A nature photographer's passionate pursuit of one of Europe's most elusive birds has become the subject of a compelling documentary film created by his own son. Gérard Gardès, a wildlife photographer from Haute-Loire, France, spent nine months tracking and photographing the European pygmy owl, known locally as the "chevêchette d'Europe," in the remote Margeride region along the border between Haute-Loire and Lozère.
The European pygmy owl had recently established itself in the Margeride area, but few people had actually seen this secretive small raptor. "We knew it could be there, but few people had seen it," explained Gérard Gardès, describing the bird as "somewhat of a holy grail, especially in Haute-Loire." Together with his son Manuel, the photographer was able to follow a breeding pair for nine months, documenting their behavior and habitat through different seasons.
What began as a wildlife photography project evolved into something much more personal and profound. Manuel Gardès, who works as both a photographer and filmmaker, decided to turn his camera on his father rather than just the bird they were pursuing. "I wasn't aware of it at first! For me, we were making a film about the pygmy owl. It was afterwards that I understood they were following me," Gérard explained with amusement about discovering he had become the subject of his son's documentary.
The resulting 52-minute documentary, titled "VIENS" (Come), captures not only the rare bird but also the deep connection between father and son, and their shared passion for wildlife. Manuel Gardès explained his approach to the project: "When my father put a camera in my hands, I didn't take photos. I watched the scene. Video allowed me to get through that. The first hours of discovery when you find a new species, a new field, those are the most thrilling moments."
For Gérard Gardès, wildlife photography is about much more than simply capturing images. "I mainly do animal photography, atmospheres, moments... It's about finding the species you're looking for, studying and understanding it. Understanding where this species lives, its habits," he said. His work is particularly noted for capturing birds in atmospheric conditions, including winter scenes and foggy environments that create dramatic and evocative images.
The photographer has developed a unique philosophy about his relationship with wildlife subjects. "In classic animal photography, they say you should avoid the subject's and photographer's gazes crossing. For me, it's a bit the opposite. I've always sought that moment when gazes meet," Gérard explained. This approach reflects his belief in creating a dialogue between living beings, treating his subjects as partners rather than merely objects to be photographed.
The collaboration between father and son represents a merging of different artistic visions and generations. Manuel acknowledges the profound influence his father has had on his own work: "There's a big part where my father is my mentor. He's the one who brought me this naturalist side. I made a documentary about him, about his work. My work stems from his work. We're colleagues, in a way!" This cross-generational partnership has resulted in what Manuel describes as "crossed perspectives" on nature that is simultaneously strong, fragile, and graceful.
The documentary showcases Gérard Gardès' work as a naturalist photographer focusing on the fauna and flora of the Haut-Allier gorges, a region known for its biodiversity and natural beauty. The film captures months of patient research and observation, highlighting both the challenges and rewards of wildlife photography. The project demonstrates how dedication and persistence can lead to extraordinary encounters with some of nature's most secretive creatures.
"VIENS" is currently being screened in movie theaters throughout Haute-Loire, bringing the story of this remarkable quest to local audiences. The film serves as both a celebration of the region's wildlife and a testament to the power of passion and patience in wildlife photography. Through their combined efforts, the Gardès father-and-son team has created a lasting record of both a rare bird's behavior and the deep human connection to the natural world.
