

 

The description of Mr Flach’s work on his website reads: 'Although drawn from different animal species, Tim Flach brings his subjects into such close focus that we begin to read their poses and gestures as we would the body language of a human figure, face or hand [...] We find ourselves irresistibly drawn into a distinctly anthropomorphic tête à tête, suddenly able to see eye to eye with a curiously kindred species whose behavior is not unlike our own.'

London-based photographer Tim Flach's latest project, titled More Than Human, consists of intimate studio portraits of various wild animals, from various monkeys and apes to specially-bred featherless chickens

London-based photographer Tim Flach's latest project, titled More Than Human, consists of intimate studio portraits of various wild animals, from various monkeys and apes to specially-bred featherless chickens

Mr Flach has received worldwide attention for his photographs of dogs and horses in projects titled Dogs Gods and Equus. Now he has turned his attention to more exotic creatures

Mr Flach has received worldwide attention for his photographs of dogs and horses in projects titled Dogs Gods and Equus. Now he has turned his attention to more exotic creatures

Near naked: A chicken pictured mid-stride with one eye on the camera

Near naked: A chicken pictured mid-stride with one eye on the camera

Spreading its wings: Up close and personal with a peacock

Spreading its wings: Up close and personal with a peacock

This portrait of an elephant shows it spouting water from its trunk

This portrait of an elephant shows it spouting water from its trunk

Tim Flach brings his subjects into such close focus that we begin to read their poses and gestures as we would the body language of a human figure, face or hand

Tim Flach brings his subjects into such close focus that we begin to read their poses and gestures as we would the body language of a human figure, face or hand

Sad eyes: This orangutan is pictured gazing out of shot, thoughtfully

Sad eyes: This orangutan is pictured gazing out of shot, thoughtfully

A capuchin monkey picks at his finger, and looks surprised
A white tiger looking proudly

A capuchin monkey picks at his finger, and looks surprised (left) while a rare white tiger (right) is intrigued

Mr Flach graduated from the renowned St Martins School of Art in London and has spent the past 20 years working taking pictures for advertising.

He has worked for Adidas, Cirque du Soleil, Jaguar and Sony during his career. But more recently he become known for his highly-stylized animal portraits. His work aims to capture the emotion animals evoke in humans.

To do this, he brings his subjects into such close focus that the viewer begins to read the gestures and body language as we would a human being.

His work has been widely exhibited in the UK, U.S. and Far East and he has also lectured extensively around the world.

The photos will go on display at the Osborne Samuel Gallery in London's Mayfair from December 5 to 21.

A look of concern? A gorilla's orange eyes are seen gazing out in this intimate portrait

A look of concern? A gorilla's orange eyes are seen gazing out in this intimate portrait

Very personal: Two apes enjoy an intimate moment together

Very personal: Two apes enjoy an intimate moment together

A bat looks almost shy as it covers its face from the camera

A bat looks almost shy as it covers its face from the camera


 
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The comments below have not been moderated.

Wow, beautiful and grasping photos. I linked to this from a facebook posting about it. The intimacy and feeling in some of these clutch your heart. And I thought the same thing as a number of others' postings about the poor featherless bred chicken/roosters. Pretty sick of humans to do on top of already killing them for our tongue tasters.

Click to rate     Rating   1

amazing - what a great talent

Click to rate     Rating   7

i love these type of photos

Click to rate     Rating   7

Stunning photography - but I was more than a little concerned to learn that chickens are specially bred without feathers. This is so unnatural. Goodness knows what effect this genetic modification will have on human beings via the food chain. No doubt done to make more money through less preparation for the dinner table. There is so much greed for profit these days at the expense of animal welfare.

Click to rate     Rating   11

Nice photos , but what's the story behind that poor plucked chicken in photo # 5 ? It looks terribly cruel. - Southern Softie, Sussex, 14/11/2012 21:32 it says "specially bred" featherless chicken - *bred*, not plucked...

Click to rate     Rating   5

Stunning. Absolutely stunning.

Click to rate     Rating   15

Brittwit , Augsburg, Germany, 15/11/2012 16:26 --- Not only did these pics touch my heart and soul, your post did too. Thank you.

Click to rate     Rating   10

Amazing ! I'm glad he choose to share these with the world rather than selling to Highest bidder to never been seen.

Click to rate     Rating   21

The fruit bat is upside down.

Click to rate     Rating   27

Best thing I have seen toady in the news

Click to rate     Rating   22

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