Skye Meaker

Profiling Skye Meaker

2018 Wildlife Photographer of the Year was South African Skye Meaker, just 16 years of age. Skye has been published over the years in print media. It’s wonderful to see Skye is published not just based on his photography but also voicing his opinion on conservation in South Africa and the need for more young photographers out there. He has made a point to speak on lion, cheetah and elephant conservation. For Skye, photography is not just about the competitions entered and won but also the platform it affords him to create awareness about our natural world and conserving it in the long term.

Skye was the youngest speaker at Davos this year having three speaking engagements. A Betazone, an open forum and he was a discussion leader at a dinner forum co-hosted with the National Geographic.

Sky shared the stage with Dr Jane Goodall for his Betazone story, Close Encounters, on the World Economic Forum. His story is available here.

Visit Skye’s website to see some of his work and read more about his experience. http://www.skyemeaker.com/

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Africa Wildlife Photographer Skye Meaker winning photograph

‘Lounging Leopard’ was taken in Botswana’s Mashatu Game Reserve. The Leopard is named Old Mathoja and she was dozing on a low branch of a Nyala tree. Mathoja means ‘the one that walks with a limp’ as she was injured when just a cub. Now eight years old, she is a calm leopard and was captured beautifully by Skye in the morning light that was not ideal on the day and the wind was blowing leaves over her face. Her eyes would open ever so briefly on occasion making it tricky for Skye to compose the shot he was after. Finally, a shaft of light provided a glint to her eyes, helping Skye to create this memorable portrait photograph. Well done Skye! You are a true creative capturing the beauty of Old Mathoja.

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Skye Meaker doing what he loves.

More about Africa Wildlife Photographer Skye Meaker

When Skye spoke to one of our Safari Guides, Aymar Heyns, he said he loves South Africa and Botswana and that is where most of his time is spent. Skye also really loved going to photograph Kenya and Tanzania in East Africa.

Aymar asked what equipment he carries with him when on a wildlife photographic safari.

‘I usually take my Canon 1dx mark ii with a Canon 500mm f4 lens along with a 5D mark iii with a Canon 70-200 f2.8 and a beanbag to keep them steady.’

When asked what he wants to do in life, Skye said ‘I would ultimately like to carry on pursuing wildlife photography and potentially go try portrait photography as well as study to go into something to do with finance.’

Finally, where would you like to travel and Skye answered ‘Australia for sure., America and Japan.’

So we look forward to welcoming Skye to Australia and showing him our beautiful country.