Born & raised in the Netherland, my passion for wildlife photography started while studying in South Africa. This is hardly suprising, as SA is teeming with national parks and large game. A small camera and "point & shoot" was enough to get some impressive photo`s. However, only when I and my wife moved to Northampton, UK did I really get a chance to develop my skills in wildlife photography. By chance I met some birders at a local nature reserve, called Summerleys and started chatting to a certain Richard Bedford. He is a fantastic English bird photographer and convinced me that I needed a bigger and better camera. Soon I was hooked and now I am obsessed with getting the "ultimate" shot.
Networks on the internet where people comment on each other`s pictures has been a great way to improve. As a result, I am no longer content with grey record-shots but rather try to get close and get more colourfull images. I always aim to create an image with strong , natural colours and only photograph in the wild. Photography allows me to discover the natural beauty that surrounds us and reminds me that there is more to this planet then our man-made world. Maybe this is just escapism, but it works for me.
In 2009 we moved to South Africa, where I now live with my wife in Port Elizabeth, in the Eastern Cape. With over 900 birdspecies in the country, many of which endemic, and 5 different biomes meeting around Port Elizabeth, there is plenty to do. Already in just over a year`s time, I have photographed more then 260 different birds and adding more every trip. The Addo elephant park is right on our doorstep and you can find me there most weekends (unfortunately I still have to work!)
Thanks for visiting,
Matthijs Ravensberg
All pictures on this website : copyright M.F. Ravensberg
