20 Incredible Photographs That Prove Steve Irwin’s Son, Robert, Is An Insanely Talented Photographer

It’s still one of the saddest topics I’m ever asked to write about, but when Steve “The Crocodile Hunter” Irwin suddenly (and not to mention, tragically) passed away back in 2006, he left behind not only his impressive animal conservation legacy, but also two adorable children who have both grown up to completely follow in their beloved father’s conservational footsteps.

Little Robert Irwin was only a mere 2 years of age when his father was struck by a fatal blow which killed him instantly. However, “little” Robert has now grown into quite the handsome teenaged boy who seems to have quite the flair for photography.

So much so, in fact, that just like his father, this 14-year-old has his very own channel on Australia Zoo TV (which, FYI, I absolutely LOVE the fact that it exists) and has also appeared on a wide variety of television shows across both Australia and the U.S… however now Robert is earning accolades for his absolutely stunning wildlife photography too.

He was even recently named as a runner-up in the junior category of the 2016 Australian Geographic Nature Photographer of the Year competition and these the images you’re about to see below will show you exactly why.

Enjoy!

1. Can you believe he’s only freakin’ 14!?

Yep, that’s right, 14. Robert Irwin is only 14 years of age and has already been dubbed at “photography prodigy” by Australia’s Today Show. Not only that, but the now-teenage prodigy is also exhibiting his artwork not just on his home continent, but around the entire world as well.

When I was 14 years old I wasn’t even allowed on the freakin’ bus by myself!

2. Way Back in the Day

Of course, most of us probably remember little Robert from his various guest appearances on his father’s own, legendary show Crocodile Hunter, which is where he learned exactly how to get up close and personal with the glorious wildlife he’s now responsible for caring for at the Irwin zoo.

3. Now we know exactly how he gets those incredible close-ups.

His very early exposure to all those creatures both great and small, that most of us 100% would not go anywhere near even if our lives depended on it is clearly the key to some of his more epic photo conquests.

For example, here we see him happily share his camera with a teeny little spotted python, y’know like super casually, no biggie, everything’s cool…

4. A birds gotta eat when a birds gotta eat!

There’s no doubt that an amazing telephoto lens, when combined with a ridiculously good sense of how to correctly observe animals in their natural habitats, is the exact winning combination behind brilliant shots such as these.

Robert captured this particular egret chowing down on anole lizard while down in Florida.

5. Facing Fears

Apparently, something called a macro lens and a whole lot of patience were required in order for the talented Robert to capture this great shot of a praying mantis while at the Steve Irwin Wildlife Reserve. Honestly, if I didn’t know any better, I’d say that this praying mantis is TOTALLY smiling for the camera here.

6. Frog lips are also, TOTALLY a thing.

Without this suuuuper extreme close-up existing in the world, you might never know the reason why this little cutie here is actually known as the “white-lipped” tree frog. Swear down!

7. We all need a little alone time every now and then.

Now, I’m a big frog fan myself, and I absolutely ADORE this shot of what is a northern dwarf tree frog who is taking some time alone to himself, perched on a lead in Queensland in Australia.

8. Smile for the camera!

Funnily enough, despite the fact that this photo was taken at the Australia Zoo, it’s actually a photo of a baby American alligator. Wild, right!?

Okay maybe not that wild, but this little guy is clearly ready for his close-up! Maybe he’s so smiley because he’s trying to concert the Crocodile Hunter’s only son into an “Alligator Advocate”. HA.

9. The artist himself at work!

Robert certainly doesn’t seem to mind spending his spare time hanging out with his reptile buddies. He actually used this image to help him announce this year’s photography competition which is annually run by the Australia Zoo’s Crikey! Magazine.

Also, not exactly relevant but I am loving the hairstyle.

10. 100% a “Nope Rope”

Can you believe this is an actual photograph? I mean, just look at that angle!

Robert actually posted this photo of what is allegedly a northern scrub python in honor of the prestigious “Nature Photography Day”. For most of us, the pythons forked tongue is the stuff of actual nightmares. But then again, most of us didn’t actually grow up cuddling pythons on a daily basis.

11. A taste for show biz

Well, folks, unfortunately for us there’s only one real way to get a truly great photo and that is to let the subject itself become comfortable around you and your camera.

Just like good ole’ Robert here, who is clearly wonderfully happy to wait it out while this black-headed python goes ahead and gets a good taste of the Canon camera he uses to snap his spectacular shots.

…Er, yeah, think I’ll leave this one to the professionals.

12. Talk about “Hangry Birds”

Anyone who has ever actually tried to capture the perfect image of a bird in flight knows just how hard it is to get a clear shot… which makes this shot INSANELY good. This kite actually looks like he/she is off to grab a quick bite to eat in Lamington National Park over in southeast Queensland, Australia.

13. The Daring Duo

Now, this duo requires a closer look, just so you can actually confirm that this image is, in fact, a photograph and not some sort of crazily detailed painting.

It’s not unusual for Robert’s photography skills often defy reality – and this one is 100% no exception. It also helps that a lot of the time his subjects are some seriously majestic creatures.

14. All business, no pleasure

And just to confirm my above statement – here’s a shot Robert also nabbed of a tundra swan in flight while in Klamath Falls, Oregon.

GLORIOUS.

15.  Live in Technicolor

And while the above tundra swan truly does prove that a bird doesn’t necessarily have to be colorful in order to be beautiful, this lilac-breasted roller certainly makes the world even more beautiful as it takes flight in South Africa.

16. Make sure you get my good side!

Peacocks, of course, don’t actually have to try very hard in order to outdo all the other birds in the animal kingdom. However, this particular peacock isn’t taking any risk and is clearly making sure he (or she) is striking their best pose in Southern France. Good job!

17. It’s the CIIIRRRCCLLEEE OF LIIIIIIIIIIFEEEEE…

Okay well, this one is slightly hard to look at. However, like all of the best wildlife photographers out there, Robert is keen to remind us that those majestic creatures out there are just like us – when they’re hungry, they gotta eat!

These eagles, along with their reflections, were caught on film enthusiastically feeding during their annual migration in Oregon.

Oh and here’s a cute little fact for you; what they’re feeding on is a tundra swan just like the one we saw photographed earlier. Yep… you’re welcome.

18. 3… 2… 1… Ready for take-off!

It may seem obvious to some, but most probably don’t realize that Queensland, Australia is home to an enormous variety of incredible wildlife, which includes this crimson rosella that Robert photographed while visiting O’Reilly’s Rainforest Retreat.

19. Do they make this pattern in a faux fur?

Robert posted this curiously close-up photo onto his Instagram in order to celebrate National Zebra Day… and I don’t know about you but I am already planning every single one of my summer looks around a faux-fur version of now. Darrrrrling, your skin is simply to die for!

20. Nope, sorry, you can’t have one… we checked.

I know what you’re thinking, but no, this isn’t Simba’s long-distance tiger cousin. Also if there’s a chance you’re thinking “awwww he is sooo cute, I want one!” well you are not alone, but you’re also about to be very disappointed.

Sadly, our planets current tiger population is dangerously close to extinction due to extreme hunting and habitat destruction. Robert actually used this guy in order to remind his followers that May 19th (yeah… every year) is World Endangered Species Day.

So put it in your diaries, folks!

What do you reckon folks, he truly is a testament to what a great man his father was, isn’t he? There’s no doubt in anyone’s mind about just how proud Steve Irwin would be of his son Bobby if he were still around to see him. Let me know what you think of Robert’s photographs in the comments and don’t forget to share this with your friend and family in order to spread young Irwin’s talent far and wide! x

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