Acclaimed Wildlife Photographer


   Bruna Mentrup


 PSSA Masters-Multipal National and Local Awards

- National Geographic Photo of the year


Accomplishments Photography Courses

About me


Born in Polokwane, North-South Africa, on the outskirts of town on a farm, we witnessed the most beautiful bushveld sunsets in the evenings, which I eagerly awaited for every evening. I will never forget, I asked my dad one evening still as a small child, where the sun came from, his answerer to me, the sun and the moon is made in a factory in Johannesburg. Looking at the sunset the following evening, I thought; it must be a giant factory. When I asked my dad where the stars came from, I was surprised to hear that even the stars came from that unique factory in Johannesburg. And that is how my love for the shades of nature started.

I could describe my childhood years as a creative dreamer and a quiet observer. I would find form in things like clouds and colour where no one else saw it, the domain of an imaginative child, so I was told.

My earliest memories are of the African Bush, her magnificent landscapes and the beating heart of any country privileged to have wildlife. My heart has always belonged to the great outdoors, and I am at my happiest immersed in capturing light as it plays itself out across the landscape and bathes my wildlife subjects, bringing them to life and showing their sheer perfection to my Lens.

I started my wildlife photography journey with nothing but a passion for capturing what I had seen unfold before me for years.

Determined I could achieve that, I set out with the most basic equipment, and eventually, my efforts were rewarded.

I, fortunately, love travel and being in my own company, so I spend months on the road in perfect partnership with the animals, great light, and the

landscape. My confidence grew, and my images started to speak for themselves, so too did my range of equipment, as did the awards.


My proudest moment was, being made a Licentiate by the Photography Society of South Africa. I take so much pride in the steps

I have taken, and it gives me such joy to see my work in magazines and hanging on walls of game lodges across Africa.

My philosophy is that anyone can acquire technical skills in photography. Still, you need heart, passion and a deep

connection with what is around you to capture the finest of what Mother Nature has on offer.

Our Future Safari 104 Workshops - 2024

Wildlife 104 Photography

Safari Workshop

2024



Where: Mabalingwe Nature Reserve, Thabazimbi, Bela Bela


When: Check-In:    30th May 2024
              Check Out: 02nd June 2024




Time:  15h:00



Cost:   R14,900-00 incl pp

USD 1200 pp

Discount for DPC and camera club members


Duration: 4 nights



Learn More

Wildlife & Nature 104

Photography Safari Workshop 2024



Where: Klein Bolayi Game Lodge and  Daily Visits To the Mapungubwe National Park 

 

When: Check-In:     06th June 2024

              Check Out:  10th June 2024


Time:  15h:00


Cost: R10,300-00 incl pp

USD 986 pp

Discount for DPC and camera club members.


Duration: 4 nights


Learn More

Bush Fire Wildlife 104 Photography Safari Workshop 2024



Where:  Pilanesberg National Park -   Manyane Camping Resort


When: 
Check-In:    26th April 2024     

               Check Out: 28th April 2024


Time:
14h:00

 

Cost per person:

Option One: Camping and Caravan:

R 5 150.00

Option Two: Tented Chalet:

R 6100.00

 USD - 400pp

Discount for DPC  and camera club members.


Duration: 2 nights


Learn More

Big Five Chobe River 104 Photography  Safari Workshop

2024

Fully Booked



Where:  Pangolin Chobe Hotel, Kasane, Botswana


When:
Check-In:   22nd March 2024

              Check Out: 28th March 2024


Time:  15h:00


Cost:  R 35000 (All inclusive)

USD

(This is a special arranged rate - no discounts)


Duration: 6 nights, 7 Days



Learn More

Basecamp- 2024

Welcome to Photo Basecamp.


Basecamp is a place where we communicate and post images of all our recent visits on Safri's and Excursions.


We aim to present information about our recent trip and locations in a fun and informative way. We don't claim to know every spot in every location, or to give you the only ideas for a shoot. We do however promise to write about locations as we saw it, with our personal experiences and tips we found that we picked up during our travels. This may be a recommendation to visit certain locations or even advise to rather stay away.

You may also find advice on places to stay or to eat. After all travel is all about a complete experience.

Photo Basecamp. Your source of premium photographic location advice, tutorials and reviews.



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Wildlife & Bird Photography Day Excursions - 2024

Wildlife Photography Day Excursions


Where:  Rhino & Lion Nature Reserve, Kromdraai, Krugersdorp


Date for Zoom class and Practical session: 

February  2024: 22nd  & 24th (Thursday and Saturday)


Times:

  • Zoom Class starts at 19h00 on the Thursday Evenings
  • Practical Sessions on Saturdays: Meet at 08h00 (Reserve gates open at 08h00 and close at 17h00)

Cost: R2800-00 incl. per person - (DPC and club members: R2,500-00 incl. per person).


Included: Practical session, Zoom sessions, Game drive, Sunny-boy breakfast, Coffee/Tea and Gate fees.

Learn More

Bird Photography Day Excursions


Where:  Marievale Bird Sanctuary, Nigel


Date for Zoom class and Practical session:

February 2024: 15th and 17th (Thursday and Saturday)


Times:

  • Zoom Class starts at 19h00 on Thursday evenings
  • Practical Saturday: Meet at the gate 07h15 for 07h30 - 11h30


Cost: R2400-00 incl. per person - (DPC and club members: R2,100-00 incl. per person)


Included: Snack box, Coffee/Tea, Zoom session, Practical session, Suitable Hide and gate fees.

Learn More


Online Wildlife 104 Photography Courses -  2024





 Essentials to Become a Great Wildlife & Bird Photographer


                      We are excited to announce our " Essentials For Great Wildlife And Nature

Photography 104 Course". This course consists of a 5-day online Zoom

training session. Presented by Bruna Mentrup.


As a  wildlife photographer, I'm always asked what equipment I use

and which accessories I rely on most in the field. I usually carry

many odd bits and bobs that can help make life easier. In our session, we will discuss

all aspects of what a wildlife photographer will need. I am starting with photography

equipment and ending with technology, pushing your images to the next level.



                   


                   2024 Online Zoom Courses       

                   @ 18h00 to 20h00


                      The course consists of  Five  Two-hour online sessions/

             


              First Course Starting February 2024

                   Day 1   08th February

                      Day 2 -  15th February

                      Day 3 -   22nd February

                      Day 4  -   29th February

                      Day 5 -   07th March


                   Cost Per Person: Vat included.

                                                   * Individual sessions only: R2100.00 per session per person

                                                   * For the complete package of 5 sessions: R5000.00 per person

                                                 (You choose the sessions to attend)


       Zoom Sessions Times: @ 18h00 to 20h00


      Presented by:   

        Award-winning photographer Bruna Mentrup presents the course.  

         Bruna is a professional wildlife photographer,  traveller and adventurer.         

         Her philosophy is that anyone can acquire technical skills, but the prerequisite

         for a wildlife photographer, it is a deep connection with nature and a good

         understanding of how your camera works.         




About the Online Course


       

        The most important aspects covered in the Course:           

  • Ethics and philosophy of wildlife photography.
  • What makes good wildlife photos.
  • Visual storytelling in wildlife/nature photography.
  • Photography equipment like cameras, lenses and tripods.
  • Understanding and optimising your gear.
  • Accurate exposure to wildlife photography in various settings.
  • Depth-of-field for different focal lengths and subjects.
  • Optimal camera settings for speed, focus in low light
  • Focus point selection and focusing modes.
  • Capturing fast action
  • Panning and tracking techniques.
  • Simplification in wildlife photography.
  • Creative wildlife photography: Composition, impact, drama, action, storytelling and lighting techniques.
  • Photographing wildlife with artificial lighting (Off-camera Flash)
  • Creating pre-sets in-camera for moving and static animals, small, medium and large
  • How to deal with busy backgrounds and dark shadows when capturing wildlife and birds.
  • Gear, travelling and logistics.
  • Essential digital workflow aspects for wildlife and nature photographers.

     


Book now
Day 3:   Personal Traits Of A Successful Wildlife                           and Nature Photographer                          Zoom Session - 31st August 2023  Cost:  R 1 200.00 pp                In this session we discuss some of the crucial qualities a           good wildlife photographer must possess.            Come on, let's have a look!             We will include discussions such as: Know The Power Of His/Her Equipment  Passionate About Wildlife  Respectful Towards Subject  Safety And Clothing Conscious Positivity, Perseverance And Patience Imagination And Creativity A Good Sense Of Detail Patience And Adaptability Good Interpersonal Skills Excellent Communication Skills Passion Tell Your Story Technical Abilities Ambition Business skills Subject expertise Hand-Eye Synergy Perseverance Technical Proficiency And Artistic Vision  Inventive Frame Of Mind  Constant Training Sharp Eye For Detail  Planning Love What You Are Doing

   

We will include discussions such as:

  • Cameras
  • Telephoto Lens
  • Wide Angle Lens
  • Extend that Focal Length With a Teleconverters
  • Tripods And Or Mono Pods
  • Fast Memory Cards – A Must-Have
  • Batteries And Chargers
  • Best Backpacks For Professional Wildlife Photography Gear
  • Extras – Non-Camera Gear
  • Clothing
  • Lamps And Torches
  • Bean Bags
  • Ground Covers For Added Comfort
  • Rain Covers To Protect Your Camera Gear
  • Technology For Wildlife And Nature Photography
  • Know The Power Of His/Her Equipment
  • Passionate About Wildlife
  • Respectful Towards Subject
  • Safety And Clothing Conscious
  • Positivity, Perseverance And Patience
  • Imagination And Creativity
  • A Good Sense Of Detail
  • Patience And Adaptability
  • Good Interpersonal Skills
  • Excellent Communication Skills
  • Ambition
  • Business skills
  • Subject expertise
  • Hand-Eye Synergy
  • Perseverance
  • Technical Proficiency And Artistic Vision
  • Inventive Frame Of Mind
  • Constant Training
  • Sharp Eye For Detail
  • Planning
  • Love What You Are Doing

   

Learn How To Edit Wildlife And Birds In Lightroom

With a Proper Workflow - 2024


Online classes for seasonal, professional, or absolute beginners


The most important aspects covered in the Course:


  • A complete overview of the interfaces, menus and modules.
  • Setting up Editing preferences.
  • Importing, image culling and selections.
  • Sorting and finding your images.
  • Advanced workflow and backup.
  • Managing and showing off your portfolio by using Lightroom Classic and Lightroom together.
  • Retouching: Travel, Landscape, and Wildlife.
  • White balance and working with colour.
  • Creating and working with Lightroom presets.
  • Preparing your images for output: Printing, and social media.
  • Q&A session.                                                                               

About the Online Course:


We are excited to announce that our Wildlife & Nature Lightroom course now consist of 2-Day online training, presented by by Bruna Mentrup-Nortje.


We cover all the most important aspects of editing wildlife, digital workflow and portfolio management, from importing, sorting, managing and retouching to exporting images for print and online applications. Lear how to edit different types of wild animals and bird species without making your image look artificial. ,


Course details:

Small classes with a maximum of 8 people.

Learn how to use Lightroom, from top to bottom, left to right on your own computer, step by step and under the guidance of an expert.


Course duration:

The course consists of two three-hour online sessions.


Presented by:

Award-winning photographer Bruna Mentrup presents the course. Bruna is a professional wildlife photographer, traveller and adventurer. 

Her philosophy is that anyone can acquire technical skills, but the prerequisite for becoming a wildlife photographer is a deep connection with nature.


DATES 2024

11th June

13th June

Zoom Sessions @ 18h00 to 21h00

Cost: R 2100.00 incl. per person

International: USD 226

Book now

Bruna at Work

Our Services


Digital Photography Courses

This course is for wildlife enthusiasts who would like to make the most of their time in the wild and turn their snapshots into great shots.

Game Drives & Excursions

Learn how to photograph wildlife when you join Bruna for a wildlife photography Game Drives and Excursion.

Buy Prints

Display the natural essence of Bruna's magnificent wildlife photography, durable printed versions, in your home or office space.

Wedding Photography

Photographs' of your Wedding day will last for generations to come, and this is why choosing the right photographer could be one of the most important decisions you will make.

Digital Services

Digital Marketing is the Future! If you don't have a Digital Marketing Strategy you need to design and implement one.. yesterday already.

Lodges Styling

Changing your lodge appearance to suit the wildlife surrounding it, Bruna is the best person to capture the beauty of your wildlife and make your Lodge stand out from the rest.

My Accomplishments


I relish my time in lectures and out in the bush with students so eager to learn. My teaching leaves me feeling that the further I go, the more my students teach me. It's a wonderfully exciting moment for me.

 

As an educator at DPC, mentors and friends have taken my photography full circle, and teaching and mentoring have brought me into contact with such talented and fabulous people. I am watching someone start awkwardly and blossom into a confident photographer, proud of their achievements.

Accomplishments

Save the Rhino


The fight against Rhino Poaching in South Africa - A Unitrans Volkswagen initiative

It is widely accepted that the overwhelming majority of the South African population, large and small business and a myriad of institutions, are deeply concerned with the current status quo regarding Rhino poaching. Without detracting from the many generous and selfless sponsorships and contributions made to Conservation and to Counter Poaching in particular, the Volkswagen Divisions of Unitrans Automotive felt that there was a need to get closer to the individuals at the coal face and to assist

them in delivering a more effective service. These Field Rangers are up against highly sophisticated

criminals and the need is for our Rangers to be equipped, at least, to an equivalent level.


SANParks and their Honourary Rangers along with the Unitrans Volkswagen Division have entered into an ongoing Sponsorship Agreement to address these imbalances with the belief that by equipping the Field Rangers to the level of sophistication of the Organised Criminals, we would greatly improve the chances of success. Unitrans Volkswagen will contribute an amount per unit retailed monthly to a

Trust to be administered by Trustees appointed by all the parties concerned. The Trustees will be voluntary and will not be remunerated in any way. All proceeds will therefore be

spent exclusively on Counter Poaching.

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Bruna Mentrup-Nortje
Thru My African Lens Photography

and Tours

Tel: 082 809 1918
Email: bruna@dpc.co.za

             Our Courses:

  • DPC Photography Courses/Workshops - More Information
  • DPC Wildlife Photography Courses -

         More Information

  • Photography Safari Workshops
  • Online Photography Courses
  • Photography Day Excursions

Corporate Events

 Malalane Corporate Event

Visual Journeys

Become a part of our Visual Journey, this will make you wanting more.

Contact us

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