The Wild Eye Podcast

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The Wild Eye Podcast is hosted by Gerry van der Walt and will include discussions, interviews, Q&As and various other aspects of wildlife photography. Gerry is a specialist photographic safari guide, educator, public speaker and co-founder of Wild Eye.

Gerry van der Walt


    • Jun 2, 2025 LATEST EPISODE
    • every other week NEW EPISODES
    • 25m AVG DURATION
    • 528 EPISODES

    4.8 from 77 ratings Listeners of The Wild Eye Podcast that love the show mention: wildlife photography, listening to gerry, safari, photographic, 110, africa, photographer, guiding, keeps it real, real world, dynamic, serious, enjoy listening, engaging, simply, energy, subscribe, inspiring, informative, learned.


    Ivy Insights

    The Wild Eye Podcast is a fantastic resource for anyone looking to sharpen their photography skills, particularly in the realm of wildlife photography. Hosted by Gerry van der Walt, this podcast offers a wealth of knowledge and insights that are both informative and entertaining. Whether you're a seasoned photographer or just starting out, you'll find plenty of valuable tips and advice to help improve your work.

    One of the best aspects of The Wild Eye Podcast is Gerry's ability to present information in a way that is accessible and engaging. He strikes the perfect balance between technical details and real-world application, making it easy for listeners to understand and apply his teachings. Gerry's passion for wildlife photography shines through in every episode, as he shares personal stories, insights, and practical wisdom that can benefit photographers at any level.

    Another great aspect of this podcast is the variety of topics covered. While the main focus is on wildlife photography, Gerry also delves into discussions about ethics, guiding, travel, and more. This broad range of topics keeps each episode fresh and interesting, allowing listeners to gain a well-rounded perspective on various aspects of the field.

    As with any podcast, there are potential drawbacks to consider. One possible downside is that some episodes may not be as relevant or applicable to certain listeners. For example, if you're primarily interested in landscape photography or portraiture, you may find some episodes less helpful than others. However, given the breadth of topics covered in The Wild Eye Podcast, there is likely something for everyone regardless of their specific interests.

    In conclusion, The Wild Eye Podcast is an excellent resource for aspiring wildlife photographers or anyone looking to improve their skills behind the camera. Gerry van der Walt's expertise and enthusiasm make each episode not only educational but also enjoyable to listen to. Whether you're driving in your car or editing photos at home, tuning into this podcast will undoubtedly inspire and motivate you on your photographic journey.



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    Latest episodes from The Wild Eye Podcast

    #528 - From Lodge Life to Private Guiding

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 2, 2025 18:58


    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/

    #527 - Is Your Photography Good Enough?

    Play Episode Listen Later May 30, 2025 10:50


    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/

    #526 - Jaguars of the Pantanal

    Play Episode Listen Later May 26, 2025 13:47


    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/

    #525 - A Quick Podcast Update

    Play Episode Listen Later May 23, 2025 6:19


    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/

    #524 - The Black Leopard of Laikipia

    Play Episode Listen Later May 19, 2025 26:36


    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

    #523 - A Conversation With Donovan Cross

    Play Episode Listen Later May 13, 2025 41:07


    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/

    #522 - What Makes A Safari Great?

    Play Episode Listen Later May 6, 2025 9:17


    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?

    #521 - Timeless Luxury and Purposeful Safari

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 8, 2025 37:27


    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/

    #520 - The Third Dimension in Wildlife Photography

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 1, 2025 9:58


    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.

    #519 - An update and some changes

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 25, 2025 8:20


    In this episode, Gerry shares some updates from the last few weeks as well as some changes coming up on the podcast.Sign up for the Wild Eye newsletter here: https://wild-eye.com/join-our-mailing-list/Sign up for the Wild Eye promotions here: https://wild-eye.com/join-our-promotions-mailer/

    #518 - One lens and one destination

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 4, 2025 11:49


    In this episode, Gerry explores a fascinating thought experiment for photographers: If you could only choose one lens and one destination, what would they be and where would you go? Join him as he shares his personal insights, weighs the creative constraints and possibilities of different focal lengths, and reveals his ultimate choice of lens and location.

    #517 - Discover the Enkishui Wild Eye Mara Camp

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 28, 2025 11:41


    In today's episode, we're thrilled to announce our upcoming Wild Eye Mara Camp safari dates! Join Gerry as he breaks down the key differences between our two distinct Mara safari experiences. Whether you're planning ahead or looking for a more immediate adventure, you won't want to miss the special offers we're discussing for both upcoming seasons. Get ready to discover which Wild Eye Mara experience is perfect for your dream African safari.

    #516 - Photographic experience versus experiencing photography

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 21, 2025 17:02


    Join Gerry as he explores the fascinating contrast between simply taking photos and truly experiencing the art of photography. What's the difference between chasing shots and being present in photographic moments? When do we shift from being collectors of images to becoming part of the story we're capturing? In this thought-provoking episode, Gerry delves into how these two approaches shape not only our images but our entire relationship with photography. Whether you're a seasoned pro or just starting out, this conversation will change how you think about picking up your camera.

    #515 - The future landscape of photography and AI

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 14, 2025 21:52


    In this episode, Gerry dives into the latest AI breakthroughs, asking crucial questions about photography's future and sharing some must-see platforms along the way.

    #514 - What is your bucket list photographic subject?

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 10, 2024 8:04


    What is your bucket list photographic subject? In this episode Gerry asks " how hard are you willing to work for it?"

    #513 - Is your photography getting better?

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 3, 2024 13:22


    In this episode Gerry asks "in your photography getting better?" and shares why you shouldn't just be a passenger on a photo safari.

    #512 - Why your backgrounds matter

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 26, 2024 8:24


    In this episode Gerry shares some thoughts on why your backgrounds matter in nature photography and how focusing on just the subject can make for one dimensional images.

    #511 - The experience of travel

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 12, 2024 12:34


    In this episode Gerry share some thoughts about the experience of travel from Alta, a small town in Northern Norway.

    #510 - Five Core Pillars of Wildlife Photography

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 5, 2024 10:11


    In this episode Gerry shares his five pillars for wildlife photography which you can use to extract more value for your own photographic journey.

    #509 - Presentations and iPhone Photography

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 29, 2024 14:54


    In this episode Gerry shares some details on the Wild Eye presentations he recently hosted in the USA as well as some thoughts on iPhone photography.

    #508 - Would you book an Uber safari?

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 8, 2024 26:43


    In this Gerry shares some thoughts on the new Uber Safari that has bene launched and how it compares to the real thing. What do you think?

    #507 - Field to Frame: Why you need a holistic worlflow

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 1, 2024 13:04


    In this episode Gerry shares some thoughts on why you will be a better wildlife photographer if you considered, and focused on, your entire workflow rather than just one or two of the aspects you feel most comfortable with.

    #506 - When should you leave a sighting?

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 1, 2024 18:06


    In this episode Gerry asks, when should you leave a wildlife sighting when you're on safari or an expedition?

    #505 - Are you in a photographic rut of competence?

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 17, 2024 23:12


    In this episode Gerry asks whether you're in a photographic rut of competence and shares some thoughts on the Dunning-Kruger effect in wildlife photography.Episode mentioned: https://wildeyepodcast.captivate.fm/episode/499-are-you-photographically-coachable

    #504 - Gabby Sykora and the Young Wildlife Photographers of South Africa

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 10, 2024 76:00


    In this episode Gerry has a conversation Gabby Sykora, the founder of the Young Wildlife Photographers of South Africa.You can connect with Gabby here on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gabby_sykoraYou can connect with YWP SA here on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/youngwildlife_photographers_sa

    #503 - Anchoring yourself on safaris and expeditions

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 13, 2024 21:17


    In this episode Gerry shares some thought on how you can 'anchor' yourself on safaris and expeditions. Even though this episode speaks more to guide working in the industry, there is real value for anybody that travels often.

    #502 - The Mara in slow motion

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 6, 2024 9:57


    In this episode Gerry shares some thoughts behind using a 1/30 or slower shutter speed for a whole week in the Mara.

    #501 - What if you were to start over?

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 30, 2024 8:02


    In this episode Gerry asks what you would, and could, do differently if you were to start your photographic journey over today.

    #500 - Looking back

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 23, 2024 38:47


    In episode 500 of the podcast, Gerry shares some thoughts and audio from 13 years ago when him and Andrew started the Wild Eye journey online.

    #499 - Are you photographically coachable?

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 16, 2024 21:20


    In this episode Gerry shares some thoughts and tips on being photographically coachable and more intentional about your own photographic journey.You can listen to the previous episode on being photographically coachable here: https://wildeyepodcast.captivate.fm/episode/episode-359-are-you-photographically-coachable

    #498 - Technology, AI and ethical wildlife photography

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 9, 2024 41:17


    In this episode Gerry has a conversation with Max (aka ChatGPT) about technology, AI and how it's affecting the future of ethical wildlife photography.

    #497 - Expectations when going on a photo tour

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 2, 2024 24:44


    In this episode Gerry shares some perspective on why it's important not to base your own expectations on travel and photographic influencers on social media.

    #496 - 5 lessons from a wildlife photography seminar

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 27, 2024 16:37


    In this episode Gerry has a conversation with Andrew and they share 5 lessons from the recent wildlife photography seminar they hosted together at Sabi Sabi and Mala Mala.

    #495 - Helly Hansen South Africa

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 25, 2024 47:16


    In this episode Gerry has a conversation with Oliver Lohmeier, the brand manager for Helly Hansen South Africa. You can connect with Helly Hansen SA here:Website: www.hellyhansen.co.za | Mail: info@hullabaloo.co.zaPhone: +27.12.660.0016 | WhatsApp: 27.61.667.0016Sandton Store: sandton@hellyhansen.co.za

    #494 - Camera settings and the mode you shoot in

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 18, 2024 11:59


    This episode Gerry share some thoughts on camera settings, why you don't need to know all of them as well as how you need to choose the camera mode that works best for you.

    #493 - Why do you do wildlife photography?

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 11, 2024 6:37


    In this episode Gerry asks the question: Why do you do wildlife photography?

    #492 - Are you a pro or amateur wildlife photographer?

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 4, 2024 18:56


    In this episode Gerry looks at the difference between being a pro or amateur wildlife photographer and how some people seem to think that this is all that matters.

    #491 - More thoughts on Photo AI 3 from Topaz

    Play Episode Listen Later May 28, 2024 5:32


    In this episode, as a follow up to episode #488, Gerry shares some thoughts on the latest version of Topaz Labs' Photo AI plugin for Lightroom and Photoshop.

    #490 - Getting attention with your wildlife photography images

    Play Episode Listen Later May 28, 2024 16:49


    In this episode Gerry explores ways in which some photographers rely on extreme types of images to get attention online which includes things like drones and unethical behavior.

    #489 - Luminar and having fun with your photography

    Play Episode Listen Later May 21, 2024 10:36


    In this episode Gerry shares some details on the new Luminar for iPad as well as thoughts on having fun with your photography.

    #488 - Topaz versus NIK Filters

    Play Episode Listen Later May 14, 2024 16:13


    In this episode Gerry shares some thoughts on the Topaz and NIK Filters and how you could use these photographic tools in your own workflow.

    #487 - When it comes to wildlife photography, what do you want to learn?

    Play Episode Listen Later May 7, 2024 12:58


    In this episode Gerry ask you two questions. What would you like to learn? And what do you suck at?

    #486 - Thoughts on creativity in wildlife photography

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 30, 2024 12:04


    In this episode Gerry explores creativity in nature photography and shares some food for thought for your own photographic journey.

    #485 - Social structures of African carnivores

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 23, 2024 21:59


    In this episode Gerry looks at the social structures of some of the African carnivores you might see on your next safari. This includes, lions, hyena, leopard and wild dog.

    #484 - Nature photography and delayed gratification

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 16, 2024 16:18


    In this episode Gerry shares some thoughts on delayed gratification in nature photography and how it can help you to stay in the moment while you're out in the field.

    #483 - Daniel Greyvenstein

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 10, 2024 40:40


    In this episode Gerry has a conversation with Daniel Greyvenstein who is the newest member of the Wild Eye guiding team.Make sure to follw Daniel on Instagram at: https://www.instagram.com/daniel_wildlifephotography/

    #482 - Nature photography with an iPhone

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 9, 2024 13:56


    In this episode Gerry shares some thoughts on using your iPhone as a dedicated camera on your next nature photography trip.

    #481 - Thoughts on wildlife photography

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 19, 2024 15:07


    In this episode Gerry shares some thoughts on wildlife photography ranging from competitions and animal behaviour to choosing the images that works.

    #480 - Wildlife and nature photography with OM System

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 13, 2024 61:32


    In this episode Gerry has a conversation with Mark Thackara and David Smith from OM System and explores the history, technology and future of the brand.

    #479 - Clothing for safaris and expeditions

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 5, 2024 29:29


    In this episode Gerry and Johan share some thoughts on the different types of clothing you might need for your next safari or expedition.

    #478 - 5 reasons why you're not a better wildlife photographer

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 27, 2024 17:35


    In this episode, Gerry and some of the Wild Eye guides share some reasons why you're not a better wildlife photographer and how you might be holding yourself back from growing in your craft.

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