he creates portraits of endangered species

Originally from the Ile de Ré, Mathieu Latour is passionate about wildlife and photography. For several years, his photos have essentially been portraits of endangered species, with the aim of raising awareness among the viewer.

Deforestation, overexploitation of land, introduction of invasive species, poaching, climate change and even pollution, many factors explain the disappearance of certain animal species. Wildlife photographer from the Île de Ré, Mathieu Latour is carrying out a project called “Regards d’extinction”.

This series includes more than a hundred photos of animals in danger of extinction, taken from the front. Directly confronting the spectator with the work he perceives. “I chose the portrait because I really wanted to take photos that could enhance the animal and that there was a message behind it. I said to myself why not make an identity card showing only the animals from the front, as if they were characters with which the spectator will confront, to admire the beauty of the species“, indicates Mathieu Latour.

Through his camera, this photographer immortalizes the animals in danger of extinction. Present in the region for some time, he enjoyed photographing the little bustard. An endangered species, the bustard has become a symbol for Mathieu Latour. “It is always extraordinary to be so close to such a rare and above all local species“Walking around an animal park, he stays focused, on the lookout for the perfect shot.”VSWhat I try to capture is the moment when he displays his black collar just after singing, because that’s where he is most beautiful.“.

Mathieu Latour photographs animals all over the world, but also in the Poitevin region. He wants to raise awareness among spectators through these photos. “What is important for people to understand is that learning to protect nature means first learning to protect what lives next to us.“.

Revealing the beauty and vulnerability of these animals, even the most impressive, is the objective of this animal photographer, also linked to the LPO – League for the Protection of Birds. The artist also takes pictures of mammals, such as primates. Going to the Valley of the Monkeys is a wonderful place according to him. “JHe seeks to make photography that has a purpose. And I want to put this art at the service of the animal cause, without it distorting animals“.

This committed approach is appreciated in this Vienne park, where the protection of our closest neighbors is a priority. “Owe must raise awareness visitors, tell them: ‘be careful, the animals you see here are ambassadors for their peers in nature’. People like Matthew are important to continue this message and convey to themD. These photos are magnificent, it’s really stunning“, estimated Nathalie Audiguet, deputy general director of this animal park.

Mathieu Latour chose to only photograph animals from the front. In his eyes, the portraits he creates serve to make people think. “They are made both so that people can love nature and so that they can tell themselves that this nature is threatened. If nothing is done to protect it, they will never again be able to admire your animals face to face as they do when looking at them in picture or in the parks animal“.

Through these photographs, he wishes to be a whistleblower in his own way. “We are experiencing the sixth mass extinction. Within 10 years, these animals could all disappear if nothing is done. I really want the people realize the beauty of these animals, of the nature that surrounds us to be able to protect them.