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ON THE COVER
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We chat to the legendary Wildlife and Landscape photographer Si Cunneen. Find him @si_wild_by_nature on Instagram
Why do you take photos?
It’s that ‘time out’ moment. Rather like any hobby, when you can just switch off, forget about deadlines, ‘job-list’ and so on. Always been a hobby for me as opposed to wanting or trying to make an income from it. I enjoy the moment, the sightings, the outcomes and the feedback from those who view the end product.
Where are some of your favourite locations for a shoot?
Wouldn’t say that I actually have a favourite location. Every location and its environment varies, with different habitats, wildlife, birdlife, and challenges. So, measuring against each other and highlighting a favourite is difficult. That said, I have been offered the chance to go to the Kruger soon while stopping off at some great locations, so perhaps my view on a favourite may change unexpectedly!
What equipment do you use?
I always was a Canon sort of guy, but for the past 2 years, I have started using a Sony RX-10 MkIV, a mirrorless camera with a 24 - 600mm lens. This removes the need to change lens types, which saves a lot of time, especially with wildlife and birdlife, where that moment needs to be captured there and then and before it is lost!
Are you available for shoots for paying customers?
Something I don’t do is family shoots, weddings and so on. That really isn’t my cup of tea. I do accept commissions on landscape and wildlife canvases and prints, though. That’s enjoyable and satisfying. Every photographer is different, and they have their own field of work. Mine is birdlife, wildlife and, to a lesser extent, landscape. I just don’t have the patience for people and trying to organise them into some sort of set piece. I really do admire those photographers who target that area of work. I find animals so much easier to work with!
What excites you about photography
Getting that one shot. The one shot I took out of 300 makes the grade. With birdlife, I can count on one hand the number of times I have gone out intentionally to get that particular shot. More than often, it doesn’t work out, but when it does, then that is where excitement kicks in. Probably more so with wildlife than birds. The anticipation of watching a cheetah or lion in readiness for a hunt and kill. When it happens, WOW!
Finally, that cover shot. How did that come about? What was the time? Obviously, it was the day of the full moon etc
A friend mentioned the full moon approaching and suggested doing moon and lighthouse shots. On the day, it ended up being just me. I checked for the moon every few minutes, and then suddenly, when I looked, it had appeared, not at the horizon but higher up. I took some shots and got the settings right. Then I ran on tip-toes through the reserve, more concerned that I was about to tread on a sleeping snake than not getting the shot of the moon and lighthouse. Planted the tripod and then started running off photos of the subjects, and hey presto! I will have two versions of that moon rise available on canvas, so keep your eyes peeled!
