PHOTOGRAPHER Alexey Trofimov takes haunting images of vast, often snow-covered wilderness.
The Russian photographer, 45, spends his time in some of the coldest and most remote places to capture his unique shots but even by his standard getting his latest subject in the frame was an epic endeavour.
He travelled to Lake Baikal in Eastern Siberia in the hope of photographing the local seals who are notoriously difficult to get near.
“The photos were taken from different distances, I managed to get fairly close to the pups. For the seals, I came on foot,†he said.
“Shooting seals was planned. It was particularly difficult to shoot Baikal seal pup on the ice. It took me three years to get my first picture.â€
And then something remarkable happened. A baby seal pup became curious enough to edge closer and gave Trofimov a perfect picture. And perhaps a wave with his flipper, adding to the cuteness overload already happening with its huge eyes and white fur.
“I was happy to be able to capture such a rare picture, seals are very cautious and easily frightened so it is difficult to photograph them,†Trofimov said.
“If a seal pup is not too scared, they will begin to become curious about you and this is what this seal was doing.
“It was a very rare and special moment.â€