Introducing the Wildlife Photographer of the Month: Braden Colling

We are thrilled to present Braden Colling as our Wildlife Photographer of the Month. Braden’s journey into wildlife photography is deeply rooted in his lifelong passion for nature and wildlife, which he beautifully captures through his lens.

A Passion for Wildlife from the Start

Braden’s love for wildlife began at an early age. After finishing high school, he became a nature guide, which allowed him to immerse himself in the natural world. Photography became his tool for sharing the beauty and wonder of wildlife with others. His images are a testament to his dedication and love for the natural world.

Currently based at Nyosi Wildlife Reserve in the Eastern Cape of South Africa, Braden has had the privilege of photographing in various locations across the country. However, the experiences at Kariega Game Reserve and Nyosi Wildlife Reserve hold a special place in his heart.

Committed to Conservation

Braden is not just a photographer; he is also actively involved in conservation efforts. At Nyosi Wildlife Reserve, he is part of the team working on rehabbing a female cheetah and rewilding her four cubs. Braden is excited about future rewilding projects at Nyosi, which promise to further his involvement in meaningful conservation work.

Memorable Moments Behind the Lens

When asked about his most memorable moments, Braden recounts the awe-inspiring experiences of witnessing male lions roar, cheetahs hunt, elephants swim, and rhino calves play. 

“Various moments come to mind, such as male lions roaring, cheetahs hunting, elephants swimming, Rhino calves running around the vehicle and chasing birds but some of my most memorable moments definitely have to be the relationship I have developed with our female cheetah and her 4 cubs here at Nyosi. They have truly allowed me within their inner circle, and it has meant that I have gotten some incredible shots in some of their most vulnerable times,” Braden shares.

The Joy of Photographing Cheetahs

While Braden enjoys photographing a variety of species, he particularly loves capturing the unique behaviours of big cats and elephants. His work often transforms into abstract art, showcasing the beauty of wildlife in unexpected ways.

Braden’s catalogue is rich with images of cheetahs, a species he has been fortunate to photograph closely. Being accepted into their inner circle has allowed him to capture these majestic animals from just 2-5 metres away, resulting in some truly remarkable shots.

Advice for Aspiring Wildlife Photographers

Braden reminds us that practice is key to developing a unique photographic style. The more you shoot, the better you become, and your distinct style will set you apart in the industry. In fact, Braden encourages budding photographers to simply start.

With countless resources available online, learning the craft has never been easier. He advises practising in nature whenever possible and reaching out to others in the field for guidance. His Instagram DMs are always open for questions.

Exciting Projects on the Horizon

As the cheetah cubs grow, they remain Braden’s primary focus. He is also working towards introducing smaller cat species to Nyosi Wildlife Reserve as part of ongoing rewilding efforts. We are honoured to feature Braden Colling this month and look forward to seeing his future contributions to wildlife photography and conservation.

Don’t forget to Discover Braden’s Work through the links below. 

To explore more of Braden’s captivating photography, visit his website. You can also follow his wildlife adventures on social media:

• Instagram: Braden_Colling_Photography
• Facebook: Braden Colling
• TikTok: Braden_Wildlife_Journey