Wildlife Stories
Hi there! Welcome to Wildlife Stories! My name is Alexis Martin-Makowka, and I am a Swiss wildlife photographer based in Lausanne. Trained as a mathematician and tropical disease epidemiologist, my work regularly takes me across many beautiful countries. Wherever I travel, I always take time to explore and capture the beauty of animals in their natural habitats. Photography has allowed me to understand nature a bit better and I'm glad my shots can share the stories of the creatures I encounter along the way.
Vision
The concept behind Wildlife Stories is simple: to celebrate wildlife and the natural world, and to share both images and stories that inspire curiosity and respect for the creatures that inhabit our planet. Behind each photograph lies not just a visual moment, but also fascinating facts, behaviors, and scientific insights that make every encounter unique. Click on the pictures you see on this website: I hope you'll learn that nature is full of wonder — and that every animal has a story worth telling.
About Me
I first started photography at 18, building my own wooden pinhole camera and experimenting to capture moments on holidays. Over time, my focus shifted toward nature and wildlife, combining creativity with a passion for informing people about the natural world. Wildlife photography became the lens through which I explore and share the planet’s diversity. The pictures found on this website are mine, but I must give special thanks to my partner, Soline, who is not only an adventurous travel companion but also has an extraordinary eye for spotting animals. Many of the moments captured in these pages would not have been possible without her patience, enthusiasm, and support.
Equipment
In the field, I rely on my faithful Nikon D500 DSLR and a set of versatile lenses:​
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â– Nikon 200-400mm f/4 G VR II ED N AF-S — for most wildlife photography (heavy, but invaluable);
â– Nikon 80-400mm f/4.5-5.6 AF-S — lighter option for alpine walks;
â– Nikon AF-S 40mm f/2.8 DX Micro — pocket-sized, great for macro and portraits;
â– Tamron 16-300mm F/3.5-6.3 Di II VC PZD Macro — ideal for landscapes and travel.
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Recently, I have also ventured into underwater photography with my OM-D EM-10ii, paired with a M.Zuiko 14-42mm, a Nauticam housing and wet lenses (WWL-1 and CMC-1), opening up a whole new world of exploration beneath the surface! Keep posted...
