The child animal whisperers: Mother's intimate photographs capture her sons' special bond with dogs, ducks and rabbits


These beautiful photos capture the tender moments between two young boys who share a unique bond with animals.

Elena Shumilova, from Andreapol, Russia, began taking pictures of her sons Yaroslav and Vanya in early 2012 when she received her first professional camera.

The pair were immediately accepted by the animals from a young age and their incredible bond continues to strengthen as they get older.

Talking to the animals: Two-year-old Vanya Shumilova locks eyes with a rabbit in this intimate photograph taken by his mother in Andreapol in Russia

Intimate connection: These adorable photographs capture the tender moments between Vanya and his five-year-old brother Yaroslav and various animals near their home Natural with nature: Elena Shumilova began taking pictures of her sons Yaroslav and Vanya in early 2012 after receiving her first professional camera In his element: The boys were accepted by the animals from a young age and their incredible bond continues to strengthen as they get older, their mother says

Elena, 32, was able to capture images her boys playing with such animals as rabbits, dogs, cats and ducks as they become totally immersed in their communication with their furry friends.

As Yaroslav, aged five, and Vanya, two, grow up Elana plans to continue documenting their animal adventures through photography.

She said: 'When I graduated from school I practiced with sketching and painting a lot. That defined my feeling of photography and composition.

Cherished moments through time: As Yaroslav, aged five, and Vanya, two, grow up, Elana plans to continue documenting their animal adventures through photography

Boy's best friend: The youngsters were photographed with rabbits, dogs, cats and ducks as they become immersed in their silent communication with the animals Mrs Shumilova said: 'I get inspired mainly by desire to express something I feel, though I usually cannot tell exactly what that is until I have taken the shot' Mrs Shumivloa said: 'As a mum of two sons, we spend a lot of time on the farm, so I often shoot my boys with dogs, rabbits and ducks'

'Children and animals - they're my life. As a mum of two sons we spend a lot of time on the farm, so I often shoot my boys with dogs, rabbits and ducks.

'I prefer to use natural light - both inside and outside. I love all sorts of light conditions - street lights, candle light, fog, smoke, rain and snow - everything that give visual and emotional depth to the image.

'When shooting these pictures, I largely trust my intuition and inspiration when I compose photos of my children with animals.

'I get inspired mainly by desire to express something I feel, though I usually cannot tell exactly what that is until I have taken the shot of them with the animals.'