While you may like to look at them from afar, cuddling up to a huge bear or another wild animal might not be something you'd choose to do. And in most cases, that would be a sensible decision.
But if you have the team of animal trainers and handlers that photographer Katerina Plotnikova has, then maybe you'd consider it.
The Russian photographer poses her models alongside animals that you might think twice about getting close to, including bears, wolves, snakes, and birds of prey.
But thanks to the teams of animal trainers — and the animals' own friendly and calm demeanors — the interactions are magical.
After all, even intimidating animals have a soft side, like the gorilla who protected a human baby after he fell into a zoo exhibit. It shows that no matter what our differences may be, we have a lot in common with the other creatures on our planet, and with a little gentleness, we can form deep and lasting connections.
Plotnikova's photos prove that not only are those connections possible, but also remind us that nature — and friendship — takes on many beautiful, mysterious, and unexpected forms.
Take a look at them below and find yourself swept away by their quiet magic!
[H/T: My Modern Met]
Plotnikova's photos feature young women in the company of wild animals, usually in natural settings. They look like images out of fairy tales.
The animals, which are often large and potentially dangerous, are not digitally added. They're really right there with the model!
But she also has a team of animal trainers on hand to calm the animals, keeping them comfortable and at ease with the models and Plotnikova herself.
And her models aren't afraid to get up close and personal, either.
The images, full of natural beauty and soft, delicate colors, seem comforting and dreamlike, as though instead of coming face-to-face with a wild animal, the women are meeting old friends.
Even animals that wouldn't normally be considered cuddly, like this huge snake, seem sweet and protective.
When you see these photos, it's easy to come up with stories about the women, the animals, and their friendships.
On seeing them, some people don't believe the animals and models were really photographed together, but they were!
And to prove it, she shared this photo on Facebook to show how the animals, models, and animal trainers all work together to create a shot. This bear is sneaking a treat from its trainer between shooting!
And let's note how perfect its trainer's treat basket is in this fairy-tale setting!
And here's the final shot. It must be amazing to get so close to such a majestic animal!
When she first started working with animals, Plotnikova started off small, with animals like these hedgehogs that could be held in a hand. Before her work with animals, she crafted surreal images inspired by fairy tales.
But after getting comfortable working with animals, she decided to go bigger!
Like, a lot bigger!
Her photos capture the beauty and tenderness of animals, as well as remind us that not only are we not alone on the planet, but that we can have deep, emotional connections even without language.
And it's a great reminder that if we can connect to these creatures, then we shouldn't have so much trouble connecting with other humans.
You can see more of Plotnikova's photos on her website, as well as on Facebook. We recommend checking out her behind-the-scenes videos as well to see the animals in action.
And be sure to SHARE her hauntingly beautiful photos with your friends, but don't try this at home!
