NATIONAL NEWS - Cathan Moore (18), who grew up in the Timbavati area recently received an international award for photography – a passion he developed after spending countless hours in the wild.
He was announced the winner of the Youth in Africa category at the Benjamin Mkapa African Wildlife Photography Awards that were held in Nairobi, Kenya on 28 October.
The competition received thousands of entries and was named to honour the late former president of Tanzania, Benjamin Mkapa.
The competition recognises Mkapa’s leadership in conservation and education, and his support for the African Wildlife Foundation.
Moore wants to use his skills as a wildlife photographer to pay back the gift that growing up in nature has given him, by contributing to conservation through his camera lens.
“I grew up at Kings Camp, a lodge that my parents, Warren and Lisha, have been managing for the past 26 years. Since I was one week old I have been out in the bush,” he told Lowvelder.
All his life he has been taught the importance of conservation. Even at the school from which he matriculated last year, Southern Cross, which is also situated in the bush, the focus was on protecting the natural world.
“Photography is a good way to capture and share the experiences I have with wildlife daily. Not sharing this experience with others would be cruel,” Moore said.
It was a hot day, peaking at around 42 degrees Celsius, when he sat in the sun, waiting for the perfect opportunity to capture a herd of wildebeests that would eventually win him the award. “There was a herd of wildebeests standing in the shade, waiting to cross the plains. I waited for about an hour and a half before the animals moved out into the open.”
The wildebeests lined up perfectly and even headed in his direction when he took the award-winning shot. He used a Canon 7D Mark II camera and a Sigma 150-600mm lens to capture the moment.
Moore said that he had been entering photographic competitions over the past five years, from which he learned what it takes to win an award.
His favourite wild animals to photograph are leopards. “I grew up with leopards all around me. When I was born, I grew up at the same rate as some of them. Watching them grow, learn and have their own cubs is inspiring. I have a very personal connection to them.”
Studying animal behaviour is one of his most important tips for budding wildlife photographers.
“You need to spend as much time as possible with an animal. You need to study them and know their behaviour in order to get the perfect picture. Patience is also very important.”
His dream is to become a photographic guide.
“My heart will forever be in the bush. I would love to take guests on safari, and not just in Africa, but also abroad, to experience invaluable moments in the wild.”
