South African, Isak Pretorius, is one of 14 photographers from all over the world that forms the elite group of finalists for the 2018 Wildlife Photographer of the Year.
The coveted competition showcases the world’s best nature photography and photojournalism, challenging viewers to consider their place in the natural world while highlighting our responsibility to protect it.
The overall winners of the competition will be announced on 16 October at a ceremony in the iconic Hintze Hall in London’s Natural History Museum. Winning images are selected for their creativity, originality and technical excellence.
This year’s competition received entries from over 45 000 professionals and amateurs across 95 countries.
Pretorius, is a professional wildlife photographer, born and raised in Pretoria with 10 years of experience and a true passion for sharing the beauty of Africa’s nature and wildlife.
“It is a great honour and every photographer appreciates the recognition. To me, I’m most thrilled about the exposure that help with my aim of showing people the beauty of Africa’s Nature and Wildlife. I believe that in showing people the beauty of nature and wildlife, they will care more about it, and that’s our best chance of protecting it, Pretorius said.
Pretorius shared his advice for young aspiring wildlife photographers with us, “Spend as much time in the bush as you can, connect with your subject, express your creativity and enjoy these moments. Great photographs will be a result of your passion.”
He is very proud to be part of The Wildlife Photographer of the Year competition. “It is a fantastic platform to get my message of conservation awareness out there,” he said.
Pretorius works as a specialist photographic safari guide. “I think it is the best job in the world. It means that you take guests to the wildlife hotspots in Africa and teach them how to take their own amazing wildlife photographs. I’m passionate about Africa’s nature and wildlife.
I spend all my free time exploring the remote corners of Africa. I believe that photography is a great tool to experience nature and wildlife in a more intimate way, connect with your subject, and express your own creativity. I love to share this passion with people to get them more excited about wildlife,” he says.
This is not the first time he has won a competition for his extraordinary photographic skills, in 2013 Pretorius was also the first South African to win the Wildlife Photographer of the Year title for bird behavior.
Ian Owens, Director of Science at the Natural History Museum and member of the judging panel, says, “We were captivated by the outstanding quality of the images entered into this year’s competition, which spoke volumes to us about the passion for nature shared by talented photographers across the world. I look forward to seeing the winning selection on beautiful lightbox displays in the exhibition. I’m sure the images will surprise and inspire our visitors, and raise awareness for threatened species and ecosystems.”
Pictures: Isak Pretorious Instagram/Facebook
See more of his amazing work here.