
Consider listening to this track while going through the story. It adds to the experience.
INTRO
There is something of the night about forests.
Even at the height of summer, even under the midday sun, they are places of murk and mystery, blotting out the light with a mille-feuille of foliage. At the heart of every forest is a darkness that bides its time.
And as the sun goes down, after that lovely hour of slanting golden light, this dark spirit reclaims its own. The forest is at its soundest.
On all but the darkest nights, it’s amazing what you can see once your eyes adjust. Wait quietly and patiently where the canopy is thinnest – at the forest’s edge, in a clearing, by the side of a road – let the stars and the moonlight work their magic.
Nocturnal Photography, although very challenging can also be one of the most rewarding photography experiences.
Not only is the time where the strangest and cryptic animals are most active, but in terms of photography, the creative freedom that you have with the lights, the shadows and the composition is fantastic.
Most of the pictures of this story were taken in Braulio Carrilo National Park in Costa Rica, with the help of Cope, an excellent friend and guide of the area. With him, we spent many, many nights walking the trails, and the dry river beds, standing silently for several hours with the attempt to hear the calling of an owl.
Next time you are in the forest, try to go at night and see what you can find. I definitely always learn something new from the experience.
And don’t forget to look up, in case an owl silently sweeps by.
Savour the moment.
Chris Jimenez – TakeMeToTheWild

The Creatures of the Night, Bats, Frogs, and Reptiles of the Rainforest.





















All images in this website and any other source like Flickr, Facebook, Instagram are © Copyright of Chris Jiménez & TakeMeToTheWild and available for license use. Excerpts and links may be used, provided that full and clear credit is given to Chris Jimenez and TakeMeToTheWild® with appropriate and specific direction to the original content.
Free to use for education or conservation purposes license. My images are free to use for any conservation and education purposes. You qualify if for example, you are an NGO or NPO, if you would like to use my pictures on your presentation or conservation website or in your school project. Please contact me explaining your use case.
GEAR
The photography gear used in this story. Click on the items for more details.
LOCATION
The rainforests of Braulio Carrillo National Park and Guapiles
COMMENTS
UNTIL NEXT TIME
