Wild Polar

Nature, Honorable Mention prize stories

1999

Polar bears usually swim below the surface. Their nostrils can shut off, but their eyes remain open for orientation and hunting prey. The photographers set out to demonstrate that natural animal behavior can be as authentically photographed in captivity as in the wild by photographing polar bears in German and Swedish zoos.

Commissioned by: Mare

Photo Credit: Heidi & Hanz

The Imagery of Heidi & Hans is inspired by the rhythm and soul of living beings. Since more than two decades the pretty independent husband-and-wife photographer team has created an extraordinary body of work. Their photographs and features are published worldwide in various media clients include – STERN – GEO – LE FIGARO MAGAZINE – PARIS MATCH - LIFE – THE INDEPENDENT MAGAZINE – NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC – FOCUS – SUNDAY TIMES – among others.

The photographers credo when it comes to animals: “However we all want to see animals one thing is for sure, animals are on the far side anyway – we only picture them”.

The works of Heidi and Hans were honored multiple times. The diversity of these awards and merits is a proof of their professional passion.

The couple was born in Giessen, Germany, the most grotesque town between Kassel and Frankfurt. After their studies and degrees at the University Of Bielefeld in the middle of Germany’s backcountry, they moved right away to Cuxhaven at the North Sea coast to get some fresh air.