To be a perfect photographer who wants to capture a perfect shot always, there are some basic recipes that you must follow such as; the time of the day, framing, lighting, and a pinch of luck.
A South African wildlife photographer Skye Meaker has a different view on taking a shot.
The young sensational photographer says “for me, the perfect shot is one where I feel as if I’m not really there. It’s one where the animal so comfortable enough to behave as if I’m not there”
“I like to feel immersed in the moment and capture nature at its most natural”
After taking countless photos in a surrounding that are crowded with animals, Meaker grabbed his first perfect version of the shot when he was still a teenager, 17 years old.
The picture which was dubbed his perfect shot was featured a leopard which he, Skye Meaker called “Limpy” he has been following for years and has a special place in his heart.
The young sensational photographer also revealed that he was with the leopard all through his life as he says: “I grew up alongside her”
One of his imaged titled “Lounging Leopard,” emerged and won Skye Meaker 2018 Young Wildlife Photographer of the Year award which was hosted by the Natural History Museum in London
What was said?
Skye Meaker who is now 19 years started his photographing journey on wildlife at the early age of seven on frequent family trips to local games reserves and nature parks;
The young and talented photographer while reminiscing on his previous adventure as a wildlife photographer, he said: “as a youngster, I was always fascinated by my dad’s camera and how it could make the things I saw in front of me magically turn into a picture that you could look at on a tiny screen. I remember constantly asking him if I could take pictures with his camera”
Due to his incessant and consistent asking for a camera to take a shot, his parent decided to finally gift him one. he said: “my parents eventually decided to give me a little camera which I referred to as the Pocket Rocket”
Ten years later after undergoing numerous lessons, practice, and development, he went on to capture an award-winning image.
According to him, he confesses that the award meant a lot to him and has shaped his life in many ways positively.
He said: “I’ve been able to tell my story at the World Economic Forum in both Davos, Switzerland, and in my home country of South Africa. I’ve been able to share my passions in photography and wildlife with the world.”
“I would hope my future would be something where I can take my own family to the bush and give them the chance to fall in love with nature, just like how my parents have done for me”
In conclusion, he says: “I would like to give my children an opportunity to understand and see for themselves the beautiful nature that I love and appreciate.”