"I've never been bored photographing elephants," says National Geographic photographer Michael "Nick" Nichols, who has been documenting elephants in the rain forests and savannas of Africa for over 20 years.

While they may not resemble humans in appearance, they are like us—social, intelligent, playful, emotional, vulnerable. "Elephants' strong social attachments are what make them special," Nichols says.

Whether you are on safari in Africa, visiting a sanctuary, or on a trip to the zoo, the key to a great photograph lies in understanding elephant behavior so that you can photograph—and appreciate—what makes them truly magical.