Featured Pro Photographer: Isak Pretorius

Isak is a specialist wildlife photographic guide from South Africa. His discovery of nature’s special moments at a young age shaped his aspirations of today: to showcase the beauty of his continent’s natural wonders in a creative way. His bird and wildlife images have won multiple awards and have been celebrated nationally and internationally in many publications. His preferred genre of fine art bird photography is easily recognisable by their authentic style, simplistic design and technical skill. Isak’s passion for nature is fuelled by the reminiscence of a classic Africa and his aim is to create conservation awareness for his continent’s natural wonders.

The Interview

1. How would you classify your photographic style and who inspires you?

My genres are bird, wildlife and landscape photography.

My aim is to take photos of the subjects, naturally wild and free, in their environment as it showcases their beauty, unique features and characteristics. To show a variety of angles and detail - all done through simple but unique compositions and my own artistic style. I try not just to document nature but to create art. As a perfectionist, I aim to get the photos right in-camera, and then tweak the colour and contrast in post processing to depict the scene as closely to the way I saw it through my lens as possible without jeopardising the authenticity of the scene.

I like the work of French photographer Vincent Munier. His "white" and simplistic style really appeals to me. Growing up I was always a fan of National Geographic photographer, Nick Nichols, as well as the father of bird photography, Arthur Morris.

2. What is it that draws you to pick up your camera and take a photo?

I find inspiration in the beauty of the places I go to and the subjects I find. For me, what I do is for the love of nature, and not photography necessarily. I find that photography is such a great tool to experience nature in detail and to express your creativity.

3. What type of gear do you use and do you have any favourites?

For bird and wildlife photography you typically use long lenses and fast cameras. So, I have a Canon 1Dx and Canon 600mm f/4 lens combo which I love. I enjoy trying out different combinations, so at the moment I also use a Nikon D4 with a Nikon 80-400mm lens, a Canon 70-200mm f/4 and Canon 16-35mm f/2.8 lens.

4. What would be your ultimate shot and how would you shoot it?

I have never thought of what an “ultimate shot” would be, so I can’t be sure. I do love the effect of rain and have always dreamt of capturing action and drama in soft backlit rain. So, perhaps a Goshawk fighting with a Tawny Eagle over a Sandgrouse with soft backlit rain. I will aim to get it sharp so will use fast shutter speeds.

5. What is the most challenging part of photographing your preferred subject?

The challenge is to capture a common subject in a new and exciting way. I strive to find the subjects in a stunning setting, hope for unique behaviour, change my angle, and look for the best lighting.

6. What’s next on the horizon that you’re most excited about?

In a week, I’ll be off to Iceland for a Landscape Photo Workshop with I’m hosting with one of South Africa’s best landscape photographers, Hougaard Malan. Although I enjoying going back to places I know well, it really excites me to see new destinations and find new photographic hotspots.

7. If you could go back in time and offer yourself one piece of advice when you picked up the camera for the first time, what would it be?

When there is a photographic opportunity, “work” it as much as you can as quickly as you can. In nature, nothing is guaranteed and never think “Oh, that will be there tomorrow again."

 “Bird photography was the first genre I became very passionate about. I love birds, you find them everywhere, they always do something interesting, beautiful and even the dullest bird can look spectacular when the photographer positions himself at the right angle and with the right light.”

- Isak Pretorius