How did your interest for wildlife arise?
Growing up in Malelane, a town which is no more than 10 km from the Malelane Gate entrance to the Kruger National Park, as a family we visited the park fairly often. I always loved the thrill of seeing the unexpected drama & beauty of nature. The older I got, the more I understood the intricate complexity of the bush. The more I started to see, the more in love with nature I fell and continue to fall right until this day.
How do you describe your journey as a photographer and a person?
Initially it was purely about the wildlife & the memories, however in an effort to share these memories with the wider audience, I took up photography. Very soon I realized capturing the beauty of nature can become an obsession, then it also became about the angle, the light, the frame & most importantly the moment. It was at this point I chose to study and become a Field Guide as the better I understood nature and was at harmony with it, the better I was able to share these moments photographically.
What is your view on Nature Conservation? How can we, as wildlife photographers, help to protect our Mother Nature?
Nature is under threat globally and it is our responsibility as humans to not selfishly destroy but rather protect the few isolated pockets of nature which are largely preserved. As photographers by sharing the beauty and creating a general awareness to the public, we can greatly increase awareness on both the importance of nature conservation as well as highlight the difficulties experienced in the field.
Can you give our readers the best bird or wildlife photography tips? Do you have any recommendation on settings or gear for bird photography?
It’s all about the animals behavior. Have patience, be camera ready and anticipate when the animal is going to give you that epic opportunity for the perfect shot. Naturally great lighting is critical in the first few hours after sunrise and the last few hours before sunset – known as the golden hour are the best times to be shooting. For bird photography try using shutter speed priority and crank the speed up to 1/4000 or more to try getting the perfect in flight shots. Obviously a really fast lens does help immensely.
What plans do you have in the future related to Wildlife Photography?
I plan to start hosting specialized photographic safaris in the Kruger National Park & Sabi Sands. I also plan to photograph a larger variety of wildlife species in different habitats, such as tigers in India & orcas in Norway.
Tell us something about the gears you use.
I’ve been lucky enough to get the chance to shoot with many different lenses & bodies, and while I started with a Canon 750D and Sigma 150-500mm, today my weapons of choice are a Canon 1DX MK II with either the prime Canon 400mm f/2.8 or Canon 70-200mm f/2.8 lenses. Different gear enables different shots and different levels of creativity are needed to maximize the artistic value of each shot. I’ve been able to grow through various equipment and scenarios over the years.
