For photography, “digital” has been a game-changer. Not just the camera technology itself, but the ability for amateurs and hobbyists to easily download video manuals and ebooks written by Pros.
And how about the ability to share? To blog. To publish to huge numbers of people.
With the development of The Studio at Londolozi, it has been our vision to be at the front of this revolution, from camera rentals and specialised photography safaris, to canvas printing and Lightroom tutorials. It gives us great pleasure to assist a growing community of storytellers who can share their wildlife experiences with bigger, more engaged audiences.
And that’s why this opportunity is too good not to share:
Nat Geo Wild, in partnership with Sun Valley Film Festival and African Wildlife Foundation, has been accepting submissions for the annual filmmaking contest, WILD to INSPIRE.
The top three finalists are invited to Sun Valley Film Festival in March, 2015 for the opportunity to showcase their short film (no longer than five minutes) to guests of the festival as well as a panel of judges.
And then the best part: the winner will receive a National Geographic expedition pass to embark on a once-in-a-lifetime filming and storytelling adventure in the African wilderness.
Apart from the unbelievable opportunity for an amateur filmmaker to be part of a National Geographic experience, it is no secret that conservation efforts can be extended through environmental storytelling.
More and more, sharing imagery of our planet’s wilderness areas is less about voyeurism and more about inspiring others to want to proactively take part in the preservation of the natural world.
In fact the inaugural winner of this competition – Dan Duran – took the prize for his moving story of a Native American woman whose life has been dedicated to the preservation and protection of North American wolves in the wild and in captivity. Duran went on to document conservation efforts in the Maasai Steppe landscape as part of his Nat Geo Wild trip to Tanzania.
WILD to INSPIRE entries close on 9 February, 2015 (not much time we know, but some readers may have existing footage that they have never used before), and entries are open to residents of the USA. Click here to find out more.
By the way, if you need a little inspiration, click here to view 15 of the best-ever Londolozi YouTube videos. This is a great collection for those who didn’t manage to catch it last year.
I love looking at inspiring wildlife photos. Taking a lot of pics myself, although most are not very good. The Londolozi blog is a great inspiration. Great videos.
What an amazing opportunity for someone Ryan! Londolozi has some of the most fascinating and beautiful videos ever and I love watching them.