28 Feb 2022

There is a lot of opportunities in nature and wildlife photography that local artists can explore.

The Botswana Wildlife Training Institute (BWTI) principal, Moemi Batshabang said this at the launch of the Vixen Photography Solo Exhibition on Saturday.

He said that local photographers could create content and sell locally and even internationally to organisations such as National Geographic.

The Vixen Photography Solo Exhibition, which is a brain child of Maun Based artist, Tshepo Phokoje, he said should be an inspiration especially to fellow female artists to explore nature and wildlife photography.

Batshabang said that nature and wildlife photography required skill, patience and advanced technology as compared to other forms of photography.

“It needs one to know the environment and animal behavior as well as patience to capture the unique moments in the natural world,” he said.

He applauded Phokoje for her perseverance in nurturing her talent as she only had two years’ experience in nature and wildlife photography. Botswana Tourism Organisation (BTO) Tourism Development manager Thatayaone Mmapatsi said that BTO came on board to support Phokoje after realising her passion in nature and wild photography.

Mmmapatsi said that BTO had plans to hold a district photography symposium which would promote tourism.

He further appealed to the Maun community to support Phokoje’s exhibition, which would run until end of March by buying her art to help her grow.

For her part, Tshepo Phokoje said that her Vixen Photography Solo Exhibition themed ‘gratitude was her way of showing gratitude to her god and nature for her talent and humanities’ resilience in the midst of COVID-19.’ends