Une chouette rencontre

Presentation

Olivier et Mathis LEPINE

France

Photographs

Olivier Lépine: Married, father of two boys, I live near Roanne, my hometown. My grandfather introduced me to nature from an early age. Also having a great interest in photography, I decided to combine my two passions. At 23, I started shooting naturalism as an amateur. The rudiments of this art, I acquire them as an autodidact, devouring journals and specialized encyclopedias. At 52 years old now, I want to discover and share my passion to raise awareness about the respect and preservation of the jewels that surround us. Mathis Lépine: I’m 17 years old and I’ve been photographing local wildlife for eight years. My interest in nature is not limited to that. After doing a discovery internship at the ARPN (Roanne association for the protection of nature), I want to focus my studies in research and environmental protection.

Exposition

2023 7 | Fondation Lucy Lebon

Seeing the owl was a dream. Its presence is well known in the Massifs Alpins, Vosges and Jura, but remains much more discreet in the Massif Central. So, how to find a little owl barely twenty centimeters high in the immense forest expanses of the Monts de la Madeleine? After multiple prospections, in November 2020, we hear his song, proof of his presence. Three months later, we finally make our dream a reality. At this time, the nuptial songs are regular and guide us into the depths of the forest, until we lead us into the territory of the couple. We will come regularly to observe and photograph these two individuals, get to know their way of life, until the young take off at the end of May. From this beautiful experience, we will keep forever in our memory this piercing look, that of the predator who amazed us so much.