Currently, in its third consecutive year, Kapama’s photographic competition for its employees ended 2017 off on a great note. We encouraged our staff to unleash their creativity and explore the natural environment, which they call home. The responses express their passion and love for nature and ultimately the profession they have chosen. Budding photographers revealed their talent in a friendly but competitive environment.

“Well done to all who entered.”, said Heinrich van der Berg, a professional photographer and the judge of the competition. The standard was high, and it was a tough choice to make. The top three photographs were great images and well deserving of the accolade.

“For the 4th quarter Kapama photo competition we looked for original photographs – photographs that were taken from unique angles, of exceptional behaviour or in beautiful light. The winners this month was chosen because they were different. The interesting behaviour of a giraffe giving birth, a good action shot like the leopard yawning, and specific character traits revealed like a lion with only one eye.”

Third place was awarded to Danell Bartie. Her entry of a baby giraffe being born expresses not only a unique sighting but the wonders of nature all wrapped up in a captured moment.

3rd place – Danell Bartie

The runner-up of the Leopard yawning from a side angle is truly a great image. Not only was the elusive leopard captured during the day, but also the intense close up reveals so much about this mysterious cat. Well-done Andrew Taylor on your terrific entry.

Runner-up – Andrew Taylor

The winning image is just brilliant and the congratulations go to Mike Brown. The piercing stare of the one-eyed male Lion captivated the elegance and power of a King.

1st  place – Mike Brown

Heinrich also passed on some valuable advice. “For future entries make sure that the images are well colour corrected and cropped correctly. Think about composition and remember that light is the most important aspect of wildlife photography.”

Christiaan Basson, General Manager – Tourism, once again handed over the prizes to the deserving winners at the official prize giving. First prize is an R5,000 voucher from OutdoorPhoto. First, Second and Third place winners each receive a certificate to acknowledge their accomplishments as well as a Kapama Photo Tips book, published by Heinrich van der Berg, to help them improve their skills and knowledge about photography

We are looking forward to the 2018 entries, to see what amazing scenes our staff will be lucky enough to capture.

Who will be the next top photographer?

To view all the winning entries for the past competitions please click here.