About Me
This is my story...
My name is Melanie Delamare. I am french photographer, born in Istanbul in 1988.As an expat as a child, my parents and myself have been traveling and living in different countries around the world such as Thailand, South Africa, India and Switzerland. I had a very fortunate life with my family, giving me the chance to discover and understand various cultures, traditions and languages.
My passion for wildlife photography started when I turned 19 years old. I had my first professional camera as a Christmas present which changed my life. This is when I began taking photographs of wildlife and I immediately fell in love with the power of those pictures. But my dream, back in the days, was not becoming as a professional photographer yet but as a Field Guide in my country at heart: SOUTH AFRICA.
2009: After finishing my studies in France, I took an opportunity that would allow me to work and experience as a volunteer in a Game Reserve in South Africa whilst I was doing my residency papers.
In 2012, after few years of waiting, I managed to receive my papers, and from that moment, it completely changed me as a person and lifestyle. I successfully achieved my dream as a Field Guide across South Africa which was my best years yet. Even as a ranger, my camera was always by my side ready to capture today's moments and tomorrow's memories.
2016: My life took a turn when I decided to move to Cape Town and make my way into my photography skills. I freelanced for photo tour companies in the city and learnt so much about my camera, the history and the people. What a blast!
2019: Unfortunately, life happened as well as the drought that hit Cape Town which did not bring many tourists anymore. I had to move away from this great city to work back in a Game Reserve. This Reserve is like a second home and guided for another year even when Covid19 arrived
2021: New page, new beginning. I am now a professional photographer in this same Reserve and I feel lucky every single day capturing these magnificent animals.
Look closely to my pictures and you will see that they all have a story to tell.....