Waiting patiently until they arrive in front of a dark background, he used only natural light to create these visually stunning images which look like they must have been shot in a studio.

The series, entitled 'Dark Zoo', captures a range of animals in incredibly intimate poses.

The 27-year-old, from Granville, Normandy, travelled to several different zoos in his home country to photograph a variety of animals including lions, giraffes and zebras.

He said: 'Nature is a recurring theme in most of my photographs. It’s my first source of inspiration

'Since I was young I’ve the chance to live in the countryside, to see beautiful landscapes and view nature that is still untouched.

'It would be a shame not to enjoy this opportunity and not share it with the others. Nature is an endless source of inspiration!

'I also love the minimalist style. I like the simplicity, playing with empty spaces.'


Although they may look like studio portraiture, Nicolas has used only natural light for his photographs.

He has chosen a final selection of around 20 photos from more than 2,000 he took in a bid to capture the perfect portrait.

Some of his favorites are the stunning courtship of the giraffes, which happened by chance.


He said: 'I will not forget the courtship of giraffes. It was an impressive moment, both violent and beautiful at the same time. To see how they play with their necks, it was amazing.'

'Of course I had a lot of fun photographing them. I was lucky to find myself in the right place at the right time!'

He says he purposely chose black and white photography to share his artistic vision.


'Through my photos I'm not trying to show things as they are, but to share a personal and artistic vision of what surrounds us. I try to convey an emotion or even tell a story.
'

'The black and white intensifies the unreal and timeless side of the picture, immersing ourselves in a particular universe. To me, the emotion is not the same in a black and white and in a colour photography.


'There is still plenty of opportunity and animals that I don't have in my collection so I think I will continue in the coming years. I'd like also do a series, but with animals in their natural environment.'


Nicolas exhibits his work and opened a small gallery earlier this year.

He also hopes to continue his 'Dark Zoo' series in the future, visiting more zoos to capture nature at its most beautiful.(Source)