Basie Van Zyl
Cape Town, We - South Africa
Basie Van Zyl - Fine Artist
Member Since: 08/13/2009
My passion for Nature with her raw beauty and fine tuned order drive me forward on my quest to capture special moments in nature.
Moments sometimes seldom or never to be seen again.
My drive is only nature's story, carefully and artistically crafted, telling it to those who choose to listen. I've been creative since a young age but just never realized it or had the opportunity to explore & experiment with it.
In 2007 I bought the best photographic equipment and software available and my journey started.
I studied photography and digital art intensely to acquire these skills as I already had the part you cannot buy. I compete against myself and know Nature's codes and patterns within it. Prediction and proper planning is everything.
My photography and art is my love & passion, my free time I give to Mother Nature to reveal, the journey has just begun.
2008 Accomplishments:
1st Prize - Die Burger, Nature & Wildlife Photographic Competition. (10 000 entrants)
Top 10 - Getaway / Fuji Film Wildlife Competition, Landscapes.
Top 10 - Getaway / Fuji Wildlife Competition, Birds.
1st Prize - Stanford/ Glendower Birding Photographic Competition.
1st Prize - Aquila Private Game Reserve Photographic Competition. Birds and Landscape Category
3rd Prize - Pretoria Botanical Garden Photographic Competition, Bird Category.
2009 Accomplishments:
Top 10 - Die Burger, Fairest Cape Photographic Competition.
Semi-Finalist - BBC Veolia Environment Wildlife Photographer of the Year.
1st Prize - Stanford/ Glendower Birding Photographic Competition.
1st Prize - Bird life SA ''Save Our Seabird'' Photographic Competition.
Top 10 - Fuji Film Awards, Birds.
2010 Accomplishments:
Top 5 - Fuji Film Awards, Animals.
Top 5 - Fuji Film Awards, People in Nature.
1st Prize - Stanford/ Glendower Birding Photographic Competition.
Silver Award - Africa Photographic Awards, Bird Portraits.
2011 Accomplishments:
1st Prize - Arid Parks, Captured Experiences Photographic Competition, Birds.
4th Place - Die Burger, Wildlife Photographic Competition.
Finalist - BBC Veolia Environment Wildlife Photographer of the Year.
2012 Accomplishments:
2nd Place - Wanderlust Travel Magazine, London, UK, Portfolio Category.
4 Monthly winners - DSLR Training Photographic Competition.
Monthly winner - Wild-Eye Photographic Competition.
2013 Accomplishments:
1st Place, Overall Winner - DSLR Training Photographic Competition
I also had numerous images published in local media and magazines.
My first solo exhibition 'Look to See' of fine art canvas prints was held at the Strand Library Gallery during December 2008.
Photographic Tours to remote places in Africa and sharing my knowledge of nature with it's young people will be a dream for the future.
African Wildlife
Images of African Wildlife. All animals were photographed in the wild and in their natural habitat. No feeding techniques were used. Stalking and setting up techniques used included camouflage netting, tent hides and lots of patience.
