International recognition for young Durban North photographer

DURBAN North resident, Branson Meaker  has been named as a finalist in the Wildlife Photographer of the Year Competition (WPY) for his photo ‘The Aquatic Antelope’.

Meaker, who is in the 11 to 14 year age category, will have his image of a jumping red lechwe displayed at the Wildlife Photographer of the Year 2019 exhibition at the Natural History Museum in the UK.

His remarkable achievements don’t end there though, Meaker’s image is only one of 18 images chosen from this year’s exhibition to be hung in the state dining room in 10 Downing Street. His photo will also appear in the WPY book.

Added to this, another of Meaker’s photos has been chosen for the Montphoto competition in Spain. His image entitled Dancing on Light was chosen as one of the top six under 14 entries internationally and will be exhibited in Spain and published in this year’s Montphoto book.

The Clifton College learner, who is the younger brother of Skye Meaker, who was named the Young Wildlife Photographer of the Year (WPY) 2018 said he was influenced and encouraged by his brother.

“Before being named young wildlife photographer of the year, Skye was also a finalist in the WPY so that is an encouraging sign. My entire family have been incredibly supportive which makes a huge difference. I’m excited and honoured to be among the finalists. The news came as a surprise to me because I didn’t expect to place in my first year entering the competition,” he said.

His photo of the jumping lechwe was taken in the flooded plains of Botswana’s Kwando Reserve and Meaker explained how he got his breathtaking photo.

“I had spent hours trying to capture the lechwe. They are very powerful antelope and they can jump fairly high without much effort. My camera was on top of a beanbag when I spotted the lechwe start to run through the water. I managed to capture the perfect shot of the lechwe in midair. I was excited when I reviewed the photo to find a Pied Kingfisher in the background which made the photo even more special,” he said.

Meaker also offered his advice for budding photographers out there. “It takes a great deal of patience and a little bit of luck. For any young photographer out there, start small and learn the settings of your camera and your passion for photography will show,” he said.

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