Spectacular African Wildlife Photography by Klaus Tiedge

Klaus Tiedge a german born, international photographer living now in Cape Town, is widely known for his passion to commercial photography with over twenty years of experience. Since 2008 the artist has been focusing on fine art photography especially in creating astonishing images that simply capture the character, beauty, charm, atmosphere, and harmony of wild African animals in their natural states of being like the legendary places: Namibia, Botswana and Kenya.

Tell us about something about Klaus Tiedge Photography

The 1965 German born Klaus Tiedge has been a prominent figure in the field of commercial photography for more than 20 years. He has worked in six countries, and numerous companies the world over use his images for their brochures, reports and advertising.

Since 2001 Klaus has made his home in beautiful Cape Town, South Africa, where the naturally optimal lighting conditions and thriving fashion industry have given him the opportunity to work in an incredible variety of locations, with all manner of ethnic groups.

In 2008 Klaus decided to leave his successful career behind and follow his passion for the type of photography that fulfills him. This has lead him to discover the beauty and diversity of the African continent of which his fine art prints of wildlife and African tribes tell us today.

What’s your creative process like?

For me it is very important to create something that is different to the existing wildlife photography.

Therefore I love to give equal attention to the animals and the environment that they are captured in.

So when I am traveling and getting close to the wild animals in the scenery I have choses,  I get my equipment ready and then I am waiting… for just the right moment.

The right lighting, composition and technical perfection is vital for me. It is always a challenge to comply to this as you "never can hurry nature". I am very dependent on the weather,  the animals behavior and that the photograph eventually happens in the scenery I have chosen. This is a totally different approach then what I am used to from my previous work in the commercial arena.

“Klaus’s master lighting, brilliant composition and technical perfection are emblematic of an artist who has obviously done his time in the commercial arena.” ~Martin Osner

Where do you find inspiration and why you like photography?

Nature itself inspires me. My fascination is underpinned with questions such as: “what is life like for others and how do other people live on our planet, how diverse is nature and what else is out there and beyond? ”

My aim is to tell  how I see things and what my impression was in that moment when I took the photograph. I find it satisfying to travel Africa and portraying her people, animals or landscape. When I am out there I cannot predict what's going to happen. I have to look for the picture and the right composition. There is no rush. Eventually the lens becomes my eyes and I literally devour my experiences and document them forever.

“His impressions portray the animals as if they are being photographed for the front cover of a glossy magazine”~ Sulona Reddy.

What are some tips you could give to people that really like your work?

Don’t get lost in always getting the latest technical equipment. Rather go out, and enjoy your capture of the moment.

Can you name one great photographer that inspires you with his works and why?

• Peter Ginter. He is a great photographer because his photographs are perfect in any sense. Still after years, I find myself looking at his pictures and wondering “how did he do that”?
• Sebastiao Salgado. There is not much too explain. Just look at his pictures and you will know why

If you have something else to add (a video/book/about your next project/etc.) just tell us.

My next project will take me to Kenya and I hope I will come back with lots of great shots to share with you;-)

I already finished my book “Pride of Africa” that showcases my first limited edition series of photographs, and it can be viewed here.

By the end of the year we will hopefully have it re-edited and ready to get published in print.

More about Klaus Tiedge Photography you can find on his official website, facebook page, twitter user or youtube account.

Klaus is telling us his experiences of his wildlife trips to Botswana, Namibia and Kenya which lead to his first wildlife exhibition "Pride of Africa" which was showcased in a solo exhibition at Martin Osner Gallery in Cape Town, during April 2011.

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Mr. Klaus, thank you very much for the accept to collaborate for this article. We truly appreciate your team's support, especially Ms. Sandra. We look forward to see your latest book finished, and a preview of the new pictures from the latest safari. Good luck in the future!