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I love every minute I'm out there in nature, trying to capture the beauty that's all around. I'm not out for the perfect shot; I'm out for a picture that I like. What I like might not necessarily be what you like, mind you. But it's like 'trophy hunting'. Sometimes you just know, when you push that shutter, "yes!".

To me, photography is not all about resolutions, pixels, or any other technical aspect. I still believe that the most important criterium is if the picture touches me, moves me, evokes an emotion. It can be many things, sheer beauty or maybe just the opposite, savageness, adorable, sad, a ray of light, a pose or a specific moment. Or maybe just because it puts a smile on my face. Passion should go beyond technology!

I often get the question how I get the animals to pose for me.The answer is simple: wait, wait, wait and ...... wait some more. Your feet get sore, your back aches, your arm muscles start to tremble from holding up the camera and lens. But in the end, when I get home with a picture that I like and that does the animal the right it deserves, to me it's worth it every time! I like to spend time with an animal. For me the 'see and shoot' thing doesn't work. You almost always miss that one special moment. Invariably, when you take your time and give the animal the opportunity to get used to your presence, they will do something that I would like to capture! Respect is a keyword here!
When I finally capture that one picture, it is often the only pick from a series of hundreds, but often enough a couple of thousand pictures.

You can read more about how and where the pictures were shot in my Wildlife Diary or, for more pictures, you are welcome to my website Hennie van Heerden.

Recently, my first official book was published!! In it 136 pages full color, filled with the most beautiful pictures I shot during the last four years. If you are interested, pleace visit
The world of Hennie van Heerden for the english version, or
De wereld van Hennie van Heerden for the Dutch version.

Photo was taken by Allen Koppe, Cinematographer, on Oshima Island, during the shooting of the Canon Japan Corporate Branding Commercial. Can you imagine that I was chosen for this because they had seen my Flickr page!!

I use Canon cameras (1D mark IV, 7D, 40D, 30D and 400D) and Canon lenses (ranging from 10 to 500mm).
Other things: Canon extenders 1.4 and 2.0.
Canon Speedlite 580EX II
Gitzo tripod with Wimberley tripod head

visited 51 states (22.6%)
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Photos of hvhe1 (20)

hvhe1's favorite photos from other Flickr members (10,035)

Contacts (381)

Fredrik S. Fredrik
www.jeroenstel.com Jeroen Stel
Arjan van Hof Arjan van Hof
Stefan Johansson. No real name given
Martha de... Martha de...
Avdblonk Ardjan van der Blonk
José Iping José Iping
Lambert Reinds Lambert Reinds
Richard Bakker... No real name given
Rene Visser Rene Visser
V. Mason No real name given
Pepijn Hof Pepijn Hof

Groups (50 50)

Ik hou van Holland,.. I Love Holland ! 27,708 photos, 672 members
All about World 55,007 photos, 1,583 members
Finest Nature - Admin Invite - Post 1 Award 2 13,994 photos, 1,397 members
"Best Of Flickr +15 faves Post1/fav/AW 2 sweeper No Tolerance 18,013 photos, 11,592 members
@ Large and Out of Africa 18,063 photos, 634 members
Top Photography Group ~ Invitational Only! P 1~ Awd 2 10,660 photos, 2,582 members
Scenics & Wilderness (Admin Invite Only) 2,902 photos, 256 members
Bokeh: Smooth & Silky 734,849 photos, 50,187 members
Photographer's Choice~Hall of Fame (Invitation) 14,804 photos, 1,633 members
S Johnson & Tintinian's Fauna - High Quality Images Only! 37,874 photos, 4,741 members
Flickr Big Cats 63,299 photos, 8,769 members
in loving memory of imapix 138 photos, 158 members
*Little stories-pics with "soul"*:Invited photos only ! 17,360 photos, 1,446 members
The Serious Nature Photographer (50+ Favorites, P1:A2) - Sweeper 1,116 photos, 268 members
Wildlife, KEEP IT WILD!!! 14,526 photos, 437 members
*ABW* Gallery ~ by invitation only 1,065 photos, 1,405 members
Excellence In Animal Photography (High Quality Images Only) 6,946 photos, 678 members
high quality nature - Vote for Icon ~~ 89,351 photos, 3,404 members
Love of the Great Outdoors 50,922 photos, 1,562 members
Earth - Home 32,873 photos, 2,219 members
Wild Life Shots (POST 1 Comment 2) Join Icon Contest : Lion 20,361 photos, 2,478 members
Magnificent Southern African Wildlife 4,492 photos, 315 members
Bratanesque (invited pics only) 3,430 photos, 684 members
Capture Nature / No human elements / 21,355 photos, 1,978 members
Nature's Call. 68,077 photos, 3,262 members
Gelderland 5,403 photos, 464 members
PLATINUM WILDLIFE/ Post 1 - Award 1 (P2-A2) with CODE step 4 6,068 photos, 1,333 members
Kris Kros Contacts 124,154 photos, 3,929 members
Field Guide: Birds of the World 120,305 photos, 13,703 members
Fantastic Wildlife - Invite Only 5,536 photos, 1,371 members
Best of Wild Animals (WILD ANIMALS-Please re-READ rules) 12,099 photos, 1,206 members
"Winged Wonders - Elite" (Admin Invite Only) Post 1, Award 2 3,688 photos, 530 members
EarthShots.org Entries 7,046 photos, 655 members
Flickr Diamond - Invited Photos ONLY 115,304 photos, 21,623 members
"Winged Wonders"-- Birds Only-- Invite Only (Post 1, Award 2) 37,930 photos, 4,663 members
Bird Watching Group (BWG): Post 1 : Award 2 139,681 photos, 8,725 members
Vision Quality Group (P1/F2/C2) 95,798 photos, 4,723 members
A "Quality Only" Club -Admin Invite+Moderated Post 11,536 photos, 2,156 members
Birds Photos 795,201 photos, 37,977 members
FirstQuality ADMIN INVITE ONLY F1/C1 Please Vote!! 33,116 photos, 3,157 members
Greatest Hits:Born Free, Living Free (Admin Invite Only) 1,675 photos, 525 members
Ultimate Wildlife Photography 18,973 photos, 1,007 members
Born Free, Living Free 76,356 photos, 2,539 members
Het Doka Archief 3,881 photos, 279 members
In Fine Style (Invite Only) 42,374 photos, 4,840 members
De Doka (1 foto/1 comment) 147,228 photos, 2,114 members
National Geographic - by Italian People 67,293 photos, 6,298 members
Dutch Meetups Calendar - DMC 0 photos, 275 members
BORN to be WILD 23,505 photos, 2,080 members
TIO's "Seal of Approval" (Invited Images Only) 8,217 photos, 845 members

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Testimonials (15)

Judy &Paul says:

"Hennie's images acquaint the viewer intimately with the character and beauty of nature's creatures seen not in zoos, but in their natural habitat. She is a flickr favorite of ours, not only for her outstanding ability to use a camera, but for her warmth and generosity of spirit. We admire you greatly Hennie and envy your incredible, memorable experiences in the wildlands of Africa.
Judy & Paul"

27th December, 2009
☆Mi☺Λmor☆ says:

"Hennie is a genuine genius :) and thats not a tall claim at all :)

I love how she lays it out clearly to us that getting a shoot is not just luck but lot of painful waiting and its about presenting a shot which brings the best out of that particular being :) you have been a inspiration to many wild life photographers and you continue to do so.

Thank you for going thru all the hardship to bring and share with us such exceptional work :) your photostream is a joy and its funny but a pride when ppl fight to be the first one to comment :D

Dinesh :)"

2nd November, 2009
bzd1 says:

"Wij hebben Hennie leren kennen op de Hoge Veluwe als een hele sympatieke meid. Tijdens de hertenbronst 2009 in nationale park "De Hoge Veluwe" Vaak stonden wij naast elkaar te fotograferen. Vaak Dat was gezellig en daar ontvingen wij ook Haar vistekaartje. Bij Thuiskomst hebben wij Haar fotomatriaal Ademloos bekeken. In een woord meer dan geweldig hoe Zij ontmoette licht weet te spelen Daarbij Het juiste moment afwachtend en soms lekker babbelend Samen met Denis Rademaker. Een foto van Hennie uit die tijd herrinerd ons aan die mooie momenten."

6th October, 2009
"berend" says:

"Een 'stream' met prachtige foto's Hennie
Elke keer opnieuw ben ik weer onder de indruk van je simpele foto's die precies de kern raken. Er staat precies op wat erop moet staan, in perfecte composities en kleurstellingen.
Ik vraag me bij jou nooit af waarom ik naar een foto zit te kijken. Het is altijd gelijk duidelijk.
Groet, Berend."

18th May, 2009
Imapix says:

"The exquisite beauty of Hennie's images leaves me in awe every time I visit...!

So beware...if you visit once......... you will become addict!

Bravo Hennie...and ..................Encore!

Gaëtan"

27th February, 2009
JKmedia says:

"I never cease to be amazed at the quality of shots here. The South African wildlife shots are simply outstanding. Inspired"

8th February, 2009
copeg says:

"Hennie has a talent, and is an artist in the truest sense of the word. Every photo captures something beyond just the simple image, she captures action, drama, words, emotion, and countless other features: things I and many other photographers aspire to capture. You may or may not be familiar with her work, but either way I recommend visiting and re-visiting each and every image in her photostream, and simply enjoy the artistry."

23rd April, 2008
Laurie York says:

"How can I begin to describe Hennie's exquisite photographs? It's as if she focuses the camera with her heart! I've have never seen wildlife photographed with such passion, reverence, and skill. Hennie's presence on Flickr is a rare gift to us all..."

21st January, 2008
bsdb_chakraborty says:

"Hi Hennie,
I am again grateful to U for introducing me to the wider world of Photography specially to the Animal Kingdom.
Basudeb"

6th July, 2007
Leviathor says:

"Hennie doesn't post pictures of animals, she posts portraits of nature. Each and every one of them are sharp, remarkable works of art. Her images are the payoff of an endless reserve of patience. A reserve which allows her images to convey atmosphere, feeling, or emotion, all through her understanding and mastery of her subject, her surroundings, and her equipment.

Keep up the good work, Hennie, we all look forward to your next posting."

19th April, 2007
danihernanz says:

"Hennie you are an artist. Your captures are very very specials and elegance! Always amaze me.
The Queen of Animals"

11th April, 2007
Mendis says:

"Simply put, Hennie is one of my favourite nature photographers. Many of her pictures are awesome in every aspect of picture taking. Fantastic photography!"

12th February, 2007
SugarbearSteve says:

"Hennie hasn't been on Flickr long but her photo's show she has had a love for photography and animals for a long time. I think what I like best is that Hennie's comments are as thoughtfull as her photos. At first she tricked me into going Ape over her HotLips Orangutang. Only till later sending me back to my Baboon Therapist halfway coconuts over the misguided Treetop fantasies I had developed. But I forgive her."

3rd November, 2006
wans2pics says:

"Hennie van Heerden has absolutely gorgeous photos! I only dream of visitng the places that she portrays so beautifully. I hope your adventures never end. Keep posting for all of us to enjoy!
Wanda
wans2pics"

12th October, 2006
MakingMemories(Deja-Vu photography) says:

"I just recently came to know hvhe1 work and wow!! what a find..I am so honored to have her as a contract..Her work is continuously amazing..You can tell she puts her heart and soul into her work just by the Exquisite photo's she takes..I look forward to viewing her photostream everyday..Thank you so much for sharing
fondly
Mary"

12th October, 2006