Look: UAE photographer spends 1 week in wooden box to capture elusive 'big cat'

Khaleej Times

21-02-2025

For Khalid Al Hemeiri, photography is more than just a passion — it's a way of immersing himself in nature and documenting the emotions of the wild.
The Emirati wildlife photographer is showcasing breathtaking images at the Xposure Photography Festival, running until February 26, held at Al Jada in Sharjah.
Khalid embarked on his photography journey in 2008, experimenting with different genres before falling in love with wildlife photography in 2010. 'In the UAE and Gulf countries, we do not have much wildlife, so I started by capturing images of gazelles and other local animals,' he said.
His first transformative experience came when he traveled to South Africa. 'That thrill was something I had never experienced before. At that time, I was not a professional, nor did I have high-end gear, lenses, or a camera,' he said. The trip was a turning point, inspiring him to take a big leap into serious wildlife photography. He then set his sights on Kenya, a prime destination for wildlife enthusiasts.
After capturing the diverse wildlife of Africa through his lens, Khalid was ready for new challenges. 'I wanted to explore animals in different terrains,' he said. This desire took him to the Himalayas, where he spent 13 days in freezing conditions hoping to photograph the elusive snow leopard. 'It was hazy and snowing, so I couldn't capture it, but I saw it,' he said.
His pursuit of rare wildlife led him to Alaska in search of the Alaskan leopard, Grizzly Bear and deep into the South American jungles, which he describes as the 'Mecca of animals'. There, he photographed jaguars, bears, and the rare maned wolf.
One of his most grueling expeditions was in the Siberian region of Russia, where he spent a week confined to a 6x6-foot wooden box in sub-zero temperatures, hoping to capture an image of the elusive Amur leopard, 'the rarest big cat in the world.'
Despite his perseverance, he could not spot it. 'The gigantic cat is every wildlife photographer's dream. I still haven't captured it, but I will return to Russia for another attempt,' he said.
His desire to photograph the massive Siberian tiger also remains unfinished. 'The conditions were the same, living in a small box in freezing temperatures — but the tigers remained out of sight. I will go back to Russia for this as well,' Al Hameri said.
Khalid estimates that he travels to at least eight countries every year, solely for photography. His dedication has even taken him to the North Pole to capture its unique wildlife. 'My favourite animal is the snow leopard, and I am happy I could finally capture photos of it,' he said.
One of his most harrowing experiences occurred in Alaska when he had a near-fatal encounter with a grizzly bear. 'I was lying down near a pond to get the best shot as the bear hunted for fish. As soon as it caught a fish, it started walking toward me. My colleague retreated, but I remained still. It came within a metre of me,' he recounted. 'Thank God, it did not attack, and I was saved.'
Looking ahead, Khalid plans to embark on an expedition to Antarctica, where he hopes to capture the unique wildlife that thrives in the icy wilderness. From penguins to seals and the Antarctic whales, he is determined to capture the raw beauty of the continent.