SmithDavidson Gallery is pleased to present the work of wildlife photographer Ingo Arndt, whose practice is rooted in deep immersion in the natural world. Born in Germany, Arndt spent his childhood outdoors, where he developed a profound connection to nature and discovered photography as a means of environmental protection. For Arndt, extended time in the wilderness is essential: by living outdoors and disconnecting from distractions, he becomes fully attuned to his surroundings. This patience and presence allow him to capture animals with remarkable intimacy and dignity, portraying them within the ecosystems that sustain them.
Arndt’s journeys have taken him from the rainforests of South America to the icy expanses of the Arctic. A defining project was his long-term documentation of pumas in Patagonia, where he became the first photographer to capture their daily lives with a photo camera. Spending months in close proximity to the animals, he gradually earned their trust, an extraordinary achievement with such elusive predators. These experiences reflect his commitment to photographing wildlife only in its natural habitat, where authentic behavior and genuine presence can unfold.
Watershapes, Iceland, 2023
Beyond visual impact, Arndt’s work carries a deeper message. Witnessing environmental degradation across the globe has strengthened his resolve to raise awareness through his imagery. Whether documenting a fleeting encounter with a silverback gorilla in Rwanda’s Virunga Mountains or vast landscapes shaped by climate and time, his photographs illuminate both the beauty and fragility of our planet.
In recent years, Arndt has worked on assignment for leading publications such as GEO and National Geographic Magazine, with his images appearing internationally and exhibited in museums worldwide. Yet recognition is not his primary motivation. Through his photography, Ingo Arndt seeks to inspire viewers to care about animals, believing that admiration can lead to protection, and ultimately to advocate for a healthy planet.
