About Bald Bushman

 

Author taking a selfie while enjoying a Winter Sunset in the Rural Hinterlands of
Southern KwaZulu-Natal

Howzit Guys!

Welcome to the Bald Bushman Outdoor Adventures Blog Page - a blog space devoted to showcasing some of South Africa’s most unique natural beauty through the medium of Nature Photography. My name is Cole and I am a Nature Photographer with twenty years of experience in documenting wild nature through the camera lens.

From a young age, I have always been deeply fascinated by African wildlife, particular African predators and, most notably, venomous snakes. This fascination has driven a strong curiosity about the natural world and a desire to learn, understand and capture the behaviours, adaptations, and ecosystems that shape these species in greater depth.

As an individual who is neurodivergent, with a mild form of Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD), my approach to learning is strongly influenced by my level of engagement and intrinsic interest. I tend to excel when working with subjects that capture my curiosity, often demonstrating deep focus, creativity, and sustained effort. However, maintaining the same level of concentration on topics that feel less stimulating can be more challenging. This pattern is closely linked to dopamine regulation, which plays a key role in attention and motivation.

When engagement declines, so does my ability to sustain focus, sometimes prompting me to shift between areas of interest in search of renewed mental stimulation. As a result, I have developed a natural inclination toward exploring new ideas, concepts, and perspectives, as continuous learning helps me remain engaged, motivated, and cognitively energized.

This is where Nature photography has turned out to be an unexpected, but rewarding, outlet for me. It has given me the chance to dive into what I’ve always loved—exploring the natural world - especially when it comes to working up close with African predators and venomous snakes - while also demanding a high level of focus, awareness, and readiness at all times. Out there in the bush, everything can change in a heartbeat—one moment offering a fleeting, once-in-a-lifetime photographic opportunity, the next turning a seemingly safe situation into a life-threatening reality within a matter of seconds. 

In conditions like these, preparation and situational awareness are not merely the difference between capturing a successful photograph and missing the shot—they can also be the difference whether you making it out safely or not. A lack of knowledge, poor judgment, or complacency can quickly escalate from a minor mistake into a matter of life and death itself. Being able to recognize, and mitigate, such risks has driven me to expand my expertise beyond photography into complementary disciplines such as wilderness first response, survival techniques, and bushcraft. 

Developing this diverse skill set not only equips me to better assess and mitigate potential hazards in the field, but also enables me to approach each environment with greater confidence and awareness—capturing powerful moments, of what the South Africa Wilderness has to offer, without compromising one’s safety. In acquiring this knowledge has ignited a deeper sense of adventure, inspiring me to pursue specialized training in other areas. These pursuits open up new and challenging environments, allowing me to push the boundaries of my nature photography and explore perspectives that were once beyond reach.

Let the Adventure begin!

WHAT READERS CAN EXPECT?

Before we explore what lies ahead, I feel it is important to make one thing clear.

Over the years, I have been fortunate enough to visit many of South Africa's most spectacular wilderness areas, witness extraordinary wildlife encounters, and capture countless moments through my camera lens. These experiences have been both humbling and unforgettable. However, I do not consider myself an authority on wildlife, conservation, or nature photography.

The purpose of this blog is not to teach from the perspective of an expert, but rather to share my personal experiences as an enthusiastic photographer, explorer, and lifelong student of the natural world. Every expedition has presented new challenges, unexpected encounters, and valuable lessons—many of which have shaped not only my photography but also my appreciation for the remarkable landscapes and wildlife that South Africa has to offer.

My hope is that these stories, photographs, and observations will inspire curiosity and provide readers with a window into places they may never have the opportunity to visit themselves. Each article will use photography as a starting point to explore the fascinating subjects behind the images, from animal behaviour and ecosystems to the history, geography, and conservation of the places in which they were captured.

Along the way, I will also share the stories behind some of my most memorable expeditions—the successes, the setbacks, the unexpected moments, and the practical lessons I learned. Whether you are planning your own adventure, developing your photography skills, or simply enjoy learning about the natural world, I hope these experiences offer both useful insights and inspiration.

This blog is designed to be more than a photography journal. It is a place where photography, adventure, education, and conservation come together. Future articles will explore a wide range of topics, including:

• Nature Photography — Camera techniques, fieldcraft, composition, wildlife photography, and practical tips learned through experience.

Who is capturing who here? This photo was taken by a fellow
volunteer while doing Wildlife Volunteering in 2018, where a
curious Caracal Cat (aka "Rooikat") found my antics intriguing 
and decided to investigate. 

• South African Wildlife — Discover the country's remarkable mammals, birds, reptiles, insects, and the ecosystems they call home.

Having a Meerkat Moment while doing Wildlife Volunteering at
the former Seaview Predator Park in the Eastern Cape Province 

• South Africa's Nature Reserves & National Parks — Explore some of the country's most iconic protected areas, hidden gems, and conservation success stories.

Giving Nebbie, a 21 year old African Lion, a gentle scratch through
the fence while doing Wildlife Volunteering at the Former Seaview
Predator Park in 2018

Yes, that is an American Mountain Lion and a African Leopard together in the
same enclosure. Feeding time for Blaze, the Mountain Lion, and
Shiloh, the African Leopard, while doing Wildlife Volunteering
at the former Seaview Predator Park in 2018

• Hiking Trails & Wilderness Adventures — Trail guides, expedition stories, preparation, and the rewards of exploring South Africa on foot.

At Waterfall Bluff Tidefall, in 2012, while hiking along the Wild Coast in
Northern Coastal regions of the Eastern Cape Province - South
Africa. It is one of nineteen waterfalls in the world that flows directly
into the sea - in this case the Indian Ocean

• Survival & Bushcraft — Essential wilderness skills, bushcraft techniques, outdoor preparedness, and responsible practices in nature.

Smiling Selfie on my last day of a 11 Day Survival Course to become a
Survival Ranger, and Instructor, at Boswa Survival and Bushcraft Training
Academy in June 2023 near Gouritzmond - Western Cape Province

• Adobe Photoshop & Photo Editing — Editing techniques, workflow, and methods used to bring photographs to life while remaining true to the original scene.
• Wilderness Safety — Practical advice on staying safe in remote environments, understanding wildlife behaviour, and preparing for outdoor adventures.

Above all, this blog is an invitation to explore, learn, and develop a deeper appreciation for the natural world. Whether you are an experienced photographer, an outdoor enthusiast, or simply someone who enjoys wildlife and adventure, I hope you will find something here that informs, inspires, and encourages you to see nature through a new perspective.

If you wish to view or purchase any of my current photography work, you are invited to click the link below to my online Photography Gallery website, where you can purchase copies directly and download them for printing purposes:

Bald Bushman Online Photography Gallery

Ultimately, by combining photography, adventure travel, and a bit of coaching, I am hoping to create experiences that are not only memorable, but transformative—where readers leave not just with incredible images, but hopefully with new insight and perspective, and a renewed sense of connection to the wild.

Let the Adventures begin!