Joan de la Malla on outlaws, monkeys and falling out of windows
How did you get into photography?
I have been passionate about nature since I was young. During the last year of my biology degree I travelled to Borneo for three months and on my return published an article in a local magazine, using the money to fund other expeditions. After graduating, I worked as an environmental educator for half the year and pursued my budding, selffinanced photographic work for the other half. It’s slowly grown from there.
Why do you feel compelled to document difficult stories?
I am interested in the complicated relationship that humans have with nature, and want to document its positive and negative aspects. I hope my images help raise awareness and create change.
Have you ever found yourself in dangerous situations on assignment?
Working with issues such as species trafficking or illegal mining and asking too many questions can sometimes be nervewracking. It’s not very pleasant when you are surrounded by people who are usually armed and used to living outside the law.
What’s been your closest shave?
I was sitting on the window frame of a vehicle photographing elephants when a male started to charge. The driver suddenly backed up and I fell out of the window. He only realised when he was already 50m or so away! Fortunately the elephant stopped charging long before reaching me.
What was your worst investment of time on a shoot?
I spent three arduous days looking for proboscis monkeys in Borneo and achieved only mediocre photos. When I returned to my accommodation, two German girls proudly showed me their far better photos, taken with compact cameras, of some families that had been visiting the trees in front of the lodges – so embarrassing.
What would be your one piece of advice for budding wildlife photographers?
It might sound like a cliché, but choose a subject that motivates you and photograph it until you’re exhausted.
Joan de la Malla is a wildlife photographer from Spain. Visit joandelamalla.com.
Comedy Wildlife Photography Awards 2022
Now in its eighth year, the finalists for this popular competition that celebrates the funnier sides of wildlife can be viewed in our special online gallery at shorturl.at/yABES.
• LIGHT RELIEF
Have a giggle at a pair of monkeys ‘playing doctors and nurses’, a raccoon offering a ‘friendly wave’ and a moose with a ‘cheesy grin’, then vote for your favourite before 27th November and you’ll be in with a chance of winning a £500 cash prize.
• A GOOD CAUSE
This year, 10% of the total net revenue will be donated to the Whitley Fund for Nature, which supports conservation leaders working in their home countries across the Global South.
• WINNERS ANNOUNCEMENT
Visit our website to see the overall winner, category and highly commended winners on 8th December.
