Getting the picture (part one)

Dmitri with lionesses

When visiting Africa, taking photos to be proud of is high on most people’s agenda. The colour, variety and drama of its wildlife, landscapes and tribal culture make Africa a feast for the eyes. But while there’s no shortage of inspiring imagery to shoot, the finer creative endeavours of travel photography remains a mystery to most of us.
 
One man who has mastered the art of capturing Africa’s unique beauty on camera is esteemed photographer Dmitri Markine. When he hasn’t been busy working as one of Canada’s most sought-after wedding photographers, Dmitri has traversed the globe, documenting the world before him in exquisite photos – many of which have won awards and appeared on the covers of National Geographic and other prestigious publications. These travels have brought Dmitri to East Africa on numerous occasions, where he has produced beautiful and insightful images of indigenous people, wildlife and landscapes.

With photography an important part of the safari experience for many of our guests, we talked to Dmitri this month to get his expert views on taking great shots – and to find out what inspires his own photography in Africa. With Dmitri’s kind permission we’ve also reproduced some of his own stunning shots. Here’s the first part of our interview (with the second half coming in next month’s newsletter):
 
Which regions of Africa have you explored as a photographer and which places have you been most inspired by?

Over the years, I’ve had a chance to visit Morocco, Egypt, Ethiopia, Kenya, Tanzania, Botswana, South Africa and Zambia. I really liked Kenya for the wildlife and Ethiopia for a unique opportunity to see some of the most unique tribes. Every country has something special though and I am always trying to find something interesting and unique to photograph.

'Ethiopian Coffee' © Dmitri Markine

As a top wedding photographer, is it people’s lives that inspire you the most artistically?
 
I really love photographing people. We all have different customs and traditions, eat food that others find taboo. I find it all fascinating and welcome a chance to get to find out more about the lives of those people. It is very similar with my wedding business. I photograph a lot of cultural weddings and I love how they are all so different and interesting.
 
Do you have any tips for amateur photographers out on safari in Africa?
 
I always use two cameras as I don’t like to switch lenses, especially in African countries, which tend to be very dusty. Currently I use Canon gear. One camera (5D Mark III) has a wide angle lens (Canon 24L f1.4) and the other camera has either Sigma 50-500 or Canon 70-200L 2.8 attached to it. For safaris, a lens with 200mm or more is definitely recommended, especially for close-ups and birds. I think it is essential for all photographers to know the gear and use different settings to your advantage. Patience is a must for any wildlife photography as sometimes it can take a long time to find something interesting and then it may take even longer to take that perfect shot.

'Walk with Lions' © Dmitri Markine

Dmitri’s photographs are available to buy as framed canvas prints – contact him at info@dmitrimarkine.com or on +1(416)841-3066. Further information about his international wedding photography service can be found at www.dmitrimarkine.com.