Andrey Gudkov
Andrey Gudkov is a Russian wildlife photographer whose career has been defined by an unwavering dedication to documenting the natural world. From an early age, he knew this genre was his path, drawing inspiration from renowned photographers such as Frans Lanting, Nick Brandt, Michael Poliza and Steve Bloom. Over time, and through trial and error, he cultivated a distinctive style. His work explores the fragile and vanishing beauty of wildlife, aiming to awaken awareness of nature’s vulnerability and encourage stewardship of the planet.
Gudkov has travelled extensively to capture rare and untamed landscapes where nature retains its original splendour. His expeditions have taken him to South America, Africa, Asia, North America and the Arctic, including destinations such as the Galápagos, Madagascar, Siberia, Borneo, New Guinea and the Far East of Russia. These journeys demand extensive preparation, research and resilience, often involving weeks of planning for a few fleeting days in the field.
His philosophy is rooted in responsibility. He insists that no image is worth risking human life, and he works with great respect for animals and their habitats. Encounters have sometimes carried danger, from close calls with lionesses to moments of tension with orangutans, yet these experiences reinforce his belief in patience and empathy as essential qualities of the craft.
A regular contributor to international publications and represented by agencies including Minden Pictures, Gudkov’s work has been recognised by major organisations, including the Royal Photographic Society. His imagery, whether documenting elephants in Africa or primates in Southeast Asia, serves a common purpose: to remind viewers of the irreplaceable beauty of wildlife, and the urgent need to preserve it for future generations.
The breadth of Gudkov’s fieldwork is remarkable. He has photographed in Brazil, Ecuador, Chile, Argentina, Cuba, Mexico, India, Sri Lanka, Kenya, Uganda, Congo, Zambia, Zimbabwe, Botswana, South Africa, Tanzania, Central African Republic, Namibia, Madagascar, Indonesia, Japan, China, Myanmar, Canada, the United States, France and Finland. Each expedition has expanded his visual archive of wildlife and habitats under threat.
His published works include the acclaimed 2013 album “Neighbours on the Planet: Disappearing World,” issued in both Russian and English, which highlighted the diversity of life forms disappearing under human pressure. More recently, in 2025, he released “When They Are Free,” a project that reflects his ongoing mission to reveal nature’s beauty in its purest form. These works are complemented by features in international media, exhibitions and educational activities, where Gudkov shares both technical knowledge and the ethics of photographing the wild.
Gudkov’s images are defined not only by technical mastery but also by narrative power. They capture fleeting expressions, dynamic movement and the essence of wildlife in its environment. His approach blends artistry with documentary rigour, creating work that inspires both awe and responsibility in those who experience it.
Gudkov relies on professional equipment including Canon EOS-1D X bodies with an array of wide to super-telephoto lenses, allowing versatility from macro detail to distant wildlife. He considers careful planning, patience and post-production to be integral parts of the process, equal to the moment of pressing the shutter. His career is guided by the conviction that photography must both honour and protect the natural world. Beyond images, his legacy lies in cultivating awareness and inspiring future generations to respect the delicate balance of life.