About Cornel

I am Cornel Schachtner, a Swiss wildlife photographer and qualified Field Guide with a deep connection to the natural world.

That connection began long before I ever held a camera. As a little boy, I regularly brought snakes, frogs and other small creatures home, only to discover that my enthusiasm for them was not always shared by the rest of my family.

My connection to Africa began during my first journey to Kruger National Park. It was there that my father and I spent fifteen unforgettable minutes alone with a young leopard. That encounter sparked not only my love for the African wilderness, but also my lifelong fascination with cats, especially the big cats.

Years later, I bought my first camera and began teaching myself wildlife photography in the forests of Switzerland. Since then, my journey has taken me from the African bush to the tiger forests of India, always searching for authentic encounters and meaningful stories.

My work is defined by patience, simplicity and respect for the natural world. Rather than simply documenting wildlife, I aim to capture the character, emotion and quiet intensity of each animal. My training as a Field Guide in South Africa has given me a deeper understanding of animal behaviour and the ecosystems these animals call home. This knowledge allows me to anticipate moments instead of merely reacting to them.

Through my photography, books and film projects, I want to bring people closer to the wild and inspire a greater appreciation for the animals with whom we share this planet. Every image represents a real encounter, a moment of connection and a story worth protecting.

For me, wildlife photography is about far more than creating beautiful images. It is about patience, understanding and giving the natural world the attention it deserves.