Thys Van der Merwe
My interest in photography has started during my school
years already when I got a very old Yashica Mat camera from my dad as well
as some ancient darkroom equipment. The experience of seeing my first
pictures magically appear in the developer tray in the dim light of the
darkroom light got me hooked on this ‘photography’ thing forever. In the
beginning it is all about spending available money on film and paper; and
then there was the fortnightly trips to our local photographer in town (‘oom
Besie Clack’) to collect all his throw away chemicals, which was, for me
anyway, good for at least another week or so. Photographing and selling to
local people on the farm and at school earned a few bucks to pay for the
odds and ends to keep the ‘business’ going. |
In a makoro in Zambia at Liuwa Plains. Photo by Abel Mambwe (abbegapix@yahoo.co.uk) |
Halfway up to the three towers at Torres Del Paine in Chile |
Growing up on a farm and living for the bush, it was only
logical that my interest in photography got more and more centered around
nature and wildlife. When I did my first ‘Southern Africa’ trip in 1993 with
my old Nissan 4x4 single cab (which I bought brand new for a ‘hefty’
R30,000) visiting places like Matopos, Hwange, Vic Falls, Caprivi, Etoscha,
Sossusvlei etc, I decided I was totally hooked on the ‘Nature Photography’
thing – anyway, it was always a good excuse to head for the bush. |
Unfortunately, as with all things technological, things
progress and inevitably costs money; and with modern wildlife photography:
lots of money. Nowadays I head for the bush with literally hundreds of
thousands of rands worth of camera and computer equipment and vehicles that
are equipped to handle huge lenses and power up all the electronic goodies
required for the modern photographer. But at least now I can share much of
my experience with other enthusiastic wildlife and nature photographers of
all skill levels as I take them on trips especially tailored to suit their
needs and equipment. |
On a beach in Antarctica photographing Antarctic seabirds |
Camping in Kaokoland, Northern Namibia |
Photography today is all about knowing your subject and
loads of patience. Being there at the right time and place with the right
equipment takes time and practice; not just buying the best and most
expensive camera gear in town.
Having been published in several magazines and books all over the world
or winning awards has its rewards (it is a great feeling when you open a
magazine or book and see your work there) but this is not just another job;
it is an absolute passion and a way of life. |
Please contact me for any usagage of photographs on this site. Prints are available in all sizes. Please email for quote
Email address: thys@vividafrica.co.za
Address:Tel:+27 83 441 3108