TASTE-MAKERS

Capturing Adventures Through the Lens: The Journey of Michael & Caroline Randall’s Travel Photography

In a world where technology often brings people together virtually, Michael and Caroline's love story began on a dating app that would lead to a whirlwind romance and a shared passion for exploring the world through their lenses.

This dynamic duo, whose names have become synonymous with breathtaking travel photography, has embarked on a remarkable journey that blends their artistic talents, entrepreneurial spirit, and profound love for the wild landscapes of Africa.

Caroline, a former professional dancer turned creative director and marketing expert, was always accustomed to the rhythm of movement. Her early career in entertainment transitioned seamlessly into the founding of her own successful entertainment company.

Meanwhile, Michael, armed with an honours degree in marketing, spent a significant portion of his life navigating the corporate world. His journey took a different turn when his long-standing fascination with photography found fertile ground in the marketing of photographic equipment. However, it was during these moments of alignment that the seeds of a new adventure were planted.

Their love for each other was matched only by their love for the natural world, and their journeys led them from the oceans to the bushlands of South Africa. Michael, with his burgeoning passion for photography, introduced Caroline to the world of lodges and wildlife encounters, igniting a newfound appreciation for the rugged beauty of the wilderness.

Recognising the importance for travel and tourism brands to promote themselves on social media, Michael and Caroline embarked on a new brainchild, Uprising Agency, a social media and digital marketing platform.

"It was about a year ago that we decided that the corporate world and travelling to the bush every second week weren’t going to work and we decided to take the big step of doing this full time, and so we made the audacious decision to leap into the unknown, fully embracing our passions for photography, digital marketing and adventure,” they said.

“It has been a roller coaster life since then with a lot on our plates but we absolutely have no regrets as we balance managing our agency and travelling the world. We never get tired of the travel and are both impulsive personalities who are always ready to go and always humble and grateful to be able to visit the amazing places we do with our work. Our lives have literally been a whirlwind of balancing our thriving marketing agency with globetrotting escapades, and we are only growing and learning more about ourselves and each other on this journey.”

Merging Passion For Work And Each Other With Scaling For Business

Michael and Caroline now focus their attention on assisting luxury lodges and hotels in telling their unique stories and showing off their best side with captivating visuals, building their brand perception and promoting travel to Africa as much as they can.

The duo, driven by their impulsive spirits, ventured into the unknown with open hearts, realising that every corner of the world had something unique to offer.

Their photographic journey is not just a visual exploration, but also a collaborative dance of complementary talents. The synergy between Caroline's organisational prowess and Michael's lens wizardry results in visual narratives that tell compelling stories. Caroline's passion for interior design adds an extra layer of richness to their work, creating visually captivating scenes that evoke a sense of place and emotion.

To follow Michael and Caroline visit them on @livingbreathlessly and @michael_ rads_ as well as venture onto their website www.livingbreathlessly.com for even more information on this power couple.

Their imagery goes beyond conventional frames, capturing candid moments that invite viewers into the private narratives of those photographed. This penchant for authenticity breathes life into their photography, making it more than just a collection of images but a window into the souls of the subjects.

When asked to unpack three of their favourite destinations or lodges they have enjoyed the privilege of travelling to for photography, Michael chimed in with a “Wow, this is a very difficult question, as each lodge and reserve has something unique and special about it. As a wildlife photographer however, I do have a bias towards leopards and we both can’t get enough of seeing them in the wild. In terms of the best leopard sightings, we really enjoy the Sabi Sands, Mala Mala and Thornybush that offer unbelievable up close relaxed leopard sightings.”

Couple Goals In The Wild World Of Travel And Photography

It’s no secret that some couples have openly admitted the difficulty of working together in business. Michael being a wildlife specialist photographer and Caroline on the content promotion and creation side of things, share how in their case, they do in fact complement each other very well when on assignment in the bush. Caroline is extremely organised and manages the sequence of imagery and videos very well. With her interior design background she is also able to dress both herself and Michael, as well and the locations very well.

Mike on the other hand, will play around with different lenses in each scene trying to best capture the essence of the space. From there, he learns a bit more about content creation and Caroline more about photography and video each day, allowing them to both enhance their combined skills. Both Mike and Caroline are strong personalities though, both determined to be the best at what they do, always pushing harder for the most unique and creative angles of showing off the world.

But while their journeys are awe-inspiring, they are not without their challenges.

"The absence of reliable Wi-Fi in remote destinations poses hurdles for staying connected to our agency and sharing real-time content on social media," they said.

"But these challenges only enhance our appreciation for the quietude of these remote corners of the world, where the call of the wild drowns out the hum of technology."

Their journey is far from over. Michael and Caroline's hearts are set on exploring even more of Africa, including the Okavango Delta in Botswana, with its intricate waterways and diverse wildlife, as well as the otherworldly landscapes of Namibia. As they continue to explore, capture, and share their experiences, their love for each other, their craft, and the beauty of the world around them shines through every photograph.

The story of Michael and Caroline is a testament to the power of shared dreams and the magic that happens when passion intersects with purpose. Their lives have been transformed from corporate attire to the mesmerising allure of leopard prints and vellies.

As they continue to chase sunsets and sunrises, their photography not only captures the beauty of nature but also the essence of human connection and the boundless wonder that comes with embracing life's adventures.