Leopard Courtesy Christian Sperka

Christian Sperka has captured the essence of the Big Five animals in his wildlife photography, particularly the lions and leopards from the cat family.

South Africa is the ultimate life-changing trip and it certainly was for my family. The rich culture, breathtaking landscape and jaw dropping wildlife take one’s breath away.

Elephants Courtesy Christian Sperka

Can you name the “Big Five” wild animals of South Africa?  That would include the lion, leopard, elephant, rhino and buffalo, but that only begins to tell the story you will see on an African safari.

Photograph of Giraffes Courtesy Christian Sperka

If you are fortunate enough to go on a wildlife safari, you will watch the sun come up during morning safari and watch it set on the late afternoon safari. After sundown, its time to have cocktails in the wild before returning for dinner.

I contacted Christian after we returned from our trip to South Africa. I wanted  to purchase one of his books and this connection became the start of a friendship. The Blue Baker and I worked with Christian on a primary school fundraiser.  Her third grade class raised money to help fund Nikomo Primary School, which is a small school that started under a tree in the community of Kwa Zulu, South Africa.

 Christian donated wildlife photographs for all of the fundraiser promotional materials.

Fundraiser Collage Courtesy Christian Sperka

The fundraiser is perfect for primary age school children. We designed animal fun fact sheets, paint bucket cans with animal photographs and much more. The kids learned a lot about wildlife and South Africa, and helped build a school for kids their own age.

If you’d like to view publications spotlighting Christian’s work, start with the complete article  of Phinda’s 9 Lives, which features Christian Sperka’s photography.

Christian Sperka PhotographyFind out more about Christian Sperka at www.sperka.com, and learn photography tips on capturing the essence of African wildlife. Christian hopes to retire one day in South Africa.

Personally, I think going on a photography safari with Christian should be on everyone’s “bucket list!”

– -The Gourmet Review