2011 was a big year for me. When I decided that I wanted to be a travel photographer my sole intention was to travel the world! Of course I thought this would start straight away but like with all good things it took it’s sweet time…finally this year I got to do a bit of what I have always dreamed. My year started out in Zanzibar photographing Ocean paradise lodge and Mnemba island lodge – it was my second trip to Zanzibar and was hot as hell but I had a great time and met some awesome people. One thing I didn’t know about being a travel and hotel photographer was the amount of awesome people I would meet…I met Lakshmi in OPL and had an awesome time working with her. My first job through andBeyond was at Mnemba island lodge and here I met super friendly Claire, Karen, Jason, and Sarah – all who were such great people to work with and made me feel right at home even though you were a million miles away.

The next trip of the year was to Thailand but this one was for pleasure – I just got engaged and my fiancé and I then flit off to the aqua seas and islands of Phuket 🙂

The Serengeti was next on my agenda – a place I have always wanted to go my whole life (one of my first loves of photography is wildlife). I will never forget getting the email saying I was going there – it was unreal! This job was also with andBeyond and to my surprise I bumped into Karen and Jason at Kleins camp. I also met the wonderful Tiff and Matt who were managers there. At Grumeti tented camp I also met Danel who was ‘my assistant’ for that part of the trip and when I say assistant I mean the person who was my partner in getting and owning Tsetse fly bites – I don’t think we have ever been so itchy in our lives! I always adore doing jobs with andBeyond, the vibe is relaxed (but of course we still get the job done) and it is such a calming and friendly atmosphere to be in and around. Congrats to Tiff and Matt who are expecting their second little baba!

Zambia was my next stop for a short trip where I photographed Drifters Victoria falls and Taita Falcon lodge.

The next half of the year I spent visiting the beautiful Seychelles. I was lucky enough to get jobs at Denis Private island, Chalets anse Forbans, Coco de Mer and Black parrot suites, The Wharf hotel and Marina, Indian ocean lodge and Coco d’or. All of which I had an amazing time at. I met a great group of people while visiting Seychelles, namely, Nathalie, Ash, Brigitte, Darryl, Sam and Carolyn and hopefully I’ll be going back there for a holiday soon! And remember my house is open for a holiday here anytime 😉

In the beginning of the year I made a pact with myself to take a photograph of me at every place I visited this year (sometimes this isn’t so easy…especially by yourself) but I tried and this is me during 2011…

Mnemba isalnd lodge feeding a Suni

Intendance beach in Mahe, Seychelles

Denis Private island, Seychelles

Photographing a yacht for The Wharf

Trying to pose like Seychelles girls in Praslin (there is a reason why I’m behind the camera!)

The remoteness of Mnemba island

Checking out the view at Taita falcon lodge in Zambia

Phi Phi islands

Photographing a bush walk in the Serengeti

Coco de Mer and Black parrot suites in Praslin, Seychelles

In 2011 I was bit by Tsetses, mosquitos, sand flies, Seychelles mosquitos (who have a thing for South African blood), fish and spiders but I would have all those bites again just to see the places I saw this year again. I feel super lucky and blessed to have been able to do my job and love it to bits and pieces and I’ll try my hardest to carry on doing what I am for as long as I can. 2012 is going to be a big year for me, hopefully bigger than 2011. I’m getting married in March, planning to expand my little business and of course take over the world (in my little mind that means travel the world!!) Here’s to bigger dreams ahead! Have a great festive season everyone 🙂