The First Encounter
Six encounters. Six characters. One feeling.
"I don't photograph animals, I photograph characters"
JULIA EILERT
A collection where my first encounters with Africa come together
The First Encounter is a Limited Edition collection of museum-quality Fine Art wildlife photography. It brings together six encounters that marked the start of my love for Africa. Six encounters, six characters, one feeling: freedom. A collection where animals aren't just captured as wildlife photos, but as characterful artworks for your wall.
Behind every piece lies more than just the animal you see. A lion fills a room with strength and confidence. An elephant brings a sense of calm. A zebra inspires, while a giraffe reminds you of freedom. The leopard represents mystery and independence, while the encounter between a mother kudu and her young lets you feel the bond of family. That's how a wildlife print becomes more than just a beautiful photo.
Every piece carries its own feeling. That's what makes these six encounters special: you're not just choosing a Fine Art photo you find beautiful, but a character you need.
The First Encounter consists of two Statement Pieces and four Signature Pieces. The Statement Pieces form a Limited Edition of 10, available exclusively in large formats under acrylic glass. The Signature Pieces form a Limited Edition of 25, available in smaller formats on premium photo paper.
↓ Discover which character suits you best ↓
STRENGTH · COURAGE · CONFIDENCE
Unshaken
There's something almost magical about a lion's gaze. When one looks you in the eye, an indescribable feeling takes over. As if it's looking straight into your soul.
That's exactly what this male lion conveys. His gaze radiates confidence, resolve, and pure power. It feels like standing eye to eye with the king of the African bush, deep in Kafue National Park, Zambia, where the wilderness feels like yours alone.
Whoever dares to hold his gaze feels his energy through the image: this is who I am. This is what I want. And I'm going for it. A feeling of boldness and freedom. He shows you who you become when nothing holds you back anymore.
CONNECTION · PROTECTION · TRUST
Belonging
Young animals have something special about them. Their curiosity, innocence, and vulnerability keep you looking. Behind that vulnerability lies one of nature's strongest instincts: a mother protecting her young, no matter what.
The warm light of the setting sun gives the image a soft, calm glow. The mother kudu and her young form the heart of the piece, giving this Fine Art print a sense of warmth and connection in any space.
Bringing this piece into your home means more than adding a touch of African wilderness. It's also a reminder of what truly matters: the people around you with whom you feel safe and at home.
ELEGANCE · FREE-SPIRITED · SOCIAL
Stillness
A zebra is really a work of art made by nature. No two zebras have exactly the same stripe pattern. It's a kind of fingerprint, but one you'll want to look at again and again.
And let's be honest: they're just fun! Graceful, social, and at the same time wonderfully free-spirited. They trot around without a care for what the rest of the world thinks of it.
That's exactly why this image is so nice to look at. Calm, but definitely not boring. A piece for anyone who loves fresh ideas, sees things differently, and occasionally wants to step away from the daily rush.
"You're not just choosing a wildlife photo for your wall. You're choosing what you want to feel every day."
MYSTERY · DISTINCTIVE · PATIENCE
Shadow
A leopard has something mysterious and elusive. Her eyes tell a story, and she moves silently yet elegantly through the bush. They can stalk their prey for hours, and are then capable of dragging a carcass larger than themselves up into a tree.
One thing is clear: when a leopard knows what she wants, she goes for it.
That feeling is captured in this image too. It reminds you not to lose sight of your own goals. Don’t spend forever second-guessing yourself. Know what you want, and go for it.
FREEDOM · DIGNITY · INDEPENDENCE
Grace
Perhaps the most special animal in Zambia: the Thornicroft giraffe. A rare subspecies found nowhere else in the world but South Luangwa National Park. Towering, built like no other, moving at a pace that seems slower than the rest of the world. Hurry simply isn't in a giraffe's vocabulary.
That calmness says something. He stands on his own feet, unbothered by anything or anyone. Free, dignified, and completely himself.
That's the feeling you want in your home: a daily nudge that it's okay to set your own boundaries, and a reminder that you're capable of more than you sometimes believe.
WISDOM · CALM · LOYALTY
Presence
Few animals leave an impression quite like an elephant, and it’s not just because of their size. They are incredibly social animals, living in close-knit family groups, caring for one another and remaining connected to their family throughout their lives. They can recognise each other even after years apart and have even been observed mourning the loss of a family member.
Behind that powerful presence is an animal with an incredible depth of emotion. Perhaps that’s what I find so fascinating about elephants. They are immensely strong and imposing, yet at the same time calm, sensitive and deeply loyal.
That’s what this image represents. You don’t always have to be strong. It’s okay to show your emotions. A reminder to pause a little more often and pay attention to what you’re feeling, and to the people who matter most to you.
