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Shem Compion – Professional Wildlife and Nature Photographer.
Click here for References and Awards that I have recieved
I have two passions in life: Nature and Photography.
Both these have led me on many beautiful and exciting paths. Shemimages.com is my hand in showing you some of my personal photography. You could call it a portfolio, but I like to think of it as the images I enjoy and would like you to enjoy. I also own and run C4 Images and Safaris, where we specialise in photo safaris, photo workshops and courses. So my life is dedicated, as you can see, to these two things- Nature and photography. It’s as simple as that.
An overriding theme on my conscience is the awareness of wildlife to the greater public. I believe that as professional wildlife photographers, our images are nothing more than green-washing if not put into the correct environment to create active awareness. Accordingly, I work closely with conservation agencies and wildlife researchers, providing them with striking images to ensure maximum exposure for awareness and funding- all for free, gratis. In this way I am contributing back to conservation and hopefully enabling these same areas to provide us all with pleasure for many more years to come: a great Mutual benefit.
This article says a bit more about my thoughts on taking and leading photo tours.
Since picking up a camera in 2000, I have worked on various assignments around the world. My cameras have taken me from minus 30 to plus 40 deg Celsius and I have loved every second of having a camera in my hand.
From day one I have used cameras that are built solidly, well laid out and that work tirelessly through serious conditions; that is all I require from my cameras.
I’m not an overly technical guy and don’t worry too much about the latest lens or camera model. I’ve seen it all to often that brilliant images are taken on consumer grade camera and lenses- my focus is more on the actual image- and I use a camera that will deliver that for me. Saying that, I do use top end equipment, as they are fast, responsive, reliable and take the knocks that I invariably throw at them. If you really want to know, I have 2 film cameras, 4 digital bodies, about 11 lenses and a couple of flashes. Trust me each one has its place- even the old manual focus lenses!
Professionally, I use only digital cameras for my work now. This medium now provides excellent image quality at the speed and demands of the professional world- perfect for the type of work I do.
I love to use the FM2 with black and white film on slow Sunday afternoons and with colour film for star trails at night. What a brilliant piece of mechanics it is and I get a thrill every time I feel the shutter release on that camera. I believe that people who never experienced film, missed a whole aspect of what photography is about…
Philosophy
My driving philosophy is that of a “hands off, creative approach”. I love seeing the natural world unfold in its own time, without any bias or interference- the subtle glimpses of beauty and candid moments that we never really notice are of particular interest and to capture those fleeting moments in a varied and fresh manner is what I try to achieve.
I also have a fascination with inter and intra-action. By capturing the small and short-lived moments between species, images come alive. I do this through patience, field craft and studying animal behaviour. This intimacy is a major focus of my photography.
Creativity
As often as possible, I try and show the normal, everyday animals in new ways. I spend many an hour visualising new ways of showing everyday subjects in a new way (most people call this day dreaming). I then apply this by using the different aspects of light, angles and composition. If I need to get closer, I make a plan. If I need an aerial view-point, I will organise one. I just love getting a fresh perspective! Thus my work shows an innovative approach to the traditional wildlife stock and I am known for new types of images for those everyday subjects.
If you are looking for a hundred leopard portraits, look elsewhere. If you want fresh angles, views, portraits and striking images with a different approach, you are at the right place… I’m sure I can help you with a leopard portrait too though!
Click here to see more References and Publications by Shem Compion
Click here for References and Awards that I have recieved
 |  |  |
I have two passions in life: Nature and Photography.
Both these have led me on many beautiful and exciting paths. Shemimages.com is my hand in showing you some of my personal photography. You could call it a portfolio, but I like to think of it as the images I enjoy and would like you to enjoy. I also own and run C4 Images and Safaris, where we specialise in photo safaris, photo workshops and courses. So my life is dedicated, as you can see, to these two things- Nature and photography. It’s as simple as that.
An overriding theme on my conscience is the awareness of wildlife to the greater public. I believe that as professional wildlife photographers, our images are nothing more than green-washing if not put into the correct environment to create active awareness. Accordingly, I work closely with conservation agencies and wildlife researchers, providing them with striking images to ensure maximum exposure for awareness and funding- all for free, gratis. In this way I am contributing back to conservation and hopefully enabling these same areas to provide us all with pleasure for many more years to come: a great Mutual benefit.
This article says a bit more about my thoughts on taking and leading photo tours.
Personal
I spent my youth growing up on a farm surrounded by the beauty of the South African bushveld and it was here that I learnt about my love for nature. Our garden was a breeding haven for wild birds; Eagles nested in the large acacias nearby and jackals, kudu and impala were often seen wondering through our farm.
From school, I went off to study nature conservation and wildlife management- a course that gave me the grounding of my natural history knowledge today. Saying that, it was my days as a 15 year old running wild through the bush with my friends that taught me most of the bush lore I know. With over 20 years of bush experience it was quite logical that I was going to end up working in the natural world.
Once I picked up a camera, I knew that I was destined to work with one for the rest of my life. Photography soon became my driving force and I pursued the hobby until work started coming in. Photographing and working in nature is now my full profession. Through my company (C4 Images and Safaris) I organise and lead tours for wildlife photographers. I make sure that all my tours are run with a personal touch. This has resulted in 80% of my clientele being repeats- something which I pride myself on and which indicates my level of service. I am lucky enough to now call most of my client’s friends. I have guided clients to Namibia, South Africa, Botswana, Zambia, Kenya, Madagascar and Japan.
I spent my youth growing up on a farm surrounded by the beauty of the South African bushveld and it was here that I learnt about my love for nature. Our garden was a breeding haven for wild birds; Eagles nested in the large acacias nearby and jackals, kudu and impala were often seen wondering through our farm.
From school, I went off to study nature conservation and wildlife management- a course that gave me the grounding of my natural history knowledge today. Saying that, it was my days as a 15 year old running wild through the bush with my friends that taught me most of the bush lore I know. With over 20 years of bush experience it was quite logical that I was going to end up working in the natural world.
Once I picked up a camera, I knew that I was destined to work with one for the rest of my life. Photography soon became my driving force and I pursued the hobby until work started coming in. Photographing and working in nature is now my full profession. Through my company (C4 Images and Safaris) I organise and lead tours for wildlife photographers. I make sure that all my tours are run with a personal touch. This has resulted in 80% of my clientele being repeats- something which I pride myself on and which indicates my level of service. I am lucky enough to now call most of my client’s friends. I have guided clients to Namibia, South Africa, Botswana, Zambia, Kenya, Madagascar and Japan.
Photography
Since picking up a camera in 2000, I have worked on various assignments around the world. My cameras have taken me from minus 30 to plus 40 deg Celsius and I have loved every second of having a camera in my hand.
From day one I have used cameras that are built solidly, well laid out and that work tirelessly through serious conditions; that is all I require from my cameras.
I’m not an overly technical guy and don’t worry too much about the latest lens or camera model. I’ve seen it all to often that brilliant images are taken on consumer grade camera and lenses- my focus is more on the actual image- and I use a camera that will deliver that for me. Saying that, I do use top end equipment, as they are fast, responsive, reliable and take the knocks that I invariably throw at them. If you really want to know, I have 2 film cameras, 4 digital bodies, about 11 lenses and a couple of flashes. Trust me each one has its place- even the old manual focus lenses!
Professionally, I use only digital cameras for my work now. This medium now provides excellent image quality at the speed and demands of the professional world- perfect for the type of work I do.
I love to use the FM2 with black and white film on slow Sunday afternoons and with colour film for star trails at night. What a brilliant piece of mechanics it is and I get a thrill every time I feel the shutter release on that camera. I believe that people who never experienced film, missed a whole aspect of what photography is about…
Philosophy
My driving philosophy is that of a “hands off, creative approach”. I love seeing the natural world unfold in its own time, without any bias or interference- the subtle glimpses of beauty and candid moments that we never really notice are of particular interest and to capture those fleeting moments in a varied and fresh manner is what I try to achieve.
I also have a fascination with inter and intra-action. By capturing the small and short-lived moments between species, images come alive. I do this through patience, field craft and studying animal behaviour. This intimacy is a major focus of my photography.
Creativity
As often as possible, I try and show the normal, everyday animals in new ways. I spend many an hour visualising new ways of showing everyday subjects in a new way (most people call this day dreaming). I then apply this by using the different aspects of light, angles and composition. If I need to get closer, I make a plan. If I need an aerial view-point, I will organise one. I just love getting a fresh perspective! Thus my work shows an innovative approach to the traditional wildlife stock and I am known for new types of images for those everyday subjects.
If you are looking for a hundred leopard portraits, look elsewhere. If you want fresh angles, views, portraits and striking images with a different approach, you are at the right place… I’m sure I can help you with a leopard portrait too though!
Click here to see more References and Publications by Shem Compion
 |  |  |
shem@shemimages.com | Tel:+27(0) 87 805 7641 | Fax:+27 (0) 12 993 0335 | Mob:+27 (0) 82 063 9146
© Copyright, ShemImages 2008.
© Copyright, ShemImages 2008.