This photographer has created a stunning series of owl portraits

Nature photographer Brad Wilson has created a stunning series of owl portraits following a project that took two years to finish.

Wilson, who has a wide-ranging portfolio of enchanting animal portraits, told i100.co.uk he was particularly "captivated by [the owls'] compelling beauty and the haunting, other-worldly qualities they seem to possess".

As humans, we have been fascinated with them for millennia - they appear frequently in our stories and our myths dating back to the ancient Greeks and before. In some small way, I wanted a chance to add my voice to this rich and enduring legacy.

This project started after the New Mexico-based photographer approached a nearby sanctuary and rehabilitation centre for birds of prey who agreed to let him work with the animals.

I photographed a large number of birds in New Mexico, Missouri, and California for about two years. In general, I only got to work with each animal for an hour or less, so I tried to bring in four or five over the course of a day - wherever I happened to be.

He told i100.co.uk that this was his favourite project to date and that the experience with each owl is "profound in the moment and resonates long after it ends".

You can see more of Wilson's work on his website, in his book or at the Doinel Gallery in London.

All images published with kind permission of the photographer.

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