My name’s Ryan Ziggy Riley, a wildlife and travel photographer based out of Paris, France.

I was born and raised a short way outside of London in a town called Harpenden where not a lot happens, but it is surrounded by plenty of countryside. I didn’t grow up with a camera in my hands as many other photographers do, but I did, and do, have a fondness for movies. In fact I studied film at university for three years and, once I finished, bought myself my first DSLR, a Canon EOS 60D, with the intention of making short films.

Rather than producing films, though, I found myself using my camera more and more for its primary purpose and began taking my camera everywhere and photographing everything. I later discovered that wildlife photography was the real sweet spot for me. I’ve always felt at home around animals, and when I introduced photography to the mix I realised that I couldn’t imagine ever separating the two again. One makes me love and appreciate the other ever more so as time goes on.

Now, while I was born in England, these days I live in Paris with my wife Julie, who luckily enough tolerates my incessant picture taking and, luckier still, enjoys my photos almost as much as I do. Living in Paris means that wildlife opportunities are rather scarcer than when I lived in the British countryside, but luckily the city affords me the opportunity to take photos of other things I love, such as shows and events.

What I enjoy about wildlife photography, beyond finding beautiful hidden gems in both wild animals and plantlife, is capturing moments, without being staged, without posing. I prefer to watch things happen than to directing them. By living in the city I have been able to find new ways of doing this, and in particular have rediscovered the performing arts.

On this site you’ll find the best of nature side-by-side with the best of humanity. I’ve had the pleasure of photographing one of the most prestigious circus festivals in the world with incredibly talented artists from across the globe, as well as travelling to amazing places, taking photos of both fascinating different cultures and stunning wildlife. Capturing these moments as they happen is what my photography is about, and that’s where the name ‘Capio’ comes from.

So, I hope that on wending your way through my site you’ll find photos that you enjoy also. If you yourself organise shows in or around Paris and would like to get in touch about an upcoming event you’d like me to photograph for you, or find yourself in need of a photographer on your next expedition to the Amazon, drop me a message on the contact page and I’d love to talk with you. Or, if you would like to get in touch about buying a print of one of my photos, you can contact me at prints@capiophotographie.com for a size and price guide.

I should probably also mention that when I first arrived in France I taught English, which is why you’ll find various bits of etymology, word meanings and general odd trivia tidbits here and there. I find it all fascinating.

Thanks for visiting my site. Enjoy.