Xiao Ge is an artist, author, educator, and conservationist who is well known for wildlife photography. Every year, he dedicates 3-4 months to photographing in various nature reserves in Africa. Placing high value on ecological topics, Xiao hopes to raise awareness about natural ecology and wildlife conservation through his stunning images. We spoke with him about his creative process and overall approach to photography. In this interview, he also shares his thoughts on his ColorEdge CG2700X monitor and its role in his post-processing workflow.



“Ever since I was a child I have been filled with curiosity and an awe for nature, especially for the wild animals that run free in the wilderness. Their existence makes me feel the raw power of life and the pure beauty of nature. As I grew older, this love gradually transformed into a sense of mission; it became my hope to capture these precious moments through my lens so that more people can see the beauty and fragility of animals in their natural habitat and to raise awareness about nature conservation. Thus, I became a wildlife photographer and embarked on this creative path full of challenges and surprises.”

The Journey of Capturing Impressive Works

Snow Leopard’s Gaze
“In the high-altitude of the Tibetan Plateau, I spent three months tracking a rare snow leopard. Known as the ‘ghost of the snowy mountains’, the snow leopard is elusive and extremely difficult to photograph. Finally, on a cold morning, I spotted it on the edge of a cliff. It quietly gazed into the distance, its eyes revealing a sense of loneliness and majesty. At that moment, I quickly adjusted my camera settings and captured its precious photos.”



“After returning to the studio, I imported the photos to my ColorEdge CG2700X monitor for post-processing. The high color accuracy and wide color gamut of the monitor allowed me to accurately reproduce the delicate texture of the snow leopard's fur and the cold tones of the snowy mountains. Especially when adjusting the shadows, the uniformity of the monitor allowed me to see every detail clearly, ensuring that the final image was both realistic and artistically rich.”



The Migration of African Elephants
“On the African savanna, I witnessed the migration of many hundreds of African elephants. It was an incredibly spectacular natural phenomenon, but it also made me realize the threat habitat loss poses to wildlife. To capture the most impactful images, I chose a high vantage point and used a telephoto lens to capture the moment when the elephants were moving towards the sunset.”



“During post-processing, the high dynamic range (HDR) functions of the CG2700X allowed me to perfectly render the golden glow of the setting sun and the silhouette of the elephant herd. The monitor's color stability also made it easy for me to handle a large number of high-contrast images, ensuring that each photo accurately reproduced the stunning scene as it was in that moment.”



Conveying Stories of Nature
“As a wildlife photographer my job is to not only press the shutter button, but to also convey the beauty and stories of nature to the audience through post-processing. For this, color accuracy of the monitor is crucial, and my ColorEdge CG2700X, with its excellent color reproduction and stability, has become an indispensable partner in my work. Whether I'm dealing with HDR scenes or adjusting subtle color differences, it allows me to complete each piece of work with confidence.”

Xiao goes on to explain his creative process and post-processing requirements in the following Q&A section.

Q: Can you tell us about your favorite personal collections and what makes them stand out?

A: “Wildlife photography is significantly different from other genres of photography in that it is a form dedicated to documenting and showcasing both wild animals and their natural habitats, combining art, science, and adventure. I particularly enjoy photographing felines and rare, endangered wildlife. Over the years, I have persistently tracked and photographed these animals in wildlife reserves around the world, aiming to convey respect, attention, and protection of nature through my images. Within my collections, there is a particular set of photos about African lions which captures their entire life cycle from cubs to adulthood, highlighting their living conditions and ecological environment. As a result, this collection not only has artistic value, but also scientific and educational significance.”

Q: What do you feel is essential in the creative process?

A: “In photography, professionalism is of upmost importance. I would like to emphasize that professionalism here not only refers to the technical aspects of wildlife photography, but also a solid knowledge base about wild animals. Only with a deep understanding and familiarity with the habits and behaviors of wildlife can you truly capture the right shots. In addition, high-quality photography equipment is also indispensable. For example, a high-resolution lens and a stable tripod can help you capture more details and dynamic moments.”

Q: Why did you choose to use an EIZO monitor?

A: “The color stability and accuracy of EIZO monitors are the main reasons for my choice. It is well known that the colors in nature are ever-changing and, undoubtedly, incredibly beautiful. As a professional wildlife photographer, I need the most professional color presentation to truly reflect the captivating scenes found across this planet. The CG2700X, with its excellent color reproduction and stability, helps me to accurately render the true colors of each photo, ensuring that my work is faithful to raw nature.”

Q: In what ways has your monitor helped you in post-processing?

A: “Over the years, I have been consistently using EIZO monitors to handle various aspects of image processing. The monitors have allowed me to effortlessly display the greatest natural scenes and awe-inspiring wildlife. The high color accuracy and wide color gamut of my current CG2700X enable me to precisely adjust the colors and details of each photo during post-processing, ensuring that the final output is a perfect representation of the natural beauty I witnessed firsthand. Whether it's the delicate texture of fur or the complex changes in lights and shadows, my EIZO monitor helps me capture and render everything accurately.”




 

Deployed Product

ColorEdge CG2700X

Xiao Ge is a member of EIZO’s ColorEdge Ambassador Program, which showcases professional photographers, designers, filmmakers, and other creatives who are committed to inspiring and educating artists around the world of all levels.

ColorEdge Ambassador Program Website