We recently connected with Naude Heunis and have shared our conversation below.

Naude, appreciate you joining us today. Are you able to earn a full-time living from your creative work? If so, can you walk us through your journey and how you made it happen?

Yes, I’ve been able to earn a full-time living from my creative work, though it wasn’t immediate from day one. My journey began with foundational training in film school as a director of photography. After graduating, I transitioned into the South African film industry, where I had the incredible opportunity to be mentored by Myles Goodall, one of South Africa’s top DP/Directors. This mentorship period was critical, allowing me to hone my skills and understand the nuances of filmmaking.

However, after a few years, I began to feel disconnected from working in the industry. Shooting commercials for various brands, despite involving creative problem-solving, didn’t fulfill me as I had anticipated. The monotony of this work was in stark contrast to my passion for storytelling and capturing the essence of the natural world.

The turning point came when I was asked to fill in for a shoot with National Geographic for a sick friend. This opportunity wasn’t just about being at the right place at the right time; it was also about being prepared and willing to step into new, challenging roles. This experience opened doors for me and set me on a path to becoming one of Africa’s leading wildlife filmmakers.

Collaborating with esteemed organizations such as NatGeo, WWF, IFAW and others were major milestones in my career. Each project was a stepping stone, helping me build not only a portfolio but also a reputation for passionate storytelling and a commitment to environmental issues.

In hindsight, could I have sped up the process? Perhaps, but every step, every delay, and every success taught me invaluable lessons. I believe that my career trajectory was a mix of preparation, opportunity, and the willingness to take risks. If anything, I would advise my younger self to network more aggressively and to seek mentorships and collaborations earlier in my career. However, I wouldn’t trade my journey for a quicker path, as it has shaped my philosophy and approach to storytelling, emphasizing that change begins with one person.

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

I grew up in Cape Town, South Africa, a place that kindled my passion for nature’s raw beauty. Now, my time is split between the familiar landscapes of South Africa and the dynamic pulse of Los Angeles.

As a filmmaker and photographer, I specialize in a range of services including wildlife, adventure, aerial, and underwater photography and filmmaking. While a lot of my work primarily focuses on the natural world, addressing environmental issues and showcasing the diversity of species on our planet, I also work with brands that share the same values as me. Helping them bring their vision to life through creative direction.

My storytelling is unique because it’s driven by the conviction that every individual has the power to make a difference. I aim to share the lesser-seen stories of wildlife with people all over the world, spotlighting the critical need for environmental protection. Clients like NatGeo, BBC, Sennheiser and DJI trust me to blend my commercial expertise with my passion for the natural world to bridge the gap between the two worlds for a more relatable platform to a global audience.

An important aspect of my role is connecting with those who work tirelessly to protect and restore our natural world. My art serves as a form of visual advocacy, celebrating not just the beauty of nature but also the dedication of conservationists and the work they dedicate their lives to.

One of my proudest accomplishments is co-founding BTS Nature, an organization committed to securing commercial funding to help tell the stories of these unique individuals I have the privilege of meeting. For those discovering my work, know that it embodies impactful storytelling, dedication to conservation, and a love for revealing the wonders of the natural world. It’s not just about producing beautiful imagery; it’s about creating content that inspires change, one story at a time.

Is there mission driving your creative journey?

People often express how inspiring the work I do is and share their admiration for the films and their subjects. They feel a pull to contribute, to become a part of the change, to improve themselves and the world around them. This reaction is heartening and exactly the kind of surface-level change I aim to invoke — sparking conversations, new perspectives, and educating people about the beauty and importance of the natural world.

Yet, beyond inspiring individual actions and altering perceptions, my ultimate goal as a creative reaches into the realm of global policy change. The true measure of success for me is to influence those in positions of power — the policymakers — to enact changes that drive the cause of conservation forward. When one country adopts an initiative that prioritizes the wellbeing of its people and environment, it sets a precedent — what’s known as shifting the baseline. This is the kind of global change I strive for through my work: individual enlightenment leading to political action, ensuring a sustainable and thriving world for future generations. This deeper impact, bridging the gap between art and legislation, is perhaps the most complex aspect of my journey to achieve, but it’s where the true power of creative influence lies and something that I am building towards

Can you share a story from your journey that illustrates your resilience?

Throughout my career, there have been numerous occasions where my ideas were initially rejected, funding was a steep hill to climb, and the temptation to revert to the familiar territory of commercial work for financial security was strong. During those times, the thought of abandoning my deeper ambitions to return to a more predictable and lucrative path was compelling. I faced daunting periods of rejection and financial strain, which led me to contemplate a career change. The act of reaching out for help was humbling and necessary, a step I had to embrace to keep my passion alive.

However, it was the unexpected challenge of COVID-19 that truly tested and ultimately reinforced my determination. As the pandemic brought the world to a pause, the need to communicate my message to those who could enact global change became starkly clear. In the quiet of the lockdown, the planet showed signs of recovery, highlighting the pressing environmental issues at hand. This reinforced my mission with newfound clarity and invigorated my resolve to not only continue but to amplify my efforts. Now, with a rejuvenated spirit, I am more dedicated than ever to creating work that can inspire hope and drive towards a positive future, steadfast in the belief that visual storytelling has the power to catalyze real-world change.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.naude.tv
• Instagram: @naude_heunis
• Facebook: naudeheunis
• Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/naudeheunis
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@NaudeHeunis

Image Credits
Naudé Heunis