A new photobook documenting Africa’s incredible wildlife through unique photography is set to be released by Kym and Tonya Illman, a couple from Perth, Australia.
Their upcoming book, Africa on Safari, will feature over 140 captivating images, showcasing African animals from angles rarely seen before.
The Illmans, aged 53 and 47, spent two years photographing wildlife across Africa using remote-controlled camera buggies, hidden cameras, and quad-copters. Among the animals they captured were cheetahs, wild dogs, and elephants.
One particularly memorable moment was when a young lion took an interest in their equipment, leading to what Kym describes as a “lion selfie.”
The couple’s work will be featured in a 204-page book, launched via Kickstarter, which includes the story behind each photograph.
Kym explains their unique approach: “We carry more photographic gear on safari than almost anyone, except perhaps the BBC. But our remote-controlled camera buggy fascinates both people and animals the most.”
Their custom-built, battery-powered buggy has a Canon 5D Mark 3 camera, offering low and wide-angle shots.
“These types of shots are rare,” says Kym. “Unlike the usual photos taken from the roof of a vehicle, this perspective makes the animals look larger as they approach the camera. It’s a view that surprises people because it’s so uncommon.”
The Illmans have spent more than 22 weeks in Africa photographing wildlife for the book, often getting incredibly close to the animals.
One of the most intense moments occurred when a pair of young lions followed their buggy back to their safari vehicle. Kym quickly drove it under the car to avoid damage, but the lions stayed close.
Acting fast, Tonya mounted a camera on a monopod and used a remote shutter to capture the now-famous lion selfie – with Kym’s hand just 50cm away from the lion’s paw.
The couple also used drones to capture breathtaking aerial shots. “Aerial shots like these were once impossible to get,” Kym shares.
However, he also notes that drone regulations in some countries have tightened in recent years, making it more difficult to obtain these types of images in the future.
Tonya, who first visited Africa in the 1990s, had to wait two decades to convince Kym to join her on a safari. It wasn’t until she booked a trip for the entire family in South Africa that Kym finally agreed.
“She called me at work and said, ‘We’re taking the boys on safari, and I’ve booked the flights.’ I had no choice but to handle the accommodation,” Kym recalls with a smile.
The Illmans work as a team to capture different perspectives during their shoots. Tonya emphasizes how her organizational skills come in handy when dealing with thousands of photos at the end of a day, while Kym handles the technical aspects.
Together, they’ve created a diverse collection of images, although it’s been difficult to choose which ones make it into the final book.
“We have so many great shots of lions. We could do a whole book on them alone, but we must be selective to keep the book well-balanced,” Kym explains.
Their photobook, Africa on Safari, promises to offer a fresh, intimate look at Africa’s wildlife, using cutting-edge technology and the couple’s passion for photography to deliver an extraordinary visual experience.
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