- South African photographer Wim van den Heever snapped incredible shots from all over the world
- Describes his work as more of a lifestyle than hobby, and has set up safari company so others can enjoy
- Favourite animals to photograph are big cats as they are big and strong, like ‘survival machines’
These breath-taking photographs reveal the everyday lives of animals living in the wild.
The incredible images were taken by wildlife photographer Wim van den Heever, from Pretoria, South Africa, during trips to locations including Japan, Botswana and Svalbard.
The 43-year-old has been photographing wildlife since he was a young boy and turned his passion for animals into a career and set up ODP Safaris in 2006.
This cheetah closes in on a springbok in the set of stunning wildlife photographs by Wim van Den Heever
It’s difficult to tell whether this is a serious fight or just some fooling around by a pair of polar bears
A pack of elephants wander the plains with the backdrop of a truly enchanting red sky above
This group of dolphins decide to have some fun in the surf, and of course the stunning scene was captured by Wim
He has travelled across the globe to photograph wild animals – from lions and tigers, to elephants, dolphins and eagles – as they hunt, give birth and graze in their natural habitats.
Wim said: ‘Wildlife and photography has always gone hand for me. My brother and I grew up with a camera in our hand, photographing wildlife with our dad.
‘For us wildlife photography was not a hobby – it was a lifestyle.
‘I feel like I belong more in the wild in the presence of an animal rather than in a city. Watching an animal behave naturally and capturing this is what gives me meaning.
Eagles put on a somewhat aggressive show for the photographer, talons at the ready
The lion is usually the hunter, but in this scene it’s the prey that seems to have the upper hand
This shot of a seal bull swinging an octopus around is something you won’t see everyday
The grey of the rhino shimmers in the waters in a spectacular night shot
‘Capturing the beauty of nature is what drives me as both a photographer and nature lover.
‘I really enjoy working with big cats – these predators are strong, determined and true survival machines. Everything they do is calculated and meaningful.
‘They are powerful and majestic and being in their presence is a humbling experience for me. They all have personalities which if you are allowed long enough in their presence will observe and hopefully as a photographer be able to capture.’
This old bull elephant dust baths on an open plain. It’s easy to see why photographer Wim has turned his passion for animals into a career
The humpback whale thrusts its head out of the water in an enchanting photograph
The incredible images were taken by wildlife photographer Wim van den Heever, from Pretoria, South Africa, during trips to locations including Japan, Botswana and Svalbard
Wim has travelled across the globe to photograph wild animals – from lions and tigers, to elephants, dolphins and eagles and leopards, such as this
Wim set up ODP Safaris which specialises in photographic travel to a hand-picked selection of international destinations renowned as top wildlife photography spots.
And the tours cater for everyone from complete beginners to professional wildlife snappers.
He said: ‘If you asked people around me when I’ve been face to face with an animal they would say it looked dangerous, but for me I’ve never felt threatened in any way.
The outline of the elephant shimmers in the water, only interrupted by the beautiful sunset
A baby elephant takes a tumble in the mud, but thankfully there are enough other elephants to help out
It’s thirsty work being a lion in the wild, with this group of five having a drink of water together
Zebras crossing! This animal looks as thought it’s spotted the camera and so gives Wim his best look
The cheetah takes aim as it closes in on dinner of springbok on the plain
‘Even when I lie flat on my stomach in front of a massive elephant I have always felt at ease.
‘I always look for opportunities to portray an animal interacting with its environment or with another species. I look for that story you can see unfolding.
‘Generally people respond very positively and are generous with their comments about my work. But I am my own biggest fan – I look at my images as if they were my kids.’
Wim captures an amazing image of a dolphin silhouetted against a rough sea
The 43-year-old has been photographing wildlife since he was a young boy and turned his passion for animals into a career and set up ODP Safaris in 2006
Wim set up ODP Safaris which specialises in photographic travel to a hand-picked selection of international destinations
The photographer describes his profession as being more of a lifestyle than a hobby, taking in some truly wondrous sights
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