Grab the opportunity of a lifetime with BCSS between June and August 2024, joining professional wildlife photographers Orlando Miranda and Salvador Colvee in the field, during their annual visit to BCSS. We are welcoming exploring enthusiast and aspiring photographers, as well as students of the Scientific Training Program to join the team on Benguerra Island for an immersive experience amidst the stunning land and seascapes of the Bazaruto Archipelago, surrounded by the vibrant marine life of the Indian Ocean.
When you join us at the field station during this period of 3 months, expect busy days, packed with fieldwork, training, diving, and photography in the second most biodiverse coral reefs of the world. Days typically contain up to 2 dives, which will be increased to 3 dives and free-diving time (in shallow water) during the photography expeditions work. This will be complemented with longer than usual sea-times, searching for wildlife. Photographers also spend a lot of time doing sunrise and sunset photography, looking for elusive animals and the perfect shot.
Join our professional photographers and BCSS scientists in the field, where you will have the opportunity to learn from the masters directly – from macro to wildlife – both on land and underwater –Orlando and Salvador are extremely dedicated photographers that will teach you how to get that perfect shot.
These special BCSS fieldwork photography expeditions will be focused on humpback whales, underwater photography for the “Big Five”, with special emphasis on sharks and giant mantas, but also macro reef life, and research-in-action shots. There will also be opportunities to jump in the blue, open ocean, to try photograph tuna shoals and predators activity. We will dive the best of the best in the Bazaruto Archipelago, anywhere from 16 m down to 36 m in the deep pinnacles and reefs. The expeditions will also have BCSS chief scientist (Dr. Mario Lebrato) and crew guiding and coordinating all fieldwork to ensure an overall success. This will add a scientific component with live commentary, sharing experiences, as well as discussing with participants marine sciences in detail.
Orlando Miranda is an award-winning, Spanish wildlife photographer shooting both underwater and on-land. He won 2018’s Wildlife Photographer of the Year Award under the category ‘Earth’s Environments’. His photography is featured in Forbes, CNN, Telegraph and the BBC, among others
The Venezuelan Salvador Colvee won Wildlife Photographer of the year in 2019, and is both a biologist and a photographer who has a great eye for reptilian wonders. Winner of 2019’s Wildlife Photographer of the Year Award and Fine Arts Photography Award, Colvee’s photography is featured in The Guardian and Forbes.
With their technical expertise and passion for the environment, you’ll not only witness the beauty of nature, but also sharpen your photography skills with hands-on guidance. From exploring ocean ecosystems to trekking through the wilderness – every moment is an opportunity to learn, grow, and capture the essence of Mozambique’s biodiversity.
For this opportunity, only limited spots are available, exclusively for our Scientific Training Program participants (joining in June, July and/or August 2024). Don’t miss out on this chance to dive in the archipelago, discover (marine) wildlife, learn from experts and create lasting memories. Get in touch at info@bcssmz.org or simply Direct Message us to receive more information.
For questions about this article, please contact:
Mario Lebrato, Bazaruto Center for Scientific Studies
mario.lebrato@bcssmz.org
Bazaruto Center for Scientific Studies
Host of the first permanent Ocean Observatory focused on multi-ecosystem time series research in Africa, the Bazaruto Center for Scientific Studies (BCSS) was established in 2017 as in independent, non-profit organisation with a mission to protect and support the fragile ecosystems of the Bazaruto Archipelago, Mozambique. The research station is located on Benguerra Island, off the coast of Mozambique.
Follow us
