Branson Meaker, a 13-year-old photographer from Durban North, is currently exhibiting his highly-commended wildlife photograph at the Natural History Museum in London.
Meaker’s image features a leaping red lechwe antelope mid-air in Botswana’s Kwando Reserve in the Okavango Delta. The image entitled ‘The Aquabatic Antelope’ will be exhibited until 31 May 2020 as part of the Natural History Museum’s newly-opened exhibition for Wildlife Photographer of the Year 2019.
‘The Aquabatic Antelope’ by Branson Meaker
‘The Aquabatic Antelope’ was Highly Commended for the competition’s youth entries, and features in the age category of 11-14 years. The male red lechwe Meaker skilfully photographed is a type of antelope typically found in wetlands and parts of southern Africa, much like this one captured in the Kwando Reserve in northern Botswana.
A love for nature and Branson’s budding photographic talent seems to run in the family as his older brother, Skye Meaker, won Young Wildlife Photographer of the Year 2018 for his image of a leopard waking in Mashatu Game Reserve in Botswana.
According to Meaker’s website, the talented teen photographer appreciates wildlife and nature, which he tries to capture and share with others. Meaker’s red lechwe shot was taken on his Canon EOS 5D Mark lll after hours of patiently waiting to get the perfect shot in the Okavango wetlands.
Branson Meaker with his camera gear. Image supplied.
To view more of Branson’s wildlife photography, head to bransonmeaker.com to check out his portfolio.
The Wildlife Photographer of the Year competition was founded in 1965 and strives to champion ethical wildlife photography. Submissions are currently welcome for the Wildlife Photographer of the Year 2020 competition, and entry closes on 12 December 2019 at 11.30am GMT. nhm.ac.uk
Images supplied by Branson Meaker
