Wildlife Photographer, David J Slater

DJS PHOTOGRAPHY

wildlife, Nature, Environment, adventure

David J Slater

David J Slater is the director and principle photographer of DJSPhotography.

I was born in the mill town of Blackburn in Lancashire, England and from the age of 14 I've been taking photographs of the countryside, developing with it a deep passion for the natural environment and its wildlife.

A PhD in Earth Sciences (Leeds), followed by 5 years of post-doctorate research in volcanic eruption prediction, I then left the world of science in 1996 in search of a more truthful and meaningful world (yes, that's right!). I found that mainstream work in an office 9 to 5 was not for me, so I rekindled my ambitions in photography and of working with nature.

Dave Slater at Cape Cross in Namibia

David Slater photographing seals at Cape Cross in Namibia

I love the rainforest, with visits to Costa Rica, Malaysia, Philippines and Sulawesi. These have all been photographic commissions for conservation groups. When not on commission I will be enjoying places such as East and Southern Africa, with Namibia a current favorite, and of course the UK with its huge diversity of wildlife and landscapes. If I'm outdoors I'm happy!

I've always pursued adventure. As well as working on active volcanoes, I've run many exciting photo safaris to Africa. These have brought me close to animals - sometimes perilously close! Mending engines just metres away from lions in Kenya; walking alongside elephants and wild dogs in Botswana, and sniffed by hyenas and leopards in campsites in Zimbabwe are just a few stories to tell. But if that isn’t scary enough, I’m also an extreme rock climber, with numerous dangerous as well as first ascents to my name. Wherever I go I'm always hoping for another fun-filled trip - bungi jumping and white-water rafting at Vic Falls, and skydiving over the Namib Desert are some recent exploits.