These incredible wildlife photographs were taken by an amateur photographer and science teacher and are guaranteed to make you go aww!

Wildlife photographer and science teacher Mark Harder has captured a series of breathtaking images that are guaranteed to evoke a sense of awe. The collection features dreamy bokeh, captivating animal behaviors, and demonstrates a deep commitment to nature photography.

Harder's photos showcase a remarkable experience with a barn owl. While driving home from a day of photography, he stopped his car and managed to capture the bird in flight, surrounded by the swaying grass. This moment took over a thousand images, with 80% of them being successful pictures.

One of his favorite subjects is the Barn Owl, admired for its grace and the silent way they fly. Harder's dedication to the craft is evident in his process. He began his photography journey in 1993, during his high school years, and bought his first digital camera, a Nikon Coolpix 4500, in 2002, after which he never looked back.

Asked about what he loves most about photography, Harder explained it's about capturing memories. He said, "I can look at a photo and the story about how I got it comes back right at that moment, and I have hundreds of photos that bring back such great memories." He also expressed admiration for nature, which drives him to explore the outdoors with his camera each day.

Harder's inspiration comes from envisioning the perfect shot and pursuing it until he achieves it. He shared an anecdote about planning for a kingfisher photo for three days, demonstrating his patience and perseverance. His current kit includes a Nikon Z8 paired with a Nikon Z 180-600mm lens, along with his Nikon D850 and a range of lenses from 24mm to 200mm. These tools help him continue capturing the beauty of wildlife in all its glory.