Them Future Frames: Eva Kassekert
All images by Eva Kassekert. Used with permsision.
In this second edition of Them Future Frames, I speak with 21-year old photographer Eva Kassekert. We connected about a year ago regarding an article I wrote on the site. I knew then she had all the raw talent required to become a great photographer. She’s come into her own since then, both photographically and through the strong messages she sends to her audience.
Kassekert has two loves; wildlife and photography. Deciding to bring them together, she embarked on a journey of getting out into the field and photographing all of its unpredictability.
Even at her young years, she’s already an educator. Rather than just post an image with a cute caption, she instead takes her time to go into detail and educate people (like me) about what they're really looking at in the frame.
Her present is bright, her future is even brighter…
Eva Kassekert
Editor's Note: Them Future Frames is about giving a platform to young photographers between the ages of 18-22, encouraging them to speak about their photography and to share what they hope to achieve in the industry.
Them Frames: Hey Eva! Please tell us how you first got involved with wildlife photography…
Eva Kassekert: I've always had a deep love for animals and photography, naturally leading me to photograph my dogs. Over time, I began bringing my camera on walks, which gradually turned into more extended explorations through town, local parks, and the woods. That's how I first found my way in wildlife photography.
What keeps me returning is not just the wildlife itself, but the art of it all. The quiet observation, the patience, the trial and error. Being in the field, fully present and immersed in nature, is as meaningful as creating the final image. It's a practice that blends creativity with connection, and that's what makes it so fulfilling.
Them Frames: Rather than just posting your images, I can see it’s important for you to teach your audience about what they’re looking at, why is that?
Eva Kassekert: People need to understand the environment and the wildlife that lives around them. I saw a quote the other day that stood out to me,
“We need wildlife, but wildlife doesn't need us.”
That line stuck with me because it's true, we rely on healthy ecosystems and biodiversity, but wildlife exists and thrives independently of us.
People need to understand that fully, and the first step is learning. They need to learn about the wildlife around them, especially the species that live closer than they might think, that’s how that connection begins.
That's why I try to go beyond just posting images. If I can teach someone something new or shift how they see the natural world, even just a little bit, that feels meaningful. Photography is a powerful way to spark that awareness.
Them Frames: Wildlife is so fast moving, what is it that helps you decide when it’s time to take the shot?
Eva Kassekert: I've learned a few tricks over the time I've spent in the field that have helped my timing, especially when photographing birds. Once you get to know a species, their movements become pretty predictable.
Of course, there are still moments when you spot a bird, quickly set up your camera, and it flies away before you get the shot. But those moments only motivate me to improve and capture better images.
Often, I prepare in advance and take several photos, even if I'm only slightly sure the animal might move or take off. Being patient and alert, anticipating what might happen next time is Key to capturing the perfect moment.
Them Frames: It’s just you, nature, wildlife, and your camera - describe how you feel in that moment?
Eva Kassekert: I feel truly present and connected to nature when I'm out in the field. It is a privilege to witness the small, beautiful parts of wildlife that often go unnoticed. It makes me think more deeply about the world around me and the delicate balance between life on earth. In those moments, there is a calmness and serenity that is hard to put into words.
Waiting tests your patience and gives you time to think and observe. Then suddenly, everything can shift, and the calm turns into a rush, like when you see a hawk fly over a field and miss the shot, but know there is a good chance it will come back. The pace can change instantly, moving from slow and quiet to fast and adrenaline-filled, which keeps every moment exciting.
Them Frames: You’re not afraid to document some of the more challenging scenes in nature - like a bird species eating another, for example. Why is showing this type of scene important to you?
Eva Kassekert: By sharing these unfiltered moments, people gain a more honest understanding of the wild, one that respects the complexity and balance of ecosystems. Denying the harsher side of nature does not help conservation; recognizing and appreciating the full story, even the complex parts, is essential.
It is important to show nature as it is, beyond just the calm and serene moments often portrayed in movies or media. Wildlife is raw and honest, full of beauty and harsh realities, much like human life.
Scenes of a bird preying on another may seem unsettling, but it is simply survival for the animal. Nature doesn't operate on human ideas of good or evil; animals act on instinct and the need to survive.
Them Frames: Is there a long-term goal you’d like to achieve with your photography?
Eva Kassekert: My long-term goal with photography is, first and foremost, to preserve my love and passion for the art, because it brings me immense joy and fulfillment. I want to be careful not to jeopardize that by rushing into something or putting too much pressure on myself.
I plan to eventually turn my photography into a business or career. I'm not in any hurry to do that, as I want to remain fully present with my work and continue growing at my own pace. Taking things step by step feels vital to me, and I can reach that level with time and dedication, and to create something sustainable and meaningful.
You can enjoy more photography by Eva Kassekert by visiting her Instagram.
More reading: Them Future Frames: Carlos Salinas | csalfilm
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