The Getaway Photographic Competition is a prestigious competition on the South African photographic calendar that attracts thousands of photographers each year. Previously dedicated to wildlife photography, the 2022/2023 competition expanded to include People and Culture, Travel, Street, Landscape, and Drone photography. After careful review of numerous entries, we are excited to announce the winners of the 2022/2023 Getaway Photographic Competition:
1st Place: Hesté de Beer
Please tell us a little about yourself. I own a transport/logistics company, primarily dealing with fresh produce. However, my true passion lies in nature. As a photographer, my goal is to capture the last remaining untouched places and endangered wildlife on our planet. In particular, the Congo basin is a significant wilderness area that is under threat due to human population growth. Many special animals, such as the Bonobos and Grauer’s gorillas, have become endangered. Even forest elephants are now at risk, with only five populations remaining in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). This photo was taken in Eastern DRC, which is known for its violence and instability. It portrays children joyfully riding down a hill on their self-made wooden scooter, known as “Chududu,” while a DRC soldier serves as a reminder of the harsh reality of the region.
How does it feel to be the 2022/2023 Getaway Photographic Competition winner? I feel incredibly lucky and happy! After placing third in 2019 and second last year, I am thrilled to finally be the winner. It’s a dream come true!
What camera do you shoot with? I took this shot with my old Canon EOS-1D X Mark II. However, I have since fallen in love with the Canon EOS R5 mirrorless camera and recently acquired a Canon EOS R7 as well. I’m grateful to ORMS and Getaway for their support!
What are some of your favorite lenses to shoot with? I adore my old Canon EF500mm f/4 IS USM fixed lens, but for the past two years, I have been using the Canon 100-400mm lens for its convenience and lightness. However, I do miss the extra 100mm. I was planning to upgrade to the new Canon RF 100-500mm lens, so winning it as a prize is incredibly fortunate. Thank you, ORMS!
Where can people check out your work? Until now, I haven’t shared my work publicly, except for making it available to Getaway, Africa Geographics, and the German GONG magazine.
2nd Place: Jurgens Potgieter
Please tell us a little about yourself. As a dedicated wildlife enthusiast, I moved to Hoedspruit Wildlife Estate six years ago. Living in close proximity to abundant wildlife has greatly improved my photography skills. Photography has taught me to appreciate the beauty in ordinary moments and capture them for eternity.
Can you give us some background info on your image? This photo captures a wonderful encounter with wild dogs on the road. The presence of another vehicle provided perfect lighting for this unique opportunity. It was a privilege to witness the playful moments between the pack members, completely oblivious to our presence. Living near the Greater Kruger, we always keep our camera equipment ready, as you never know what you might come across. Though our wildlife estate is too small to sustain a permanent pack of wild dogs, I hope they visit again soon!
How does it feel to be the second-place winner of the 2022/2023 Getaway Photographic Competition? I am delighted to be recognized in such a reputable competition. As a big Canon fan, I am thrilled to receive the camera body and lens as additional tools to enhance my creativity. A big thank you to ORMS for sponsoring this amazing prize and to Getaway Magazine for organizing this competition.
What camera do you shoot with? I use the Canon EOS R6.
What are some of your favorite lenses to shoot with? I mostly use the Canon RF 100-500mm f/4.5-7.1L IS USM lens. Additionally, I enjoy using the Canon RF 100mm f/2.8L Macro IS USM lens.
Where can people check out your work? You can find my work on Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/twigatravelafrica), Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/twigatravelafrica), and Living Canvas (https://livingcanvas.co.za/artist/jurgens-potgieter).
3rd Place: Danielle Conry
Please tell us a little about yourself. I am a South African marine mammal biologist currently working in British Columbia, Canada. I specialize in photo ID data for Bay Cetology, where I manage and identify Bigg’s killer whale data. My work has taken me to incredible places, including South Africa’s remote Marion Island, where I studied killer whales, elephant seals, and fur seals as part of the Marion Island Marine Mammal Programme.
Can you give us some background info on your image? I had the amazing opportunity to participate in the M78 Overwintering Expedition to Marion Island as a marine mammal biologist. During routine censuses of the island’s southern elephant seal population, I had the chance to explore the island’s coastline. On this particular day, as our time on the island was coming to an end, I wanted to capture as much of the island’s beauty as possible. Carrying my long lens for opportunistic killer whale sightings, I used my cellphone to quickly capture this panorama of King penguins against the stunning backdrop of a subantarctic beach.
What camera do you shoot with? I usually shoot with a Canon EOS 750D. However, for this particular photo, I used my Samsung Galaxy S21.
What are some of your favorite lenses to shoot with? I enjoy using telephoto zoom lenses with a range of at least 400mm. A 100-400mm lens is versatile and ideal for my needs.
Where can people check out your work? You can follow me on Instagram at… (insert Instagram link).