Through the Lens: Q&A with Pro Wildlife Photographer Emma Gatland

Emma is part of the Sun Destinations fabric. Her award-winning snapshots have been featured in publications around the world — and lucky for us, across the pages of our social media too.

With an incredible eye for detail, Emma captures not only breathtaking wildlife moments but also beautifully curated lifestyle shots that reflect the essence of each space she photographs.

She shares her insights, stories and the snapshots that have lead her to where she is now. We warn you, reading this may result in a spontaneous desire to immediately book your next safari. You have been warned.

What drew you to photography?

Whilst working abroad and travelling I wanted to start documenting the wonderful places I was visiting. We didn’t have cellphones to capture the adventures, after much research I bought my first DSLR and It was in Morocco that a fire really ignited for Photography. There was something soul filling about capturing the colours, people , hustle and landscape. I found a love in photography about telling a story in a still image.

Did you grow up surrounded by the wilderness? Were you first drawn to other kinds of photography? How did you get into wildlife, travel and lodge photography?

I grew up with holidays in Zimbabwe, as a family we spent a lot of time travelling in this beautiful wild country. My love for safari and wildlife was installed here from the earliest childhood memories. Fast forward to many years later I found an opportunity with Sun destinations to capture one of their marketing lodges in Botswana (central Kalahari) from here a relationship developed and I found myself in the Greater Kruger falling in love with documentation of everything safari.

When did you realise that this was what you wanted to do? Any defining moments or shots? Did you have a breakthrough moment? A publication, recognition, or personal milestone?

Wildlife and lodges seemed to gel together, it was a perfect combo of interiors, architecture, safari minded people and wildlife that fulfilled the overall capturing of such a wonderful sort after travel destinations. Conservation is also a big part of our wild areas and it was on a Rhino documentary shoot in Northern KZN where I shot an “upside down” Rhino. Photography is the art of producing something different that leaves the viewer engrossed in the photo. I placed a fisheye lens on and achieved a very unique shot which has been internationally published across many media boards. This became a breakthrough publication. In a highly saturated market of social media and cell phone photography to stand out you have to produce something different. This upside down Rhino not only created a massive awareness for the fight in conservation but also became a breakthrough moment.

Award-winning shot highlighting the plight of rhino conservation

How has your relationship with wildlife and conservation evolved through your photography?

It’s the awareness and responsibility that you have to showcase how valuable wildlife and conservation is. There is an important message that I feel is on photographers shoulders to encourage and portray the message of why conservation and travel is so important. My relationship with wildlife is to respect it when photographing it, not to push boundaries for social media. It’s to be mindful of the right conservation and safari lodges to showcase who are responsible tourism entities.

What’s the most rewarding aspect of sharing your work and story with others?

For people who live abroad who have never travelled, the most rewarding aspect is to bring them a glimpse of how incrediable nature, wilderness areas, creation and safari is. It’s a privilege to share this passion with strangers and hopefully encourage more people to come on safari and aid towards conservation.

What’s in your camera bag? Who is your trusty steed?

I use Nikon mirrorless cameras – 2 full frame bodies and a variety of lenses. Some being a 300 f2.8 for wildlife and landscape, a 40mm f2 as my trusty interior and documentary lens, 70-200 f2.8 and this covers a variety of uses and is excellent for people. Then lastly a wide angle 14-35mm f4 which is great for night skies and interiors. Some extras include external lighting, flash and a good old bean bag.

What gear would you recommend to someone starting out? Any advice for aspiring photographers

All gear nowadays is great. If you’re travelling , be mindful of weight and always invest in sharp lenses that work well in lower light, such as a f2.8 or f4. The best camera is the one you have on you and the one you know how to work. A phone is a phenomenal tool to document and capture stories on. Research the best settings for your phone camera, get to know your gear and always keep it with you.

What are your top tips for taking beautiful photos?

Composition is key!!! Try to tell a story in your image and always work with beautiful light where possible.

Capturing the Safari Way of Life in a snapshot – Quintessential Sundowners at Chacma Bush Camp

Are there any changes you would like or hope to see in the wildlife photography/travel industry?

I would like to see “influencers” or travellers being responsible with getting their shots – respecting nature and putting it first before the “gram” When you are on safari, put the phone down for a minute and engage with your subject by means of observation, listening and becoming present, then take your photo.

The best photographs require presence and awareness. The best moments aren’t always captured but rather, felt.

It feels like an impossible ask but if there are highlights amongst the many spectacular moments you have had then please share!

There have been so many highlights but also just the overall privilege of meeting new people, seeing new places and exploring on each shoot is a highlight for me. There have been remarkable sightings that are WOW moments but even a game drive without seeing animals and just being in the bush is a spectacular moment.