Photographer Roeselien Raimond captures Zen-like foxes in latest project

Since childhood, we’ve known the phrase “as cunning as a fox” – now, judging by these striking photos, we should add “as chilled out as a fox”. In her ‘Zen Foxes’ project, Dutch photographer Roeselien Raimond captures remarkable shots of the crafty animal, eyes closed, in a state of meditation and utter tranquility.

Why did you decide to photograph foxes?

Before I started my ‘fox mission’, I had never seenmore than a glimpse ofa tail, so I actually didn’t know much about foxes. I think part of my fascination must have had its origin in children stories, where a fox is continuously put down as this cunning beast that you should better watch out for.

How was your experience in working with them?

‘Easy’ is certainly not the word that first comes to mindwhen I think of foxes.Not when you have a certain photographical standard or certain ideas. Foxes are very quirky models that don’t live by the rulebooks. They just do as they feel and they don’t have very strict routine. They keep surprising me every time I photograph.

How did you come up with the idea to portray foxes ‘reaching a state of zen’?

Every creature needs to relax from time to time. Bodyand mind need to recover in order to be ready for new physical or psychological challenges. Foxes seem to understand or at least practice this principle.

What’s the biggest chal- lenge when photographing your animal subjects?

Their unpredictability, for sure! With a fox you never know what you’re going to get. Even after all this time they can truly leave me puzzled. Foxes act in mysterious ways; this is what keeps me coming back for more.

Are foxes one of your favorite animals?

Actually, no. My favorite animals are my black mini panthers, disguised as house cats. But without any doubt, foxes are my favorite wild animals and the more I see them, the more I love them.

To see more of this project, www.roeselienraimond.com.