The Natural Wonders of Southern Africa

My Photo scholarship 2011 entry

Worldwide | Monday, November 7, 2011 | 5 photos

My name is Chrisjan de Waal and I’m currently a medical student at the University of Calgary in Calgary, Alberta, Canada. My love of photography was first ignited while traveling in Southern Africa shortly after high school. When my uncle witnessed my passion for photography and the images that I captured with my point-and-shoot he gave me his old DSLR. Since that time I escape to nature with that camera every chance I get. I find that the natural wonders around us serve as the best possible canvas for the art of taking photos and I absolutely love every minute of it. Nothing relieves the stress of my studies like getting lost in the bush with my camera.

Although I have many different images on file from my own beautiful backyard in Western Canada, I figured that it would be very fitting to put together a collection of images from my travels in Southern Africa, the place where my love of photography began. The fact that this scholarship also involves traveling back to South Africa seems to be a fitting progression in my development as a photographer.

Through all of my adventures I have yet to find a place that is as photogenic as this magnificent part of the world. My shots come from the natural wonders that I discovered while road-tripping through various parts of South Africa and Namibia. They represent great memories and serve as a reminder of the goal that I have to see as much of the world as possible while working in faraway places. It's my wish to capture those travels and experiences with a lens in order to share them with others.

Thank you very much for organizing this tremendous opportunity and for your consideration of me as a mentee and a fellow photographer.