Bio

Helgardt Pretorius
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“Photography for me is not about looking—it’s about feeling. If you can’t feel what you’re looking at, you’ll never inspire others to feel anything when they see your pictures.”
From a young age, I’ve had an immense passion for the bush and wildlife. I’ve always felt the need to share this passion with others, and with a camera in hand, I finally found the perfect way to do so.
Wildlife photography has given me a deeper perspective on nature and allowed me to appreciate the unique beauty of every animal I’ve been privileged to photograph.
As a full-time airline pilot, my career takes me to the skies—but my heart is always drawn back to the wild. Every spare moment is spent learning more about the animals I photograph, often with a wildlife book in hand. To deepen my knowledge, I pursued online Field Guiding studies, and I continue to dedicate time to conservation efforts. I’ve volunteered at sanctuaries such as Care for Wild and Vulture Project SA, helping to protect the animals I love so dearly.
I believe that sharing photographs and the beauty of nature can inspire greater appreciation and, ultimately, contribute to the conservation of our wildlife.
I invite you to explore my portfolio and experience the wonder of nature through my lens.
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Publications
Getaway Magazine December 2020
Getaway Magazine January 2021
Getaway Magazine February 2021
Getaway Magazine March 2021
Getaway Magazine July 2021
​Country Life December 2021
Africa Geographic
Natural History Museum Top 1000 - 2024
Gear
Canon R5
Canon EF 400 f2.8 mkII
Canon EF 70-200 f2.8 mkIII
Canon EF 16-35 f2.8 mkII
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