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Wiki West Media Thriving at the intersection of art, technology, and community via adventerous film making and photo

I am a passionate adventure-athlete who promotes exploring the outdoors and living life to the fullest. I have traveled all over Africa, Europe, Asia, and North America, climbing numerous highpoints, backpacking long distances, and filming for various clients worldwide.

Excited to share that after spending a month in the US, followed by another in Poland, I'm finally returning to where my...
04/07/2023

Excited to share that after spending a month in the US, followed by another in Poland, I'm finally returning to where my heart truly belongs - Africa. Over the last two months, I've managed to accomplish a significant amount of computer work, including the re-launch of both of my websites.

The first, mosquitomedia.co, is a commercial platform focused on video production and marketing consulting. The second, wikiwest.co, serves as my personal website, showcasing my portfolio, sharing my storytelling, and introducing my brand new photo and filmmaking workshops.

My initial stop is Johannesburg, where I'll be busy filming in the bush for the next two to three weeks. However, my schedule for August is wide open. If you, or anyone you know, need a photographer, videographer, or branded film, please don't hesitate to send me a DM or connect us.

I greatly appreciate any referrals and am eager to continue helping individuals and businesses in Africa create incredible media content.

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This specific photo of a cheetah lurking in the bush was captured during a collaboration with The Aspinall Foundation Foundation and National Geographic Explorer, Vincent van der Merwe, who is also the founder of The Metapopulation Initiative

Super exciting project and such a pleasure working with you Vincent to capture some of this footage of your beautiful ch...
24/06/2023

Super exciting project and such a pleasure working with you Vincent to capture some of this footage of your beautiful cheetah.

Ready for a unique photographic adventure? Join me in my latest blog post as I document an adventure on horseback throug...
23/06/2023

Ready for a unique photographic adventure? Join me in my latest blog post as I document an adventure on horseback through Lesotho with Wiesman Nel from Moolmanshoek Private Game Reserve in South Africa. With a blend of mirrorless camera photography, go-pro footage, and drones, we navigated the rugged landscapes of this unique mountain kingdom to film an epic adventure.

The post includes a curated video and a series of photos capturing the essence of our journey. Learn how you can join me in the field and explore the blog post: https://wikiwest.co/2023/06/23/a-horseback-adventure-through-lesotho-experiencing-the-mountain-kingdom-from-a-photographers-perspective/

During my two-month stay at Moolmanshoek Private Game Reserve, my equestrian journey took an incredible turn. Under the ...
21/06/2023

During my two-month stay at Moolmanshoek Private Game Reserve, my equestrian journey took an incredible turn. Under the guidance of the legendary rider and 2nd-place winner of the Mongol Derby, Wiesman Nel, I transitioned from a part-time rider to competing in endurance races across South Africa, specifically on young Arab horses. The highlight of my newfound riding skills was embarking on a multi-day trip across Lesotho on horseback, which turned out to be one of the most exhilarating adventures of my life.

Wiesman Nel's expertise and infectious sense of adventure played a significant role in my progress. Not only did he pair me with the perfect horses, but he also patiently taught me how to fly drones while on horseback, including launching and catching them. This feat was a testament to the well-trained horses and Wiesman's gentle encouragement, which allowed me to grow not just as a rider, but as a person.

Since my time at Moolmanshoek earlier in 2023, I've traveled across East Africa, the United States, and Poland. Yet, my heart yearns to return to the saddle in South Africa. That's why I'm thrilled to announce my participation in the upcoming Wild Coast Ride in July. If you're seeking an extraordinary adventure, I invite you to join me by checking out the trip details on my website. Get ready for an unforgettable experience!

https://wikiwest.co/wild-coast-horseback/

Photo credit: Lindy Hill, Manager of Moolmanshoek Game Reserve's Horses.

In the silent echoes of the wilderness, we gently clasp a beacon of hope around a giant's ankle. This tracking collar is...
19/06/2023

In the silent echoes of the wilderness, we gently clasp a beacon of hope around a giant's ankle. This tracking collar is not a chain, but a lifeline, a promise of protection, and a testament to our commitment to wildlife and nature.

My latest blog post shares an exclusive behind-the-scenes video into the life of a wildlife vet. I am excited to share that we will be collaborating with South African wildlife vets to give you exclusive photography and videography experiences in our workshops; DM me to learn more!

https://wikiwest.co/2023/06/19/wildlife-vet/

Capturing Wildlife Moments: Essential Tips for Photo SafarisPack the Right Gear: Equip yourself with a telephoto lens, t...
16/06/2023

Capturing Wildlife Moments: Essential Tips for Photo Safaris

Pack the Right Gear: Equip yourself with a telephoto lens, tripod, batteries, and memory cards. Don't forget lens cleaning tools and a protective camera bag!

Learn Wildlife Behavior: Familiarize yourself with their habits, feeding patterns, and movement for capturing captivating moments.

Patience is Key: Observe and allow scenes to unfold naturally. Embrace unexpected moments for remarkable photographs.

Master Your Camera Settings: Experiment with aperture, shutter speed, ISO, and autofocus modes before your safari.

Composition and Framing: Utilize the rule of thirds, leading lines, and framing techniques for visually pleasing images.

Be Prepared for Challenges: Handle harsh lighting, dust, and fast-moving subjects with lens filters and faster shutter speeds.

See more details on my latest blog post: https://wikiwest.co/2023/06/11/ten-essential-tips-for-capturing-wildlife-on-a-photo-safari/

Featured here is the Lilac-Breasted Roller, a gem of African wildlife. This photo was taken in Tanzania with the Sony a7...
15/06/2023

Featured here is the Lilac-Breasted Roller, a gem of African wildlife. This photo was taken in Tanzania with the Sony a7R IV and Telephoto 600 Lens, allowing me to capture detail, even showing the small drop of water on its front plumage.

I am excited to share my latest blog post on "How to Photograph Birds on Your Safari: Tips and Techniques"! In this post, I provide practical insights and techniques to enhance your bird photography skills. Learn how to capture great shots of avian wonders during your safari adventures; in my post I review:

1. Understanding Bird Behavior
2. Gear and Equipment
3. Composition and Framing
4. Light and Exposure
5. Focus and Sharpness
6. Patience and Timing
7. Ethical Wildlife Photography

Read the whole article here: https://wikiwest.co/2023/06/11/how-to-photograph-birds-on-your-safari-tips-and-techniques/

Photo Details:
🔍 Lilac-Breasted Roller
📷 Sony A7R IV with Telephoto 200-600 Lens
📍 Location: Tanzania, Africa

The Maasai people of East Africa, known for their vibrant culture, exhibit an impressive tradition in jewelry making, pr...
12/06/2023

The Maasai people of East Africa, known for their vibrant culture, exhibit an impressive tradition in jewelry making, primarily utilizing materials like glass beads, cowrie shells, iron, and wood. Beading, in particular, holds a significant place in Maasai culture. The beadwork, often brightly colored and intricately designed, is more than just ornamental; each color, pattern, and design carries specific meanings and is indicative of one's age, social status, marital status, or even a special event. Traditionally, it's the Maasai women who are responsible for crafting these stunning pieces, passing down the art and skill through generations.

Thank you African Overland Tours for making this visit possible!

Baby lion after a wildebeest snack. Taken with a SonyA7RIV and 200-600 telephoto zoom lens.
05/06/2023

Baby lion after a wildebeest snack. Taken with a SonyA7RIV and 200-600 telephoto zoom lens.

Zebra work together and take turns to keep each other safe while having a drink of water in Serengeti National Park. I a...
04/06/2023

Zebra work together and take turns to keep each other safe while having a drink of water in Serengeti National Park.

I am currently working on making these digitals into prints available for purchase. Stay tuned!

Twenty days of safari in East Africa makes for 1.39 terabytes of footage; that is 17,554 files across 62 folders. I took...
17/05/2023

Twenty days of safari in East Africa makes for 1.39 terabytes of footage; that is 17,554 files across 62 folders. I took the top 10% and professionally edited all of them.
Please enjoy over 1,700 photos of all of our beautiful moments, from wildlife, culture, birding, people, and landscapes from Zimbabwe, Zambia, Malawi, Tanzania, and Kenya.
Please consider making a purchase for you to both:
1. Be able to own and print a magnificent ultra-high quality fine-art photography by yours truly (who knows it may even increase in value 😉 )
and
2. Support my new business and passion to continue to be able to photograph Africa.
https://mosquitomedia1.shootproof.com/nomad
Huge shout out and thank you so much Evelyne Pichler for already making a purchase!
Please do not hesitate to ask me any questions. I help with printing order fulfillment and design consultation as well.

Shout out as well to African Overland Tours for making this trip happen. In order to book the same trip that I went on, please use my affiliate link: https://bit.ly/wikiwest

I'm currently reading Emmanuel Koro's "Western Celebration of African Poverty." Has anyone else here read it? I initiall...
17/05/2023

I'm currently reading Emmanuel Koro's "Western Celebration of African Poverty." Has anyone else here read it? I initially loved taking photos of the Maasai tribe, with their colorful and charismatic characters. But then I had a second thought. What am I perpetuating? I've always believed that my dollar is my vote, so what am I voting for here? What is better for this unique culture: preservation, or innovation and integration into modern society? I'm not sure. I would love to hear everyone's thoughts.

I have traveled around Africa for almost two years now. Whenever I see red earth, a specific quote always lingers in my ...
13/05/2023

I have traveled around Africa for almost two years now. Whenever I see red earth, a specific quote always lingers in my mind, one from my favorite movie, Blood Diamond.

Colonel Coetzee: 'This red earth, it's in our skin. The Shona say the colour comes from all the blood that's been spilled fighting over the land. This is home. You'll never leave Africa.'

People often ask me, what has changed or what have you learned specifically after being in Africa for such a long time. Since my travels and learning; I have changed, significantly. One of the specific changes is seeing firsthand the impact of our consumption; specifically for gems. How many hunderds, thousands, of acres of jungle, forest, and mountains do we need to destroy in order to harvest a precious gem, a diamond? We don't see this in America, but I do in Africa. What is the environmental impact of the Western things we prize?

This image was taken with a drone near the northern border of South Africa on an African Wild Dog Collaring Project.

Face to face with a cheetah, no fence. At first, it was intimidating. The fear of the unknown. But then I learned, cheet...
12/05/2023

Face to face with a cheetah, no fence. At first, it was intimidating. The fear of the unknown. But then I learned, cheetahs do not attack humans, of course unless somehow strangely provoked. The cheetah looked at me but would largely ignore me as I circled it at a small distance, taking footage in its natural habitat.

This photo was taken while on a cheetah relocation in South Africa; where alongside with the The Metapopulation Initiative and the The Aspinall Foundation ; we rewilded cheetah from a captive facility in the United Kingdom to a beautiful mountain-savannah environment at Mount Camdeboo; an incredible and inspiring endeavor.

The only thing that can harm a full-size African Buffalo seems like are the flies. The African buffalo is considered to ...
11/05/2023

The only thing that can harm a full-size African Buffalo seems like are the flies. The African buffalo is considered to be one of the most dangerous animals in Africa, and is responsible for killing more hunters in Africa than any other large game animal.

The never harmed me, but a Tse Tse fly did bite me while I was there....

Thank you to African Overland Tours for making this trip possible.

Meet the women of Zambia who carry the weight of their families and communities on their shoulders, literally. These har...
10/05/2023

Meet the women of Zambia who carry the weight of their families and communities on their shoulders, literally. These hardworking women trek long distances through the forest, balancing heavy loads of wood on their heads, to provide for their families and ensure their survival. I learned that often, these women are ones that are without a husband, either through never having married or death, and are on their own to provide for their elder partners or as single mothers. Moments like these make me extra grateful for the life I lead.

Thank you to African Overland Tours for making this trip possible.

Roaming the vast and picturesque Ngorongoro Crater in Tanzania are some of the most majestic creatures on Earth - the li...
09/05/2023

Roaming the vast and picturesque Ngorongoro Crater in Tanzania are some of the most majestic creatures on Earth - the lions. This female is enjoying licking fresh blood off her face after biting into a Wildebeest.

Thank you to@african_overland_tours for making this trip possible.

The Maasai are a semi-nomadic tribe found in Eastern Africa that are famous for their unique style of dancing, which is ...
08/05/2023

The Maasai are a semi-nomadic tribe found in Eastern Africa that are famous for their unique style of dancing, which is performed as part of their traditional ceremonies.

On my visit to Tanzania last month; I had an opportunity to visit a traditional Maasai village and participate in their dancing rituals; next time, I'm hoping to immerse even more and try the fresh cow blood mixed with milk, which they kept on promising me, but no cigar :)

My first AI renderings of myself flying a drone off of horseback in a jungle /desert did not come out as realistically a...
02/05/2023

My first AI renderings of myself flying a drone off of horseback in a jungle /desert did not come out as realistically as I anticipated. 😅 Any advice?

I was beyond excited for my first ever sighting of a Gray-Crowned Heron. Yes, probably more excited than for the lion si...
01/05/2023

I was beyond excited for my first ever sighting of a Gray-Crowned Heron. Yes, probably more excited than for the lion sightings 😅.


It is estimated that 50% of the total population of lions in the world are found in Tanzania. In two days, we saw about ...
20/04/2023

It is estimated that 50% of the total population of lions in the world are found in Tanzania. In two days, we saw about 15 lions. This photo was taken in the Ngorogoro crater, which is like a Garden of Eden for African wildlife; a truly incredible place.

I am currently editing the images from my last 20-day safari and they will be available for purchase within a month. You can preview them now at:

https://mosquitomedia1.shootproof.com/nomad

Thank you to Africa Overlanding for making this trip of a lifetime possible.

13/04/2023

Take a moment to admire the breathtaking view of Lesotho's mountain range captured by Wiesman and his team during their horseback journey. Crossing these rolling hills wasn't an easy feat, but the stunning scenery made it all worth it. This picture is a reminder that sometimes the most challenging paths can lead to the most rewarding experiences. Book your bucket list adventure now❗❗❗❗❗
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Photo credit: .west
Lodge accommodation.
www.moolmanshoek.co.za
📌 https://goo.gl/maps/4Sd6tQ88szJCPfRTA 📌
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Leadership/Youth camps
www.moolmanshoekldc.co.za
📌 https://goo.gl/maps/YqU6dtK3mHKJM6SGA 📌
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"In every work of genius, we recognize our own rejected thoughts." Emerson. Here's a reminder to not reject your thought...
02/04/2023

"In every work of genius, we recognize our own rejected thoughts." Emerson. Here's a reminder to not reject your thoughts and dreams- but to pursue them relentlessly.

Photo taken on a photographic multi-day horseback expedition across the untamed wilderness of Lesotho.

"Nothing is more damaging to the adventurous spirit within a man than a secure future. The very basic core of a man's li...
27/03/2023

"Nothing is more damaging to the adventurous spirit within a man than a secure future. The very basic core of a man's living spirit is his passion for adventure. The joy of life comes from our encounters with new experiences, and hence there is no greater joy than to have an endlessly changing horizon, for each day to have a new and different sun." Jon Krakauer, Into the Wild

Photo by my dearest most adventurous Mom while traversing the country of Madagascar in an old 4x4 for a whole month; . When are you joining me again? I miss you!

Yesterday was re-wilding day! A few days ago, I had the privilege to film and photograph a lucky little honey badger tha...
21/03/2023

Yesterday was re-wilding day! A few days ago, I had the privilege to film and photograph a lucky little honey badger that is being re-wilded into a beautiful game reserve in South Africa. Stay tuned for her progress!

Today's lightning storm.
27/02/2023

Today's lightning storm.

Support The Metapopulation Initiative and "Project Cheetah," the reintroduction of cheetah to India, by purchasing an ex...
21/02/2023

Support The Metapopulation Initiative and "Project Cheetah," the reintroduction of cheetah to India, by purchasing an exclusive t-shirt, hoodie, or long-sleeve shirt! Designed by my amazing friend Robyn Sorour ! Campaign and shirt sales LIVE for 14 days.

https://www.bonfire.com/india-cheetah/

All photos from "Project Cheetah," the restoration of Cheetah to India, are no live and available for purchasing/licensi...
20/02/2023

All photos from "Project Cheetah," the restoration of Cheetah to India, are no live and available for purchasing/licensing. So grateful to have been a part of this incredible endeavor.
https://mosquitomedia1.shootproof.com/india_rooiberg

DDNewsLive The Times of India

I title this: Influencers in the Wild. Thank you so much for the lovely photoshoot today, Zhenya ! Plus, this was my fir...
09/02/2023

I title this: Influencers in the Wild.

Thank you so much for the lovely photoshoot today, Zhenya !

Plus, this was my first-time riding after my day of two falls; was quite nervous the whole way through and my horse actually went into a bucking fit during a canter, but I listened to the experts, stood up, rode it out, and didn't fall off. Whew!

Sometimes they buck, sometimes they love.
08/02/2023

Sometimes they buck, sometimes they love.

This horseback safari photoshoot at sunset was unreal. I love my office.Super excited to announce that I will be both co...
19/01/2023

This horseback safari photoshoot at sunset was unreal. I love my office.

Super excited to announce that I will be both competing in and photographing a horse endurance race next weekend. Back to this beautiful region for an epic event. Stay tuned for behind the scenes shots !

Thank you for the photo !


It's a New Year! So, I thought I would take a moment to reintroduce myself and shed light on my journey as a photographe...
18/01/2023

It's a New Year! So, I thought I would take a moment to reintroduce myself and shed light on my journey as a photographer and entrepreneur.

At 18 years old, I moved from Virginia to Oregon, to live closer to snow-capped mountains and begin a new life where I knew no one. I thrived in the wilderness of the Cascade Mountains, making it a goal to learn every extreme sport I could. I was always pushing the limits of achievement, and as a collegiate competitive tennis player- reached 13th in the US in our division.

Six years later, in March 2020 I was living my best downtown life in Portland, OR working as a data analyst / sales operations expert for a start-up. A stable job where I traveled, a beautiful apartment, a nice car, and a stable relationship.

COVID-19 hit; our company experienced lay-offs. I was one of them. A few months later, I found myself without a car, apartment, job, relationship, and without a concrete sense of identity.

In a few days, all of my life's belongings were shipped back across the country to Virginia, and I felt like I was back to square one.

After being home for a day, I knew I needed to go on a self-exploration expedition. My goal was one thing; to find the absolute dream job and my life's calling.

With my new drone in hand, I set out to South America, taking photos of my Airbnbs, friends kitesurfing…progressing on the 10,000 hours. My Airbnb hosts asked me to photograph their estate. I agreed, and bought my first camera.

Seven months later, my mom asked me to join her on a 40-day African Safari. On our last day in the Johannesburg airport, she set off back to the U.S., and I stayed.

Now, I feel like I am honing in on my life’s mission. I know the goal that lies ahead of me, and the hard work, perseverance, loneliness, and failures it will take- but nothing makes me happier than putting in the work to achieve this goal, day in and day out.

I thank everyone who has followed and supported me along the way. To finish off a quote from one of my favorite movies of all time; “happiness (is) only real when shared.”

The photo above was taken by mom while on a photographic adventure in Madagascar a few months ago.

This large male cheetah has just been released back into the wild from his "boma," temporary holding enclosure- but was ...
07/01/2023

This large male cheetah has just been released back into the wild from his "boma," temporary holding enclosure- but was more curious than ever about the new cheetah inside. Photo was taken while on a big cat translocation mission on Mount Camdeboo in December.

To see all of our photos from this trip and purchase high quality digitals whose funds go back to the conservation of these cats, please visit: https://mosquitomedia1.shootproof.com/cambdeboo

Our video from the trip: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rB4zrEFKb1Q&feature=youtu.be

My Christmas Eve was spent right here: in the bush, hours away from the city, eating cheese and crackers, sitting on red...
06/01/2023

My Christmas Eve was spent right here: in the bush, hours away from the city, eating cheese and crackers, sitting on red dirt, getting bitten by mozzies, listening to Christmas songs from a car stereo, after spending an afternoon harvesting and butchering wild game for cheetahs in bomas and a morning photographing a rhino darting. Wouldn't have had it any other way.

Photos taken by me from The Metapopulation Initiative are LIVE. See the "Miracle 8" that were raised by Kevin Richardson...
13/12/2022

Photos taken by me from The Metapopulation Initiative are LIVE. See the "Miracle 8" that were raised by Kevin Richardson to be relocated in these ultra high quality photos. Consider a donation or purchasing of prints. All proceeds go back to the Cheetahs.

https://mosquitomedia1.shootproof.com/gallery/cheetah/

Huge shout out to The Kevin Richardson Foundation and Dinokeng Game Reserve for the support.

I spent the last five days working with The Metapopulation Initiative; Cheetah Metapopulation Project run by Nat Geo Exp...
12/12/2022

I spent the last five days working with The Metapopulation Initiative; Cheetah Metapopulation Project run by Nat Geo Explorer and World Renowned Cheetah Expert Vincent Van Der Merwe. I spent time with group of conservationists and vets from various organizations and with the "Miracle 8 Cheetah," which Kevin Richarson raised after an accident to the cheetah mother.

It is a massive team effort to ensure that Cheetah populations remain genetically diverse and move them around the country as required. The Cheetah Metapopulation Initiative is what makes this happen. This week's work included driving 14 hours straight through the night and cleaning f***s out of the crates to ensure the cheetah were transported quickly and safely to their new homes. We did over 5,000 km (3,000 miles), in just 5 days.

Please take a look at supporting this team and their hard work to ensure we have beautiful wildlife and natural spaces for generations to come through a donation:

https://donate.stripe.com/eVadTueU43z3cUw4gg

or, you can buy our high-quality digital photographs / prints from the trip on our online store:
https://mosquitomedia1.shootproof.com/gallery/cheetah

All proceeds will be going back to The Metapopulation Initiative.

You can also email myself or Vincent [email protected] to learn more about the project.

We have some very exciting news upcoming as well. Stay tuned!

Thank you to all that supported this initiative: The Lion Whisperer, Dinokeng Game Reserve, and The Kevin Richardson Foundation.

Lionwhisperersa Dinokeng Resort

Face to face with lions. Our game drive in Kruger was coming to end but our last surprise was a pride of lions feasting ...
01/12/2022

Face to face with lions. Our game drive in Kruger was coming to end but our last surprise was a pride of lions feasting on a baby giraffe, with this magnificent dad watching over his family.

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A couple of weeks ago my Dad and I took our annual West Coast ski trip. We had an absolute dump of snow; day after day of blizzards with snow falling upwards of three inches per hour. Of course, I practiced my extreme conditions and exterme sports photography.

New Camera, Who Dis ?

Photo credit:



DM me to book your photoshoot or visit mosquitomedia.co for more info on what our company offers.
The instructional video series is coming out with short practical videos on how to improve your padel game.

In collaboration with , Head Coach , , and of course production company .



Looks like I play tennis again. Three years ago, playing college tennis, I reached #13 in the US and received All-American status; serving as the captain and leading my team to a regional victory.

It came to an abrupt end due to wrist complications; but with only one year left in university and a dream job awaiting me- I moved on to climb the corporate ladder- putting tennis behind me.

For three years, I hardly touched a racket. The handful of times I got back on the court; I was sickened by my inconsistency- nothing compared to the player I had been. But then I found the ; because of the amazing people, positive energy, push from ;) and view of the mountains and sea, decided to start playing more often. Soon I got invited to join two leauges; I am now playing in the Premier Adult Leauge in Cape Town and having an absolute blast. I do not need to practie 5 hours a day anymore; I play for fun, excercise, a social network, and friendly compettion. I am so happy the transition has been made and I can enjoy tennis in moderation at this fantastic club. Thank you for having me and lookng forward to the next match !

Thank you to for coming to watch and taking some great photos !
Shout out to for being a great partner last Saturday; and also for the great energy and ensuring victories ;).



To view and purchase photos from the last few matches: visit https://mosquitomedia1.shootproof.com/gallery/premierleague1
Short, a.m., local widlife shoot.


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Short, a.m. local wildlife shoot. It is amazing what you can see when you pay attention to the details, and have a big lens :)

.travel
Epic day on the water with of ; a kitesurfing-focused travel company from Poland leading trips to Greece and South Africa.

travel

Happy Valentine's Day from these Kelp Gull's complicated relationship ❤️.






Cross-off the bucket list ! Photographed an Albatross ! We navigated 60kms or 25 nautical miles past Cape Point, a southerly peninsula a couple of hours from Cape Town. When the ocean was finally about 80m deep, a few albatross showed themsleves briefly. It was a magical tour, with 23 different bird species, two types of dolphins dancing alongisde our boat, and a humpback whale tail emerging from the water at a distance.


Some favorites from a quick early morning birding stroll.

.travel .travel

Photographying the master in full send mode in a Chukker on a beautiful Sunday at the Cape Town Polo Club.



One month ago I flew my DJI FPV drone from the inside of this little two-seater open-air airplane. Since that heart-pounding moment, I haven't felt nervous to fly my drone anywhere, anytime.

I've traveled to over 40 countries, often developing countries, and often alone. I may seem brave now, but everything has been a process. When I was 16 years old, I was flying to visit a university for a tennis scholarship, and my flight got canceled due to severe weather- I would have to stay in a hotel. This was going to be my first time ever staying in a hotel by myself. Not a big deal now, right? But I had never done it before. I was so scared I went to the airport bathroom and cried for 10 minutes until I was finally able to put myself together to face the situation.

I face and conquer fears everday; it is such a clear indicator of personal growth; feeling fear subside into comfort which then fills me with excitment and energy.

Everyone is at a different stage in conquering fears, and there can be setbacks or traumatic experiences, but nonetheless let's perserve, and break our mental glass ceiling. Although simple, right now I am working on overcoming my fear to kitesurf further into the ocean at sunset- where I have now on multiple occasions seen large dark fins sticking out of the water- but I know it is just a sunfish, not a shark. Nonetheless, in the moment I freeze up, kitesurf way worse, or now twice just go back to shore and stop.

What fear are you conquering now?

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Also huge shout out to .botha for being an epic plane pilot.

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