How Do You Get Close to a Panda? Surprise Answer: Panda Suits

09 / 14 / 2016
Return to BlogAfter my National Geographic cover story appeared in August, many were fascinated by the scented panda suits! I talked with a number of media personnel, such as The Creators Project (part of Vice), NPR’s How To Do Everything podcast, Business Insider, and My Modern Met, about what it takes to get candid shots of these elusive animals.
As a photographer, I often try to look as little like a photographer as I can and this costume was definitely an extraordinary example. The disguise prevents pandas from getting accustomed to their human caregivers and allows me to get close to my subjects. The suits are scented with panda urine and feces, which is not as gross as it sounds. It smells like bamboo and something similar to wet puppies. But I have to say, when you wake up every morning and put on an outfit somewhere between a mascot and a bank robber, you know you’re really living the story.
You May Also Enjoy

Help Vital Impacts Meet the Match
I had the pleasure of speaking with the incredibly talented and thoughtful Mark Edward Harris from Make It Better Foundation about the power of a single image to impact our understanding of the world. At this critical moment for humanity, we cannot afford to feel overwhelmed or hope that someone else will address our challenges. [ … ]

Black Rhino Revival
I am honored to have been able to collaborate with The Nature Conservancy to document the incredible efforts and critical steps Kenya has had in achieving stable habitats for the survival of the species. Black rhinos once thrived across Kenya, but rampant poaching in the 1970s and ’80s drove them to near extinction. However, government [ … ]

Ami Named Royal Photographic Society Honorary Fellow
I am honored to share that I have been named an honorary fellow of the Royal Photographic Society, alongside such photographic luminaries as James Balog, James Friend, Sirkka-Liisa Konttinen, Michelle Sank, Marilyn Nance, Yasmine Crawford, and William Kentridge. This prestigious recognition is part of an initiative that celebrates the unique power of photography to challenge societal [ … ]

My Earth Essence Presets with Luminar Neo
I’m excited to announce my partnership with Luminar Neo. We have launched an exclusive Earth Essence Presets Collection that captures the essence of classic darkroom techniques. These presets are crafted to help you make subtle, yet powerful enhancements to your portrait, landscape, and wildlife photography. Guided by a strong commitment to ethical standards, my image [ … ]