4 minute read
The perfect SHOT
from The Ridge 122
TWO YOUNG DURBAN NORTH BOYS HAVE NURTURED THEIR LOVE FOR WILDLIFE PHOTOGRAPHY AND RECEIVED INTERNATIONAL RECOGNITION BEYOND THEIR WILDEST DREAMS, WRITES LEE CURRIE
As a young couple, Enid and Shawn Meaker fell in love with the bush, soon followed by a passion for capturing nature and wildlife, honing their photographic skills as they explored reserves, locally and further into Africa. Later, when their sons Skye and Branson were born, they took them along, subject to a few provisos. “It’s important to be realistic when taking young children into remote areas with wild animals,” stresses Enid.
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“We taught our boys how to behave around the animals while driving in open vehicles and found they were receptive, responsible and willing to learn. We kept them busy by handing them our old cameras and encouraging them to play around with settings and composition. Back then we were unaware of the beautiful journey that would start unfolding for our family thanks to photography and our passion for the bush.”
During school holidays the Meakers, who live in Durban North, continued to visit game reserves throughout Africa. “The boys worked on their own photographic skills encouraged by Greg Du Toit, international wildlife photographer, while we were on one of his photo safaris. He pointed out that the boys really did have a talent for photography,” recalls Enid.
Now 18 and 15 respectively, the brothers have won recognition in several international nature photography competitions. Their parents are undeniably proud of their success but when asked how many awards they’ve won, Enid says they don’t keep a list, they’re just happy to be internationally recognised.
The brothers, however, do have their highlights.
For Skye it was a special bonding with a leopard in Mashatu Game Reserve in Botswana. The leopard is nicknamed Limpy due to a slight limp in her hind left leg after falling from a tree.
“Around the same time I had gone through two knee operations. From when she was still a cub, Limpy and I have grown up alongside one another. It meant the world to me that a picture of the animal that developed my photography through the years was instrumental in me becoming The Young Wildlife Photographer of the Year in 2018 with my photo The Lounging Leopard.”
Skye and his winning photograph, The Lounging Leopard.
Another cherished memory for Skye was when at the age of 16, he was asked to attend The World Economic Forum in Davos where he spoke alongside Jane Goodall and other well-known wildlife conservationists.
Branson’s image The Aquabatic Antelope earned him a place as a finalist in the Wildlife Photographer of the Year competition in 2019. The photo was chosen to decorate one of the reception rooms in 10 Downing Street.
At the time of going to press, Branson was in Grade 9 and Skye had just finished his matric exams. Fitting in school work with their photography must no doubt present its challenges. “Time management and balance in life is vitally important and something we have sorely missed this year. It’s a matter of trying to catch up as best as they can,” Enid agrees.
Skye will be studying at Tukkies (University of Pretoria) towards a BCom Degree – and (of course!) will continue with his photography. “I believe it is vital for us to connect with wildlife in some shape or form. Humans were made to be surrounded by nature but are finding it harder and harder to take the time to connect. Spending a week watching elephants or hearing a fish eagle in the distance heals you and is often the break we need before returning to the busyness of our lives. I hope I convey these feelings in my images so that people can appreciate the beauty of nature.”
No doubt the family have photographed myriad species of animals over the years. Enid says they appreciate all wildlife, large and small. “Nature is all connected. Without the small animals and insects the larger species won’t thrive. This is our mindset going out on game drives, to enjoy and be grateful for all sightings as nothing is guaranteed in the bush.”
And their favourite animals? Enid loves elephants – as they are by far the best matriarchs, nurturing and protecting their family. For dad Shawn it’s wild dogs because they’re rare, beautiful and highly efficient. Skye loves leopards, and for Branson it’s hyenas as they are the most interesting.
The family have yet to photograph a pangolin which is on their wildlife bucket list.
FOR MORE INFO www.bransonmeaker.com; www.skyemeaker.com
Branson and his winning photograph, The Aquabatic Antelope
