ABOUT
RUDI VAN DEN HEEVER
“What an amazing privilege it is to view the wonderful detail of God’s creation through a man-made lens!”
– Rudi van den Heever
Welcome to the creative home of my wildlife and landscape photography!
I am an African Wildlife Photographer who also takes landscape photos from South Africa. I live amid Southern Africa’s unparalleled beauty – its iconic wildlife and diverse landscapes.
Some Background
I developed a curious interest in photography from a young age and often experimented with my father’s old Nikon 35 mm film camera. I was reprimanded for “wasting film”.
In the mid-2000s, I witnessed a cheetah stalking an impala but had no camera. I made a promise to myself that history would not repeat itself.
I admire our natural world. Wildlife and landscape photography is more than just taking photos – it is about presence in a specific place at a specific time. It is about witnessing and sharing the splendour of our natural world with admiration and respect, underscoring the integral and critical role of conservation.
I have a special interest in Black-and-White Photography. At times, a photo can only be done justice in full colour.
My work has been published in local and international publications. Fine Art Prints of my photos adorn the walls of homes and offices around the world, from Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, and Sydney, Australia, to Washington, DC, in the United States.
I use exclusively professional Canon equipment. I process my photos primarily in Lightroom and also Nik Silver Efex for black-and-white photos, keeping each photo authentic and true to the actual scene and subject captured.
Heart of the Wild
In January, under the relentless Kalahari sun, I pitched camp at the unfenced Rooiputs site in Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park, a stone’s throw from a vital waterhole. Midday temperatures climbed between 45 °C and 50 °C.
For seven days I shadowed the Rooiputs lion pride’s two dominant black-maned males, their one lioness, and two young cubs. They were not alone. A coalition of three younger males had arrived with intent: to overthrow the pride and, in the process, eliminate the cubs.
One pride male guarded over the lioness and the two cubs at all times. The other pride male alone challenged the coalition of three younger males – never allowing them in close proximaty of the cubs.
The battles themselves remained unseen – only fresh scars by morning betrayed the drama of the night over the seven day period I followed the drama.
More than Photos
A wildlife or landscape photo is more than just a pretty picture on a wall! I aim to stir awe and wonder through light, tones, and scale, and a deep appreciation through intimate, soulful portraits of Southern Africa’s iconic wildlife and landscapes.