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.

Drawing interest

Martin Aveling’s exquisite animal portraits have made him one of the most sought-after talents on the wildlife art scene. Having been compelled to draw during childhood years spent in Africa, he’s making a welcome return to the continent as the creative guide on our special painting safari this June. We caught up with Martin to hear his thoughts on what’s in store for guests on the forthcoming trip.

Top wildlife artist Martin Aveling

How do you feel about the prospect of an artistic adventure to Kenya?
I spent a great deal of my childhood in Kenya. Its people and wildlife were a huge influence on me wanting to pursue a career in art. I owe a lot to Kenya, and am very much looking forward to returning on art business, and sharing the experience with others whom may never have been before.

What level of artistic experience do people need to have in order to benefit form this safari?
No experience. Just an interest and desire to experiment with art materials and enjoy some of Kenya's most dramatic scenery and wildlife.

What can your guests expect to be inspired by when they set up their easels in the Kenyan wilderness?
Kenya has a huge array of wildlife, from the charismatic mega fauna to the little creepy crawlies, which I also love, if not equally as much. The variety of colour in the landscape is incredible, from the earthy terracotta tones of the soil, to the bright iridescent blues and pinks of a lilac breasted roller. This trip also offers a unique opportunity to paint with Africa's two largest mountains – Kilimanjaro and Mt Kenya – as a backdrop.

What tips can you offer your fellow artists about how to capture the sights on safari?
My best advice would be to experiment and not to get too bogged down and obsessed with technique. I didn't learn my art from books. I sat sketching in my room, in the back of a Landrover, in airport lounges, etc. Free up your hand, and try to get to grips with what your subject looks like from all angles.

Martin by an elephant mural he painted in Ghana

What artistic activities do you have lined up for the trip?
I would like the guests to have a big say in how they want to experience their time spent amongst Kenya's wildlife. I will be on hand to offer advice, but the best way to draw and paint wildlife is to sit for several hours and really soak in your surroundings. I will arrange informal tutorials during the days, focusing on a wide range of things, such as techniques for drawing fur, feathers, eyes, whatever it may be. However, I will also be around to spend time with people on a more personal level to discuss works and offer guidance.

What do you expect will catch your eye on this trip to Africa?
I'll see what grabs me when I'm there. I'm looking forward to peering under rocks and regressing several years! I can never tire of watching animals in their natural setting. To see wild dogs in the wild again would be a real treat.

There are still places available on this one-off art safari, which runs from June 23 – July 5. Click here for full details. To book a place or discuss the tour in more detail, call our guide for the safari, Terry Brownbill (based in the UK) on +44 208 244 0767 or +44 7775 511058 (mobile).