Umlani Through The Lens

South African lifestyle magazine Wild Getaways included my connection to Umlani Bushcamp in Timbavati in their article, “Umlani Through the Lens.” This is the bushcamp where we base our Penda Photo Tours trips to Timbavati in South Africa.

They also included a profile of me, my wildlife photography, photographic philosophy and the approach I take to leading photography safaris. For me, photography is about more than simply finding wildlife and making good images. Understanding the habitat, behaviour and environment is a big part of what makes an encounter, and ultimately the photograph, meaningful.

The second feature, “Umlani Through the Lens,” focuses on Umlani’s Fair Trade Tourism certification. I was asked to give my perspective on why this ethos also matters to me.

Their is an intrinsic link between responsible tourism and wildlife photography. I believe the landscapes and wildlife we photograph need to be protected. Tourism should contribute positively to the people, communities and conservation systems that make that possible.

It is an approach that runs through the photographic safaris I lead. Obviously I want guests to come away with exceptional photographs. But also a genuine connection with the places they have visited and a better understanding of why those places matter.

The issue also features one of my backlit lion photographs on the front cover.