The Wild Eye Podcast

Every photographer knows the feeling - you've got hundreds of incredible images from your latest trip, but instead of editing them, you're watching "just one more" Lightroom tutorial. Sound familiar?

After years of safari photography and teaching workshops, Gerry shares why the endless search for new techniques might be holding you back from creating your best work. This episode cuts through the noise to reveal an uncomfortable truth: you probably already know enough to edit great images, you just need to stop procrastinating and do the work.

Learn why mastering the basics beats knowing exotic tricks, how to break free from tutorial addiction, and why the most powerful tool in Lightroom isn't a new preset or technique - it's simply sitting down and editing with intention.

Visit out website at: https://wild-eye.com/

In this episode Johan chats with Donovan, Wild Eye's newest guide, about his move from lodge-based guiding to private safari hosting. Donovan gets real about what excites him most - seeing how animals behave differently across Africa and working alongside local guides without stepping on their toes.

They discuss the tricky balance of supporting lodge guides while adding photographic expertise, dealing with long safari hours, and maintaining professional boundaries with guests. Donovan also shares his upcoming Kenya adventure and dream of exploring Mozambique's wild remote areas.

A genuine conversation about the realities of safari guiding and what it takes to create memorable experiences for guests.

Visit the Wild Eye website here: https://wild-eye.com/

In this episode Gerry tackles the toxic mindset that's plaguing photography communities everywhere: measuring creative worth by external validation instead of personal fulfillment. He explore what "good enough" actually means, why photography was never meant to be a competition, and how social media has warped our relationship with our own work.

Too many talented photographers are ready to quit because they haven't won awards or been published, as if these are the only metrics that matter. If you've ever questioned whether your photography matters because you haven't received recognition from strangers, this conversation will challenge you to rediscover why you picked up a camera in the first place.

Visit the Wild Eye website here: https://wild-eye.com/

In our latest episode, Johan van Zyl walks you through the incredible experience of our Jaguar of the Pantanal photography safari. He breaks down what it's really like spending eight day tracking these massive cats through Brazil's wetlands and getting those once-in-a-lifetime shots along the riverbanks.

For more on this tour: https://wild-eye.com/photographic-travel/jaguars-of-the-pantanal/

Visit the Wild Eye website: https://wild-eye.com/

This episode brings you some fresh news about what's coming up for the podcast, plus Gerry wants to hear directly from you about what topics you're dying to have us cover next.

Visit the Wild Eye website here: https://wild-eye.com/

In this episode, Johan van Zyl and Michael Laubscher unpack the exhilarating journey to Laikipia, Kenya, to track Giza, the iconic black leopard. They explore the unique chance to witness this elusive cat in her natural habitat, what to anticipate when visiting Laikipia, and practical advice for planning a safari. From guided game drives to Laikipia’s rich wildlife and conservation efforts, this episode offers a roadmap for anyone ready to roll the dice on an unforgettable wildlife adventure.

Find our more at: www.wild-eye.com

In this episode Gerry has a conversation with Donovan Cross, the latest addition to the Wild Eye guiding team.

You can find Donovan on IG at: http://instagram.com/donovancrossss/

Find out more about a Private Safari Experiences here: https://wild-eye.com/private-safaris/

In this episode, Gerry explores the different options for safari experiences and how they vary in their balance between accommodations and wildlife viewing and the tradeoffs between luxury lodges with their amenities versus more rustic camps that might offer better wildlife encounters.

What do you think? What, to you, makes a safari great?

In this episode, Andrew sits down with Jacques Smit, Marketing Director of the celebrated private game reserve Sabi Sabi, to uncover the secrets behind unforgettable safari experiences.

From luxurious lodges to the heart of conservation and community impact, Jacques shares how these elements come together to create meaningful adventures in the African bush.

Whether you’re a seasoned traveler or new to safaris, this episode will ignite your passion for the wild—and inspire your next journey with Wild Eye!

Find Sabi Sabi here: https://www.sabisabi.com/

Find your next adventure here: https://wild-eye.com/

In this episode, Gerry reveals how mastering the third dimension—changing your physical position up, down, or sideways—transforms ordinary wildlife shots into extraordinary visual narratives. Discover why the few inches you never thought to move might be the only thing standing between you and images that make people stop scrolling.