Beverly Joubert
Beverly Joubert is a world-renowned wildlife photographer, filmmaker, and conservationist, best known for her stunning images of African wildlife and her unwavering dedication to conservation efforts. Alongside her husband, Dereck Joubert, Beverly has spent over three decades capturing the beauty, complexity, and vulnerability of the natural world, using her photography as a powerful tool for storytelling and advocacy.
Early Life and Career
Born in South Africa, Beverly Joubert's passion for nature and wildlife was evident from a young age. She met her future husband, Dereck Joubert, at the age of 18, and together they embarked on a lifelong journey to document and protect Africa's most iconic species.
The Jouberts began their careers in the late 1980s, living and working in the remote wilderness of Botswana. Their dedication to capturing intimate moments in the lives of Africa's wildlife quickly garnered international attention, and their work has been featured in prestigious publications such as National Geographic, BBC Wildlife, and Africa Geographic.
Photographic Style and Techniques
Beverly Joubert's photographic style is characterized by its ability to convey the beauty, emotion, and vulnerability of her subjects. Key elements of her style and techniques include:
Intimate Portraits: Joubert's images often capture close-up, candid moments in the lives of her subjects, revealing their unique personalities and emotions.
Use of Natural Light: Joubert's photographs make the most of available natural light, creating a sense of authenticity and depth in her images.
Storytelling: Joubert's photography tells a compelling story about the lives of her subjects and the challenges they face in the wild, evoking empathy and raising awareness about the importance of conservation.
Career Highlights
Some notable highlights from Beverly Joubert's distinguished career include:
A longstanding collaboration with National Geographic, which has published her work extensively and supported many of her conservation initiatives.
The creation of numerous award-winning films and documentaries, often produced in collaboration with her husband, Dereck Joubert, such as "Eye of the Leopard," "The Last Lions," and "Birth of a Pride."
Co-founding the Big Cats Initiative, a global conservation program aimed at protecting big cats and their habitats, in partnership with National Geographic Society.
Photography Gear
Throughout her career, Beverly Joubert has used a range of photography gear, including:
Cameras: Joubert's primary camera of choice has been the Canon EOS system, with models like the EOS-1D X Mark II and the EOS 5D Mark IV being her go-to options for capturing high-quality wildlife images.
Lenses: Joubert has utilized a variety of lenses to capture her stunning wildlife portraits, often favoring telephoto lenses such as the Canon EF 200-400mm f/4L IS USM and the Canon EF 600mm f/4L IS II USM to get up close and personal with her subjects.
Accessories: To support her photographic endeavors, Joubert relies on accessories like sturdy tripods, gimbal heads, and camera beanbags for stabilizing her gear in the field.
Photography Books
"Face to Face with Lions (Face to Face with Animals)" offers an intimate look into the lives of lions, showcasing Joubert's stunning photographs and sharing her deep understanding of these magnificent creatures. This book not only offers insights into lion behavior but also encourages photographers to develop a closer connection with their subjects and to appreciate the beauty and power of these animals.
"African Animal Alphabet" is a unique and engaging book that introduces readers to the diverse wildlife of Africa through a series of stunning photographs and informative descriptions. This book is perfect for photographers seeking to expand their knowledge of African wildlife and offers inspiration for capturing the essence of these animals in their natural habitats.
"Relentless Enemies: Lions and Buffalo" delves into the complex and fascinating relationship between two of Africa's most iconic species. Through breathtaking images and insightful text, Joubert captures the drama, beauty, and intensity of the interactions between lions and buffalo, providing photographers with valuable inspiration for their own work.
"Face to Face With Elephants (Face to Face with Animals)" offers an up-close and personal look at the lives of elephants, revealing their intelligence, emotions, and unique behaviors. This book not only provides a deeper understanding of these magnificent animals but also offers practical tips and insights for photographers looking to capture striking and intimate images of elephants in the wild.
"The Last Lions: Official Companion to the Motion Picture" is a stunning visual journey that accompanies the critically acclaimed documentary film by Beverly and Dereck Joubert. This book showcases the beauty, power, and vulnerability of lions in their natural environment and emphasizes the urgent need for their conservation. The striking images and compelling narrative provide inspiration and valuable insights for photographers seeking to tell meaningful stories through their work.
Quotes
"Our mission is to save the wild places of Africa and to do this we must find a sustainable model for conservation that is aligned with the needs of Africa's people."
"Wildlife photography has the power to capture the hearts and minds of people, inspiring them to take action and protect our planet's most vulnerable species."
"We must remember that we are not separate from nature; we are a part of it. Our survival depends on the health and well-being of the natural world."
"Every time we lose a species, we lose a piece of our own humanity, for we are all interconnected in the web of life."
"The most important lesson I have learned in my career is that we must never give up on our dreams or our passion for making a difference in the world."
Legacy and Influence
Beverly Joubert's work has had a profound impact on the field of wildlife photography and conservation. Her images have not only inspired countless photographers, such as Paul Nicklen, Steve Winter, and Andy Rouse, but have also played a critical role in raising global awareness about the plight of Africa's most iconic species.
Together with her husband, Dereck, Beverly Joubert has dedicated her life to protecting the wild places and animals that they so passionately document. Through their award-winning films, books, and photographs, as well as their tireless advocacy and conservation work, the Jouberts have become leading voices in the fight to save Africa's wildlife and habitats for future generations.
Beverly Joubert's legacy endures through her stunning body of work, her ongoing commitment to wildlife conservation, and the countless photographers and conservationists who continue to be inspired by her vision and dedication to the natural world.
