Local wildlife photographer captures animals in their element
The 34-year-old said what she loves about being a photographer is the moment when she realised that all her patience and hard work has paid off.
Wildlife photographer Natasha Pretorius describes seeing and photographing wildlife in their habitat as a lifetime experience. Natasha fell in love with photography when she was in college.
“Photography gave me a sense of direction at that time; it came to me so naturally. Being in South Africa and surrounded by the most incredible animals and scenery, who couldn’t be inspired?” said Natasha.
“We are blessed to be living in an amazing country with many photographic opportunities. I love Pilanesberg National Park. We have had many magnificent animal sightings there.”
The PostNet Oakfield owner said she has seen more men being wildlife photographers.
“Personally am not sure why it is, there is no reason for it to be male-dominated. If you enjoy the outdoors or spending hours in national parks, then there is no reason to not want to experience it.
“I would encourage other women to get into wildlife photography.”
The 34-year-old said what she loves about being a photographer is the moment when she realised that all her patience and hard work has paid off.
“Seeing the finished product printed and framed is wonderful. Many of my photographs have been used in calendars in previous years. That gives me a sense of accomplishment,” she said.
She explained that being a wildlife photographer you need patience.
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“You may be required to sit in the same spot for hours, waiting for the perfect shot. As painstaking as it may be, it is always worthwhile.
“You also get camera equipment failing. Once I had the perfect shot and an error showed on my camera. The perfect moment was lost,” she said.
Her achievements include photographing the Peterborough soccer team in action in England, Clubmen Silverton in the UK, Prince Harry at a charity event in London, the Doncaster Knights rugby team in the UK and having her photographs used in calendars in South Africa.
The Boksburg resident also enjoys fishing in dams, rivers, and, when the opportunity presents itself, the ocean.
“I am also a handywoman. I like working on my vehicles and other house projects. I thoroughly enjoy watching the races at the Rock Raceway and spending ample time with my nephew, Raiden, going to the Bunny Park and doing fun adventure activities.
“I am part of a small group with individuals from the Boksburg Baptist Church who do outreaches in the Boksburg area.”
Her message to women is through these incredible difficult trials of life, is to suck it up, cupcake. “This was my best friend’s mother’s words. We need to remain strong and positive regardless of what life throws at us.
“As Michelle Obama once said, ‘There is no limit to what we as women can accomplish.”
You can see some of her work on Facebook at tashlocationphotography and on Instagram: pretorius_tasha
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