Alattyán, Hungary — Imperial Eagle Fieldwork
In December 2024, I travelled to the Hungarian countryside near Alattyán to take part in imperial eagle observation and documentation within a protected area. This project involved working from a hide for an entire day, focusing on rare birds of prey under strict ethical and conservation guidelines.
The conditions were demanding. Temperatures remained well below freezing, and the workday extended to nearly 14 hours inside a small hide, from before first light until dusk. Movement was extremely limited, requiring both physical endurance and careful preparation. Remaining still for long periods became as important as technical readiness, with every adjustment needing to be planned and minimal.
The project required significant organisation in advance — long-distance travel, coordination with local conservation contacts, and preparation for operating independently in harsh winter conditions. This was my first international photography trip, and it highlighted the importance of reliability, self-sufficiency, and adaptability when working away from familiar environments.
Imperial eagles appeared infrequently and without warning. Their presence was defined by long periods of absence followed by brief, decisive moments. The focus was on documentation rather than image quantity — observing flight paths, perching behaviour, and interaction with the surrounding landscape. Some of the recorded material contributed to documentation work for the Magyar Madártani és Természetvédelmi Egyesület, reinforcing the responsibility and accuracy required in conservation-linked fieldwork.
This project marked a turning point in my practice. The commitment required — logistical, physical, and mental — clarified my direction and confirmed my intention to pursue wildlife photography and filmmaking as a long-term career. It represents a shift from learning environments into purposeful fieldwork, where patience, preparation, and responsibility define the outcome as much as the imagery itself.
