What motivated you to become a wildlife photographer and to then move away from taking more standard images to concentrate on documenting some of the most hard-core conservation issues?
I was privileged to be introduced at an early age to the wilds of the Zimbabwean bushveld by my parents, in particular by my father who was also an avid black-and-white photographer. (Never underestimate the value of positive encouragement from a parent or a role model!) We would spend days following rhinos or herds of buffalo or sable and it was these experiences that sparked a lifelong passion for conservation and introduced me to the art of photography. My love of the outdoors eventually determined my career and a camera has always been at hand to capture opportunities that present themselves.
It was, however, while working in the Kalahari that I began to realise that rather than simply taking easy-to-achieve record shots of species or places in nice lighting, I needed to create images that were more artistic and evocative. I wanted images to tell a story that grabbed people’s attention, not only showing the beauty and diversity of life, but also highlighting the real challenges and complexities being faced.
This story is from the March/April 2021 edition of African Birdlife.
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This story is from the March/April 2021 edition of African Birdlife.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
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