WORDS AND IMAGES SUPPLIED by SHANNON WILD | DESIGN by RICHARD JAMES MYBURGH
Shannon’s spirited passion for wildlife and the engaging way she shares it with others makes her one of the coolest and most followed bush personalities around. We’ve loved getting to know a little more about this ‘Aussie in Africa’, who has established herself as an award-winning wildlife photographer, author, TV presenter, conservationist and official WildAid cinematographer.
Based in South Africa, Shannon feels most at home in the bush and leads various wildlife photographic safaris, workshops and expeditions around the world. Galavanting with all her gear means she has some handy accessories. She shares with us her 6 lifesavers (well, maybe a couple of luxuries 😉 )
1. Hold Fast Money Maker
Such a cool invention and a real lifesaver! This gorgeous piece of gear lets me carry two cameras while spreading the weight across my shoulders and back (instead of hanging on my neck and getting tangled) and it means I can be completely hands free if needed. Whether in a vehicle or on long treks this means I have immediate access to two camera setups and I don’t waste time by having to put stuff down or fumble through a camera bad to get other gear.
2. Think Tank Photo – Turnstyle Sling
An absolute essential to easily carry bits and pieces likes drinks and snacks right up to fitting an extra camera or lenses. I’ll often start out with this over my shoulder (& chest) and will then progress to adjusting it to carry around my waist to take some weight off my shoulders, especially if I’m carry two cameras attached to the Hold Fast Money Maker, which can end up being quite a load on the shoulders with my longer lenses.
3. Gerber Multi-tool
This was a gift and one I’ve adored ever since. Anyone who spends time in the bush knows that a multi-tool is an absolute safari ‘essential’. I’m often using it to tighten or loosen tripod baseplates with the flat driver. Also really handy in a pinch for cutting (knife or scissors), opening cans or bottle tops, dealing with splinters or making some quick repairs to equipment out in the field. Plus it’s super sexy in gunmetal grey!
4. Buff Headwear
I have countless styles. I’ve found these to be so handy out in the field. I can wear it on my neck to help keep me warm on those cool winter morning drives in open vehicles, or I wet it to help cool me down in summer. It’s also super handy as a headband to keep my hair in check and out of my face both while driving and shooting. I will often wrap one around each elbow to use as padding while shooting on the ground helping to minimise cuts and scratches. It’s also quite handy as a mouth and nose cover when spending time shooting at a kill, which doesn’t take long to become putrid in the African sun! I wonder if the makers ever considered that option in it’s development, I doubt it, haha!
5. Zam-Buk
I was introduced to this recently by a friend and don’t know how I survived this long without it! Such a handy little addition to my kit. It’s a herbal ointment and the saying goes ‘it’s like a hospital in a tin’. Perfect to relieve skin irritations, cuts, sores, bruises, sprains, and of course insect bites and stings, plus it smells divine with its Eucalyptus oil. I’ll also use it as a lip balm if in a pinch.
6. Aeropress
Ok, this one is more of a guilty pleasure rather than an ‘essential’, although for me a good coffee is essential! Having lived in Melbourne (known as the coffee mecca of Australia) for many years I’m the first to admit I’m a bit of a coffee ‘snob’ and instant just won’t cut it . . . even in the bush. If I have access to hot water then I have everything I need to make a magnificent brew. I’ve created a little ‘coffee kit’ that I also keep in the car, it includes the Aeropress, a hand grinder, coffee beans (sealed and only a portion ground as needed), some sugar and of course some metal mugs. I am by no means a ‘morning person’ . . . but it’s not exactly a choice as a wildlife photographer since that’s often the best light so a great coffee in the morning equals a much happier Shannon.
To find out more about Shannon Wild, visit her website or follow her on Instagram and Facebook.
