Why photography ?
With my background and art direction, I can experiment with the photography canvas. As a wildlife
activist, conservation and wildlife issues are very close to my heart; sharing my images of wildlife
and tribal communities is my tribute and honour to them and to Africa.
Your inspiration ?
Nature is a constant source of inspiration. It is changing, thriving and surviving in sometimes very
harsh conditions. We could learn so much from animals—if I can make one person realise the unique
interaction and bonds, I have done what I set out to do. We are the custodians.
What is unique in your photographs ?
My images are storytelling. I convey the spirit of the subject. It is not essential to me to have a
technically sharp image if it has no atmosphere. I want people to feel what I felt in that second,
which is gone forever but lives in my vision. I want them to feel the adrenalin or the peace. I want
them to smell the African bushveld, feel the promise of rain over the savannas.
The context of creation of your new series ?
I never close a collection or series—I'm continuously adding to them when I see an image that
belongs. My new collection will focus on bones and horns, which I photograph when I see them.
They are like natural sculptures, and I always wonder about them. In a way, that fallen animal will
live in my image. I am also looking at an urban collection of images taken in Europe, which is new
and different for me.
Any anecdote for us ?
One night from my tent in the Kalahari, Botswana, I watched two male lions a couple of meters
away. In the moonlight, they looked silver as they jostled and roared around my tent. My camera
bag was in my vehicle, and when my heart stopped beating very loudly, I sat with my make-believe
camera, going," Click, click..." under my breath.
The picture you would have loved to shoot ?
As above, there have been many of those. Another time I was in the perfect position to photograph
Nile crocodiles moving in close to feast on a dead hippo in the water. The action was phenomenal,
as they thrashed in the water with their big glinting teeth tearing off flesh—my camera jammed, and
again under my breath, I clicked away.
Your next projects ?
I have two book projects, one on Africa and one that is a bit out of my depth in the form of a unique
children's book in collaboration with an author and artist in the Netherlands. Both of which are
exciting and challenging.
Your motto ?
Push the envelope, shoot into the sun, and wear the right shoes in the wild.
The last one may seem unrelated but never underestimate the correct footwear if you walk through
mangroves to photograph an elusive animal or run on soft sand away from an angry elephant.