Following a lifelong attraction to wildlife and the natural environment, Richard initially began his career as an environmental consultant, conducting environmental impact assessments for various companies. However, he found that such a role did not adequately meet his yearning for creativity and exploration, and he sought a more direct encounter with nature by becoming a safari guide. Complemented by his passion for photography, such a role equipped him perfectly for employment within the Greater Kruger National Park in his native South Africa, where he launched his guiding career. He then spent five years working at one of the world’s premier safari destinations, Sabi Sabi Private Game Reserve, where he became Assistant Head Ranger.

Eager to expand his guiding terrain, Richard left lodge life in 2014 to become a professional private guide across Africa. Since then, he has explored some of the most incredible wilderness on the continent with his guests, from the mountain jungles of Uganda and Rwanda to the varied biomes of Southern and Eastern Africa and the island of Madagascar. He specializes in teaching wildlife photography and finds reward in helping people learn how to make beautiful images through a greater understanding of both their equipment and the environment.

A Sony Alpha Ambassador, Richard lends his photography expertise to a diverse audience—holding workshops, testing out new gear and adding value to the photographic community he is part of. He loves sharing his images of wildlife and nature with the world, and he specifically enjoys portraying animals in their natural environment. He utilizes photography as a means of preserving nature through arresting imagery, hoping to touch people with the beauty of wild places and creatures and in the process, helping them understand the plight of these animals and their habitats. Richard believes in being ready for the moment and making images that tell a story. Through his expert tuition, you'll learn how to be prepared for those amazing moments as you also think about composition and storytelling, while Richard shares his deep knowledge of the wild animals that are your subject. Richard has also started digging deep into videography and leverages both photos and video to share his imagery with the world.

View Richard's latest photography portfolio additions on Instagram at @richard.degouveia. 

Enjoy this selection of Richard's nature photography: