Julian Alper never imagined that he would find himself among Israel’s top nature photographers

Photos: Julian Alper

Sometimes all it takes is a morning at the Kinneret, a trip to the falls of Ein Gedi, or the sudden appearance of the sun on a winter day, to remind us that Eretz Yisrael is a land of unique beauty. Pick up your head, and you’ll see tens of thousands of migrating pelicans, turn to the side and you might catch a fleeing ibex, look down and there might be a brave chameleon trying to ward you off

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ulian and Miriam Alper of Manchester, England never imagined their new home would be in Teveria, or that Julian, a hi-tech consultant, would find himself among Israel’s top nature photographers. But as their children grew and eventually went off to Israel to study, and then live, the Alpers prudently purchased a vacation apartment in Teveria.

“It made financial sense to forgo the hotels and instead have a permanent place to stay during our visits,” says Julian, “so when we made aliyah in 2014, we came straight here, thinking we’d stay temporarily until we’d find something more central.” Nine years later, they’re still there, taking full advantage of living up north — and mostly, that means taking advantage of the breathtaking scenery: They can see the Kinneret and Mount Hermon from their porch.

Miriam was a first and second grade teacher back in England and now teaches English in the local Ulpanit. She’s also a professional-level musician, proficient in an assortment of instruments but favoring piano and flute.

Julian worked long hours as a consultant for hi-tech industries for many years, although now he’s down to just several hours a week, which frees him up for other pursuits.

“It’s wonderful,” he shares. “It leaves me the opportunity to do things I was unable to when I was working full time and traveling for work. Aside from photography, I can now learn every day — and I don’t take anything for granted anymore. I learned in Ohr Somayach way back when, and it turns out that my chavrusa in Teveria and I learned together back then as well.

Julian has been tinkering with a camera for years, and is basically a self-taught shutterbug.

“My father gave me a camera and taught me some basics,” says Julian. “He was a dentist and had a darkroom for developing the X-rays. To me, it seemed like magic, and that’s what got me started.”

Although some photographers spend years in courses perfecting their technique, Julian just shrugs. “Well, I guess I’m blessed with a steady hand and an eye for composition. Once my time freed up, I started taking more photos, and for some reason my friends and family liked them — they were pushing me to do an exhibit, although at the time, I didn’t feel ready for that. But lately I’ve felt a desire to share my pictures with the world.”

Julian has become a popular nature blogger for the Times of Israel, and the Jerusalem Post has published around two dozen of his photos. But for now, at least, it’s just a hobby. “I’m not looking for compensation at this point in my life,” he says, noting how his photography skills have improved tremendously since moving to Israel. “The land overflows with inspiration, and I find myself photographing constantly.”

Julian takes out a binder and flips it open. His photos are simple yet complex in their clarity. So many birds! It looks like they’re about to soar off the page.

“Israel is the crossroads for every bird flying out of Europe for the winter and then back to Europe come spring. Tens of thousands of pelicans, cranes, storks, flamingoes, and birds of prey fly over various places around the country.” Tens of thousands of cranes migrate through the Hula Valley, for example, and there’s a lake near Netanya where the pelicans congregate.

Another view from their balcony is the Arbel National Park, reputed to be the final resting place of Yaakov Avinu’s sons Reuven and Shimon and his daughter Dinah, and was also the home of Nitai Ha’Arbeli, the head of the Sanhedrin in the first century BCE. It’s said to be the place where Mashiach will first arrive, where the “dawn will break,” just like the light that filters through to the dark valley between the two famed sister cliffs that make up the Arbel.

“There is one species that is unique to the Arbel,” Julian says. “It might not be as exciting as wolves or eagles, but the Cristataria is a small snail that can only be found at the Arbel and nowhere else in the world. Just after it rains, you can see these snails on the rocks near the parking lot, where they emerge from the crevices to feast on the algae that’s on the rock faces.”