Meet
Wiki West
FAA Part 107 Certified Drone Pilot. Rescue Diver Certified. Wilderness First Responder Certified. AIARE AVI I Certified. Can operate three video cameras at one time. Currently operates on Sony A7RIV, Sony Lenses, and DJI Drones.
About
Wiki West is a seasoned adventure photographer and videographer, capturing the essence of nature, vibrant street life in developing countries, non-profit organizations, thrilling adventure sports, and the most remote and extreme regions around the globe. With travels spanning 60+ countries, she brings back poignant imagery, compelling videos, and captivating stories that offer varied life perspectives, insights into trials, and glimpses of authentic realities.
Fluent in four languages, Wiki skillfully interacts with locals and embraces local customs and cultures, enriching the authenticity of her work. Over the past 22+ years, she has honed her athletic skills, cultural adaptability, and resilience, enabling her to undertake the most challenging expeditions while capturing exquisite content. Through her photography and videography, Wiki strives to raise awareness, foster understanding, and inspire action in areas such as health, self-fulfillment, outdoor adventure, nature conservation, and sustainable economic development.
Hi there!
Thank you for coming all this way. I am super excited to share more about my photography journey with you. Hopefully, one day we will be able to go in the field and capture the beauty of our world together.
My camera has become my passport to the world, allowing me to see everything through the lens of artistry and capture life’s fascinating narratives.
Early Days
I was born in Hamburg, Germany. My mom is a talented artist and photographer, and my dad is an adventurer with a passion for extreme sports. Growing up, I was fortunate to be surrounded by their love for travel and exploration.
My childhood was filled with mountain adventures. From hiking 100 miles in the wilderness of Maine to conquering over 20 Colorado 14ers, even in winter conditions, I developed a deep appreciation for nature’s grandeur. I documented these experiences with a trusty GoPro and my mom’s older Canon camera, capturing every moment for fun.
Teenage Years
With my mom’s influence, I also delved into the world of art. However, as I focused on academics, sports, and work during my high school years, I decided to de-prioritize my artistic pursuits. Nevertheless, my passion for capturing moments persisted, and I became the designated “Instagram photographer” during our family travels.
It was during this time that I became captivated by the movie “Into the Wild.” Its message resonated deeply within me, fueling my desire to be closer to forests, mountains, and wildlife. As soon as I turned 18, I followed my heart and moved to Oregon for college, choosing a location that aligned with my desired topography and mountainous ecosystems
One quote from “Into the Wild” has guided me since my teenage years: “Make a radical change in your lifestyle and begin to boldly do things which you may previously never have thought of doing, or been too hesitant to attempt.”
A Conventional Path
Despite these dreams, other ambitions took center stage in my early 20s. I reached 13th in the U.S. for DIII Collegiate tennis, and had my “dream job” as an International Sales Operations Specialist, specializing in data analysis, shorty after college. I was even under contract for a home and had a steady boyfriend. Life seemed scripted.
But as fate would have it, the year 2021 brought unexpected change with COVID-related layoffs. Suddenly, the familiar script of my life was disrupted, leaving me with an uncertain future. It was during this challenging period that I took a deep dive within myself, reflecting on what truly brought me joy and fulfillment.
In the midst of uncertainty, I rediscovered my passion for media. It was a calling that had never left me, patiently waiting for the right moment to resurface. I realized that I wanted to share the beauty of the world, inspire others to embrace their adventurous spirit, and contribute to the preservation of nature and its fascinating wildlife.
I immersed myself in outdoor activities, learning kitesurfing and mountain biking multiple times a week. It was during this time that I purchased my first drone, which opened up a whole new world of creative possibilities. The freedom and perspective it offered fueled my passion for capturing aerial footage.
Change & Uncertainty
In November 2021, I made a bold decision to leave Oregon and return to Virginia. I packed up my belongings, donated what I didn’t need, and embarked on a journey to Colombia with a vision of starting my own business and learning Spanish. With a small suitcase, my laptop, and my drone, I embraced a minimalist approach that allowed me to be flexible and available for new opportunities.
I ventured into the world with spontaneity as my guide. Inspired by my vision of becoming a National Geographic explorer, I set off on a journey of self-discovery, armed with, at first, a drone and go-pro as a passport to the world.
This minimalist lifestyle not only freed up my time and resources, but it also allowed me to focus on what truly mattered to me—exploring, learning, and connecting with others.
With no specific plan in mind, I landed in Guayaquil and started researching nearby attractions. It didn’t take long for me to discover the proximity of the Galapagos Islands, a place that had always been on my mother’s photography bucket list.
Within days, my mother joined me, bringing along her secondary camera, and together we embarked on a 10-day road trip, capturing the beauty of the islands through our lenses.
My First Sale
I embraced the motto of doing one thing every day that scares me. Despite not owning top-of-the-line gear, I leveraged my resourcefulness and passion to secure my first real estate drone imaging deal. I was doubly happy as I had to make and close the whole deal in my newest language- Spanish!
Another milestone came when I landed my first paid video gig, documenting a non-profit beach clean-up on a remote Colombian island. Throughout the day, the sheer joy of being out in the world, capturing meaningful moments, fueled my determination to pursue my passion.
As a new entrepreneur, I was liberated with the realization that every minute was mine to fill. Yet this newfound autonomy had to come with discipline and self-responsibility.
I immersed myself in self-help books and learned essential business skills such as pricing, website development, and project management.
For a full year, as I embarked on the journey of establishing my business, I operated my drone almost daily, capturing sights from the sky. This is a glimpse into what I encountered.
"The words ‘I can’t afford it’ shut down your brain. 'How can I afford it?' opens up possibilities, excitement, and dreams." - Rich Dad Poor Dad
Into Africa
After about 8 months in South America, I returned home to Virginia. My mom had the splendid idea of going on a self-guided photographic journey to Africa.
I bought my first telephoto lens, downloaded the Merlin app, and together we hit the road for 40 days, exploring and photographing in over 10 National Parks. When my mother flew back off to the States, I stayed in South Africa- determined to continue my career here.
A Glimpse into Wildlife Conservation
During my 40-day road trip in Africa with my mom, a serendipitous encounter changed the course of my journey. One evening, while enjoying a communal dinner at a private game reserve, I found myself sitting next to the director of African Wild Dogs for the EWT. Little did I know that this chance meeting would lead to an incredible opportunity.
As the dinner came to an end, he expressed his desire for me to come and film in the field. Two months later, I received a text from him about a collaring project and a video opportunity. Without hesitation, I hopped on the first flight across the country to be a part of this extraordinary experience.
For four days deep in the bush, we embarked on a mission to track and collar African Wild Dogs. Our days started before dawn, waking up at 3:30 or 4 am to beat the heat. With an impala carcass in the back of the car to attract the dogs, we set out to locate and lure them. The vet would then carefully dart and tranquilize the dogs for collaring. I had no idea that a job like this even existed, and it was an absolute bliss to be part of it.
As I bid farewell to the team at the airport, the EWT manager shared that his brother is a National Geographic explorer and suggested that I film for him. This surprising opportunity fueled my excitement and deepened my commitment to pursue this path. It would not be a year later that I would reach out to this National Geographic Explorer.
Where to Next?
As my tourist visa neared its expiration, I returned to the US for a brief period to evaluate my next steps. While reflecting on my adventures, the Africa Wild Dog project remained a lingering passion that I yearned to pursue further.
Motivated by this desire, I reached out to my network and was referred to a conservation and research non-profit by one of my kitesurfing clients. After a few phone calls, they extended an invitation for me to film their work on the enchanting island of Nosy Komba in northern Madagascar. This opportunity ignited a renewed sense of purpose and excitement as I embarked on the next chapter of my photographic journey.
During my extended stay in Madagascar, I immersed myself in the breathtaking beauty of the country while also witnessing the stark realities of poverty and environmental challenges. I would often think, I could see the best thing in my life, and the worst thing in my life, all within the same hour.
However, alongside the beauty, I confronted the devastating effects of deforestation and environmental destruction. The impact of COVID-19 deepened poverty and took a toll on the local ecosystems. The struggle for survival was palpable, and I witnessed firsthand the hardships faced by the people, such as the scarcity of fresh water and the need to trade natural resources for basic necessities.
Madagascar's Lessons
My time in Madagascar taught me invaluable lessons that shaped my approach to photography. Patience became a fundamental skill as I embarked on lengthy photo shoots in remote locations, living without running water or electricity for up to 4 days at a time. With no distractions or connectivity, I relied solely on my camera and spare batteries for entertainment.
It was during these moments of stillness that I learned to observe and appreciate the natural world around me. I witnessed the beauty of a bee-eater capturing its prey after waiting patiently near a water source. This technique of sitting and waiting became a recurring theme in my photography journey throughout Madagascar.
Another significant lesson came in the jungles of Ranomafana. I found myself staring at a bush at night, armed with only a flashlight. For 15 minutes, I waited until my eyes adjusted and revealed a hidden world. To my astonishment, countless stick bugs emerged, each engaged in its own intriguing activities. This experience taught me the power of observation and the rewards that come with dedicating time and attention to capture the essence of a moment.
A Calling
Madagascar provided the perfect backdrop to hone my skills and embrace the magic of capturing fleeting moments in nature.
I created a series of videos from my work in Madagascar that can be viewed on my Youtube Channel.
After returning to the US to work on the marketing consulting side of my business, I couldn’t shake the desire that I needed to be back in Africa. The wild dog project had captured my heart, and I knew that’s where I wanted to be. With another year of experience and upgraded equipment under my belt, I reached out to the National Geographic Explorer.
To my delight, he responded with enthusiasm and invited me to join him in the field. I was ecstatic.
Cheetahs
For two incredible weeks, we journeyed across different reserves, relocating cheetahs and immersing ourselves in their world. On foot, we tracked these magnificent creatures, venturing into untamed landscapes devoid of other tourists. One unforgettable encounter stands out – a cheetah approaching me at a distance of just 1.5 meters while I sat hidden in a bush at night; it was so close I could smell it.
See my video series on cheetah here.
Inside the Life of a Wildlife Vet
Alongside the cheetah photography, for over a month, I had the privilege of shadowing the wildlife vet on various assignments. From tracking rhinos in the bush and conducting nighttime anti-poaching patrols, to swimming across a lake to retrieve a waterbuck for the cheetahs (which involved skinning and butchering it), and even raising an orphaned baby wildebeest we found at just 2 days old.
Please be advised that the behind-the-scenes footage on my page does not include any images of deceased animals. All animals shown are tranquillized under the supervision of a professional.
Behind the scenes filming for a wildlife vet.
More Conservation Projects
Through my involvement in cheetah relocations, I had the opportunity to connect with other conservation organizations. They hired me for various content creation projects, including an anti-poaching fundraiser and a badger release.
During this time, I based myself in a beautiful private game reserve in the Free State. They also hired me to help with content creation for their lodge and horseback expeditions.
Lesotho on Horseback
I embarked on a thrilling 7-day horseback riding excursion in Lesotho. This unique journey presented new challenges for filming and photography, as I had to capture footage while riding and ensure I didn’t impede the progress of the trip. This meant both video and photo with my mirrorless camera, as well as drone operation- all from horseback- I loved it.
Into East Africa
A few days after the Lesotho trip, realizing I had only been to South Africa and Lesotho for almost 6 months, and an upcoming birthday, I embarked on a 20-day content creation and scouting tour through East Africa.
Zambian Horseback Safaris
Thanks to a referral from a dear friend at Moolmanshoek Private Game Reserve, in December 2023 I embarked on a seven-day photo and video assignment in Zambia, focusing on Zambian Horseback Safaris and Chundukwa River Lodge, I utilized a Canon EOS R5 C, DJI Mavic 3 Pro, and GoPro 11 for capturing the essence of the region. My deliverables were a collection of images, short videos and REELs. You can see more here.
This project, co-produced with Gail, the businesses’ owner, took place within the Simalaha Community Conservancy, emphasizing the importance of wildlife conservation.
Accompanied by friends Maggie and Mariaan, we encountered various weather conditions while covering long distances across the plains, a challenge that improved my wrist strength in managing heavy telephoto lenses on horseback. This experience, reminiscent of a previous filming project in Lesotho, reinforced my dedication to documenting horseback safaris and the unique perspectives they offer.
WeWild Africa
I dedicated the subsequent months to the brand launch of WeWild Africa, completing their website and establishing the foundation of their social media platforms. You can view the website I built at: wewildafrica.com. This period of intensive computer work culminated in an epic conservation journey and press launch. In January, we orchestrated the translocation of 163 critically endangered Cape and White-backed vultures from Pretoria to the Eastern Cape’s Shamwari Private Game Reserve.
Lessons & Changes in Lifestyle
Over the past four years, I’ve spent the majority of my time traveling, which translates to about 1,360 days living out of a suitcase and backpack, with all of my equipment. In my corporate days, I loved material possessions, constantly shopping and seeking new outfits for every occasion. But travel changed my perspective.
During my time in Africa, I prioritized my luggage space for equipment, leaving little room for fashionable attire. I embraced minimalism and let go of the need to impress others with my wardrobe. Instead, I found freedom in being my authentic self, wearing comfortable clothes and camouflage most days, and bonding with people through personality.
Watching movies like “Blood Diamond” before embarking on my African journey heightened my awareness of the consequences of consumerism. Witnessing the devastating destruction of landscapes in Madagascar led me to question what causes deforestation and poverty.
This shift in mindset is not directly related to photography, but photography has become my medium for seeing, investigating, and learning about the world’s truths.
Looking Ahead
Currently, I am collaborating with various conservation organization on a documentary, marketing, and photographic ventures from Zambia to Namibia.
As I continue to pursue my dreams, I am reminded of the quote from “Into the Wild”: “Happiness is only real when shared.” I am grateful for the support and encouragement I have received along the way. Bill Dodson’s book serves as an inspiration for me to focus my work not solely on the purely ego-drive desire to become the best photographer, but rather to be able to contribute to a large mission, like conservation.
With the two themes of sharing, and a larger conversation goal in mind, I am thrilled to announce that I will be organizing my first series of photographic safari workshops in locations I have visited. First ones will be in South Africa and Madagascar.
Lastly, I would like to express my gratitude to all of the individuals and organizations that I have had the opportunity to work with. My clients, who were once strangers, have become valued partners. Together, we have shared laughter, tears, and embarked on incredible adventures. They have trusted me with their company or brand image, and for that, I am truly honored. A photographer cannot exist in isolation; it takes a team. As I continue to grow as a photographer and filmmaker, I am excited to share my lessons and hardships with those around me.
At the end of the day, knowing that I can share my images with you and the world brings me joy. I hope that one day, you will join me in the field, so that together, we can have and capture amazing experiences.
Thank you so much for taking the time to read about my journey. Please do not hesitate to connect.
