Being Looked At by Animals

There is a category of animal photograph that is really about eye contact. A fox pauses mid-step. An owl turns its head that extra impossible degree. For one frame, the animal has clearly noticed the photographer — and by extension, you, forever after.

Every image in this collection has that quality of mutual regard. These are not animals as scenery; they are animals as neighbours who happen to have better posture.

A face on a lock screen is a strange, old comfort — portraits have kept people company since portraits existed. A snow leopard simply does the job with more cheekbone.