In a captivating interview with Cathan Moore — wildlife photographer, passionate conservationist and Youth Winner of the 2021 African Wildlife Awards — we gained invaluable insights into the world of capturing the beauty and essence of wildlife through the lens.
Born and raised in the Timbavati Private Nature Reserve in South Africa, Moore’s deep connection with the African bush fuels his mission to advocate for nature and its inhabitants. Through his remarkable wildlife captures, Moore aims to shed light on the threats facing our planet’s wildlife and inspire others to protect and cherish it for future generations.
In this article, we take a closer look at Moore’s journey, his recommended equipment for safari photography, top tips for capturing the perfect shot, and his favorite safari hotspot. Prepare to embark on a thrilling photographic adventure as we explore the world of wildlife through Moore’s expert lens.
Please tell us a bit about yourself and what inspired you to become a wildlife photographer.
I was born and raised in the Timbavati Private Nature Reserve, Greater Kruger, South Africa — the African bush is my home. My passion and love for the natural world is infinite and through my lens, my calling in this life is to advocate for Mother Nature and her beauty. My wildlife photographs not only reflect a visual image of a subject but tell the story of an animal that has a life and a tale to tell just like you and me. I am the voice of these animals and, through my work, I want the world to learn about and understand the threats that face the very existence and future of our wildlife. I am a conservationist, and my camera is my tool to protect our planet for future generations.
What type of camera is best for a safari?
I am a big advocate for the idea that you can take great photos with almost any camera as long as you understand how it works. Yes, there are of course certain cameras that come with advantages and make your job easier. You need a camera that has a high image rate and that possibly has eye-tracking (which most new mirrorless cameras do) as wildlife is unpredictable and their movements erratic and so having a camera that can keep up is essential!
What is the best lens for a wildlife safari?
I don’t think there is one specific lens that I would say is my go-to wildlife photography lens but rather believe it’s important to make sure I have a lens combo that covers all possibilities. I currently shoot with a Sigma 70-200mm f2.8 and a Sigma 150-600mm f5.6. This means I can zoom right in and capture beautiful bird images. I can pull back slightly and take portraits of the wildlife and then switch to the 70-200mm and take landscapes.
Having a lens with a low aperture is a massive bonus as this will assist you when shooting in lower light conditions. As we all know, lighting outside is always changing and disappears fast after sunset, which is when most of the predators get active.
Are there any camera accessories that are particularly useful for safari photography, such as tripods, bean bags, or gimbal heads?
Bean bags are essential as they offer you that extra stability when photographing wildlife. I prefer them over monopods and gimbals, as wildlife moves very fast and sightings can develop quickly. I like to have the freedom of not being restricted and being able to leave the bean bag if need be.
How should someone choose a wildlife camera?
First and foremost, understand your budget. Then decide if you want a camera that can perform well doing both photography and video or if photography is the priority. From there you can look at other specs such as megapixel size, whether or not it’s a crop sensor or full frame (full frame is recommended), eye-tracking capabilities and other finer details.
Luckily, most modern cameras across brands are great and can perform well in the departments mentioned so you’ll most likely find something that appeals to you within your budget.
What are your top tips for capturing the perfect wildlife image?
- Patience (this is the most important) as nothing in wildlife photography is predictable. You can find yourself waiting 10 minutes or 10 hours for the action, which means you can’t get disheartened and give up if it’s not happening as fast as you expected it to. Hang in there, be patient and you will see things swing your way.
- Understanding animals’ behavior as this will allow you to bring in an element of predictability and you can either position the car in the right place or expect the subject to do something specific. For example, if a lion starts grooming itself after sleeping, you can 100% expect it to yawn and get ready to take the money shot!
- Assessing the light and taking the time to set the right camera setting beforehand. That way when you get to a sighting, you don’t waste time trying to figure it all out.
- Be deliberate in your photography and understand what sort of message you want to tell. Every single animal has a life story and this can be told visually through your photos. A picture that captures the story of an animal (perhaps interacting with a family member or on the hunt) is always great!
In your opinion, which camera is best for wildlife photography for beginners?
I would say the Canon R7 would be a great camera for beginners and if you still want a DSLR then the Canon 90D.
What camera do you use while shooting?
I currently shoot with a Canon R7 but am looking to update to the Canon R5 very soon as I believe this is one of the best cameras on the market for wildlife photographers.
What is your favorite safari hotspot to shoot at?
Kings Camp Private Game Reserve in Timbavati, South Africa is where I do most of my wildlife photography. It’s wild, authentic and irresistibly charming as the area is teeming with wildlife. This is where I firmly believe magic exists and it’s there for us to photograph. I would highly recommend it.
Any highlights or heart-stopping moments?
Photographing the rare white lions of the Timbavati has to be one of my greatest photographic moments. But there are many other moments that left my heart racing and adrenaline pumping. Like lying prone on the ground with two adult cheetahs as I photographed them grooming each other, while a magnificent bull elephant tusker towered over them.
Any words of motivation for aspiring wildlife photographers?
The world is such a fragile place, and who knows how long these remote, wild places will remain “wild”. There has been no better time to be a wildlife photographer than now as every single image you take holds great significance and can be used as a bookmark to a beautiful time. Take the time to learn your craft and understand why you are taking pictures – whether it be just for memory’s sake or to raise awareness for threatened species. You will find much more joy in your work when you believe in why you are doing it. As a wildlife photographer, you share the beauty of the world and you must own that!
For more about Cathan Moore, visit his Instagram platform at bush_maniac. To support his conservation efforts, purchase his work at: www.cathanmoorephotography.com
Put your new found knowledge to the test on a wildlife photography safari. Browse our Big 5 Safari packages and don’t hesitate to contact us for recommendations.
