My senses hightened to every sight, sound and movement as I staked claim to my new territory. Finally the job I had been stalking had begun. I had arrived at Djuma to work for WildEarth. My excitement was subdued by the stillness of dusk. As night crept in, I was welcomed by the crew and the sound of lions who brought me into the reality of the bush – this was Mapogo territory.
It snuck up on me like a leopard in the night. Before I knew it, I was sitting perched on the camera saddle. ‘We’re LIVE in 5,4, …’ . The silent countdown was a clear wakeup call. We were LIVE and I felt ALIVE. I quickly realised the difference between this and my previous film work. I was not creating art, I was filming it.
Nature is so ingrained in me that when living in a city I constantly seek it out. Whether it be in the ocean, the parks or the wild areas between roads. I constantly seek a bond like an artist looking for inspiration. I can’t remember the last time I saw a male lion but I surely won’t forget the way he posed for his royal photograph. It was over in a flash. I just hope through technology WE can deliver what it feels like to stare into nature’s heart. Seeing these massive rhinos browsing added to my feeling small in this cosmic mosaic. Yet I felt larger than life delivering the image of the African bush to people who most care about it. Lets celebrate technology and lets celebrate Africa. The welcomes received from all the viewers, the crew and the animals helped me settle in and make me feel like this new start is the beginning of a great journey. I look forward to tonight, tomorrow and a great future with all at WE.
Written by Dan Querido
What its like to join WE.
6 Comments
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You sure write well, Dan — and it’s great to know that there is now another member of the WE staff who has such a passionate love of nature and Africa!
Welcome!
Eleanor NYC
Welcome Dan! It seems we have another member of the WE team who has an eloquent way of expressing their experiences in words.
Welcome aboard….
Judy
FLA, USA
Welcome Dan !!!!!
Dan, I really enjoyed reading your blog. I get the feeling you and WE were made for each other.
I hope this is the beginning of a wonderful relationship between you and WE and us.
El –
Yes, a BIG WELCOME DAN… from Mike Dailing and The Kids, all 5 of them.
I can tell you I’m here at WE online for your game drives, because I’m ‘driven’ by my children’s interest and enthusiasm. Now of course I’m ‘addicted’ and the kids, well besides the fantastic learning experience, they get to stay awake somewhat past “curfew” because of the value of your presentations…. So, WELCOME again Dan, and although the drives are already super exciting, we hope you have great success. WE look forward to it. – Mike and Kids
Welcome Dan…what a good way to start your job…kinty