Passion and purpose determine the outcome
Technological advances over the last thirty years have made photography accessible to most people. The camera on a modern cell phone is a testimony to that. Wildlife and bird photography is no longer the exclusive domain of a handful of professionals. The cost of certain types of equipment can, however, create a barrier to entry for some, or does it?
A well-cooked meal does not depend on the quality of the stove; likewise, creating great images does not necessarily depend on the size or cost of your toys! The day when we can send the camera off on its own safari to Kruger while we stay at home in front of the TV is still a long way off. Human participation remains the deciding factor- not the gear you own. In this talk, several striking images will be shared, along with an explanation of how they were created. Guidelines for improving images will also be provided.
Additional Details
Webinar link - https://meet.google.com/csq-unhd-ftb
Meeting ID - NA
Passcode - NA
Event platform - google_meet
Interaction
Please leave your questions in the chat as we go along. Pietman will answer them at the end of the presentation.
Organizer
Pietman Muller is currently a retired Avocado farmer in Levubu, Limpopo. He developed an interest in photography during high school and bought his first camera 49 years ago. With experience, his passion and expertise grew as he captured true wildlife scenes, whether it’s landscapes, animals, birds, or their interactions. Over the years, he developed a deep understanding and love for the unrivalled uniqueness and diversity of the Northern Kruger. His interest in bird photography leans more towards larger species, especially raptors, with a special passion for owls. During the last 17 years, he spent hundreds of hours in specially built hides at owl and other raptor nests, photographing and studying these remarkable birds. Several of his images and articles were featured in magazines such as Weg/Go and African Birdlife. A very special photograph of a Wahlberg’s eagle on her nest with a chick graced the cover page of African Birdlife magazine.
In 2012 and 2014, he had the privilege to be part of two aerial censuses of white-backed vulture numbers along the entire length of the Limpopo River. Several of his photographs taken on these trips were published in River of Gold – Narratives and Exploration of the Great Limpopo, written by Peter Norton, Michael Gardner and Clive Walker. For the past 15 years, Pietman has served as a SANParks Honorary Ranger with a special focus on Shingwedzi. He also provides photography support at birding events hosted in Kruger by the Limpopo Region of the Honorary Rangers. He frequently gives talks on photography and shares his knowledge of owls at bird clubs and other events. He also educates the community about owls and reunites young owls with their parents in the Levubu and Louis Trichardt area.