C4 Photo Safaris
Meet the Team
Our Dedicated Team
WehavespentinnumerablehoursinAfricastudyingitswhimsandunderstandingitsnature.Sowhenyoujoinonasafariwithus,itisasmuchaboutsharingthe'largeandhairy'asitisshowingyouwhatthetruemeaningofanAfricanexperienceis.
Shem Compion
Co-founder, Photo Guide and Managing Director
Shem Compion is the co-founder and co-owner of C4 Photo Safaris. He uses his intricate knowledge of travel in Africa, its wildlife and fantastic photographic locations to give you the best photographic insight into Africa you can get. Shem runs the daily operations of C4 Photo Safaris, which includes managing the team and safaris in order to produce consistently excellent safaris for our many guests. Having personally travelled across many parts of Africa for the last 22 years, Shem brings his extensive travel, logistics and operations experience into planning your safaris and expeditions across Africa. Beyond the more popular destinations in Africa, C4 Photo Safaris has gained a reputation for safaris into the more remote areas of Africa. Shem has been at the forefront of driving these safari destinations as the new frontiers of photography travel. These include Chad (Zakouma and Ennedi), Gabon, CAR, DRC, northern Kenya, Congo, South Sudan and Ethiopia. Safaris into these far-flung areas require a unique set of skills and operational precision. Shem and his team at C4 have built a reputation for making these run at the highest level - ensuring our guests have the most amazing experiences, anywhere in Africa. Shem’s approachable nature allow for an easy interaction between guests and himself. This translates into building incredible safari itineraries. Shem also leads a number of scheduled and private safaris across Africa each year. Sharing his love for Africa and photography is one of his main pleasures and he does this with whole-hearted passion. A self-taught wildlife photographer, Shem quickly established himself as one of the top wildlife photographers in South Africa. His work is regularly published worldwide in magazines, calendars and books. In 2010, he supplied all 72 images to the extremely popular Africa Geographic calendar. It sold out within 4 months - the first time ever. He published his first book "A Landscape of Insects" in 2009 and since then has published a total of 7 books. He is a regular speaker at photo events and has been invited as a keynote speaker to a number of international photographic conventions. Shem's intricate knowledge on a variety of photographic subjects is his greatest photographic asset. He has received international awards for images in mammals, birds, reptile and landscape categories. In recent years, Shem has worked extensively with African cultures, taking him on expeditions into some of Africa’s most remote and beautiful areas. Reading and anticipating the behaviour of his subjects is Shem's other speciality - allowing you to be in the right place at the right time, something he has become known for throughout his career.
Andre Cloete
Co-founder, Specialist Photo Guide
André grew up in the African bush with literally one hand on his binoculars and the other hand on the camera. An avid birdwatcher at that young age, he was given his first SLR in 1990. The passion of birding turned into one of photography and in 2004 Andre co-founded C4 Photo Safaris with Shem Compion. The results of his pursuits with a camera from such a young age have developed into a unique photographic style. It is one that emulates motion and speed into scenes showing glimpses of action, movement and behaviour not often noticed for its beauty by the human eye. When most people are trying to freeze motion, André is slowing it down and capturing it as an art form. This style was recognised by winning the ultimate prize in wildlife photography: The Mammal Behaviour category in the BBC wildlife photographer of the year competition 2003. André's hard work paid off due to his dedication, his love of African nature and the joy that he gets from looking through the view finder at the subjects that he loves. André's speciality is using his excellent natural history and bird knowledge to predict movements of an animal and position in place so you can get your images in time. He is constantly thinking away from the norm and imparts these thoughts while on drives. This allows you to read into a particular photographic mind that is always challenging what the normal eye does not see.
Janet Holmes
General Manager
Janet is a professional wildlife photographer and qualified nature and trails guide. She joined the C4 team in 2017 as manager of the photographic concession at Mashatu Game Reserve in the Northern Tuli block of Botswana. There she spent six years as our “hide” lady, accompanying guests to the photographic hides as well as on the photo vehicle. In this role she shared her expert advice, tuition and tips to help her clients take their photography to the next level. Janet prides herself on her client focus and making the best possible experience for each individual. Janet’s skill were much in demand, with guests from around the world requesting her as a private tutor and guide. Her calm demeanour and wonderful nature with her guests meant that Janet was always held in high esteem by guests and staff alike. Janet has an in-depth understanding of clients’ needs and expectations. It is with this knowledge, combined with her excellent organisational skills and attention to detail, that she now leads our team to ensure your photographic safari is meticulously planned and not only meets, but exceeds your expectations.
Minette van den Berg
Operations Manager
Minette joined C4 Photo Safaris after completing her BCom Marketing degree from the University of Pretoria in 2008 and has been with the company ever since, making her one of the longest-standing members of the team. She grew up on a game farm outside Pretoria, where her love for nature and wildlife first took root. Since joining C4, that passion has only grown. Over the years, Minette has travelled to many of Africa’s most celebrated destinations including the Masai Mara, Okavango Delta, Chobe, Zambia and the Sabi Sands. After 18 years of consulting and helping guests travel across the continent, Minette now leads our team as Operations Manager. She oversees all logistics for C4’s safaris and manages the daily operations of the office together with Angelica, Zuko and Marna. Her attention to detail and commitment to excellence ensure that every guest enjoys a seamless travel experience. When she's not behind her desk, Minette is often outdoors on a trail, either running or mountain biking.
Aubrey Tseleng
Resident wildlife photographer
Botswana born and raised, Aubrey Tseleng qualified as a teacher of Art. In 2006 he studied at the University of Cape Town towards a BA Fine Arts, majoring in Photography. His work has been recognised through several awards including; The Katrine Harries Purchase Award and the Tierney Fellowship. In 2017 Aubrey followed his dream, resigned from teaching and began a career as a nature photographer and guide. His experience in teaching and passion for nature and photography proved to be the perfect combination for his profession, where he engages with safari and photographic clients on a daily basis. Aubrey draws his inspiration from nature and strives to highlight its brilliance through photographs that seek to connect the viewers back to nature. His experience as a teacher makes him accessible to photographers of all levels from advanced, with pro equipment, through to beginners and even phone photographers. Aubrey has an eye for a great scene - which he enjoys sharing with his guests and nothing gives him more satisfaction than seeing them improve and grow as photographers. He currently manages the C4 PhotoMashatu concession at Mashatu Game Reserve in Botswana.
Joe Misika
Resident wildlife Photographer
Joe Misika is a gifted photographer from Kasane, Botswana. After completing his bachelor's degree in business systems in South Africa, he gained work experience with various companies such as the Mail & Guardian and The Citizen. Despite his success in the corporate world, Joe's true passion lies in photography, and he decided to return to Botswana in 2016 to pursue it. As a co-founder of Chobe Collective, Joe has been instrumental in mentoring local photographers and creating a platform for photographers to collaborate and where he shares ideas. He also helped establish BWsFinest, an event that brings together the top wildlife photographers in Botswana. Joe's exceptional work as a photographer has earned him numerous accolades, including the Botswana Wildlife Photographer of the Year award in 2020. His talent as a photographer has also led him to work as an expedition photographer in the Okavango Delta. Joe is currently based at Mashatu Game Reserve in Botswana where shares his experience and expertise with our clients either at the C4 Photo Mashatu photographic hide or accompanying them on our C4 Photo Mashatu photographic vehicle.
Ronald Miguel Voorhees
Resident Wildlife Photographer
Ronald Miguel Voorhees is a resident wildlife photographer with a passion for capturing the untamed beauty of nature. Though formally trained with a BA (Hons) in Digital Film and Television, Ronald is a self-taught photographer whose love for wildlife and storytelling has shaped a unique and compelling visual style. Originally rooted in the fast-paced world of media, marketing, and IT in inner-city Gaborone, Ronald spent years refining his creative instincts in urban settings. However, it was a transformative opportunity in 2024, an internship with PhotoMashatu, that shifted his path entirely. Immersed in the wild landscapes of Mashatu, he found his true calling behind the lens, documenting the rhythms of nature and the soul of the bush. Today, Ronald combines his cinematic eye with a deep respect for wildlife, creating work that not only showcases the wonder of the natural world but also inspires a deeper connection to it.
Angelica Pietersen
Senior Safari Specialist
Angelica Mills graduated with honours in BCom Tourism Management at the University of Pretoria. She began as a travel consultant at C4 Photo Safaris that sparked a passion for photography and nature conservation. She has continuously improved her knowledge on the natural world by immersing herself in it, studying via FGASA and doing courses with Endangered and Priority Species Conservation and Habitat Management (Wildlife Act). Her passion to assist others in wilderness areas led her to volunteer with Children in the Wilderness (CITW) within the Northern Tuli Game Reserve, where Mashatu Game Reserve is located since 2017. Angelica became an integral part of the CITW team, teaching photography to over a hundred children who live on the outskirts of the reserves, some of who are now working directly within the Northern Tuli reserves as a result of their interaction with CITW. She is well-travelled in Africa with experience in South Africa, Botswana, Tanzania and Kenya. In November 2020 Angelica was selected as a Girls Who Click Ambassador: the only ambassador from Africa. The GWC ambassador program propels diverse women into the professional arena of professional nature photography. Angelica currently lives in Hoedspruit. Here she can access wilderness areas whilst also have hands on work hands in tutoring other photographers in the region. She is building her guiding experience continuously – providing inspiration to many younger aspiring nature photographers. Angelica graduated with honours in BCom Tourism Management at the University of Pretoria. She began as a travel consultant at C4 Photo Safaris that sparked a passion for photography and nature conservation. She has continuously improved her knowledge of the natural world by immersing herself in it, studying via FGASA and doing courses with Endangered and Priority Species Conservation and Habitat Management (Wildlife Act). Her passion to assist others in wilderness areas, since 2017, led her to volunteer on environmental education programme, within the Northern Tuli Game Reserve, where Mashatu Game Reserve is located. Angelica became an integral part of the team, teaching photography to over a hundred children who live on the outskirts of the reserves, some of who are now working directly within the Northern Tuli reserves as a result of their interaction with the environmental education programme. Angelica, alongside a team of experienced directors and advisors have now established their very own environmental education programme called - Bana ba Bobirwa. BbB aims for the children who live in the communities around the reserve to be wholly inspired to strive to achieve their utmost potential, so that their enthusiasm and new ideas are shared with their families and communities. This in turn fosters acceptance and interest from more local people to be involved in conservation of their natural environment and tourism in the area. She is well-travelled in Africa with experience in South Africa, Botswana, Tanzania and Kenya. In November 2020 Angelica was selected as a “Girls Who Click” Ambassador: the only ambassador from Africa. The GWC ambassador program propels diverse women into the professional arena of professional nature photography. Angelica currently lives in Hoedspruit. Here she can access wilderness areas whilst also having hands on work in tutoring other photographers in the region. She is building her guiding experience continuously – providing inspiration to many younger aspiring nature photographers.
Zuko Sogoni
Safari Specialist
Zuko grew up in the friendly province of the Eastern Cape where he studied Tourism Management. Zuko chose tourism because it covers a wide range of business and activities including tour operators, travel agencies, resorts, hotels, airlines and the entertainment industry to mention a few. It’s one of the industries that contributes towards job creation and provides the economy with spin off benefits. Zuko loves South Africa with it’s beautiful scenic views, natural attractions and the amazing beaches. He was fortunate enough to do his in-service training at South African Airways in East London. When South Africa won the bid for the 2010 FIFA World Cup he saw a great opportunity to be part of the industry. He worked for the FIFA Confederation Cup and FIFA World Cup on behalf of Tourvest Destination Management. This was an opportunity to show the whole world the multi-cultural diversity we have in this country.
Colette Richardson
Executive Assistant
Growing up with a love for nature and a particular fondness for giraffes, Colette developed a deep appreciation for the beauty and complexity of the world around her. This curiosity and adaptability have translated seamlessly into her professional life. Colette’s background and experiences have shaped her into an invaluable asset. Despite holding a secretarial diploma, her career has taken her through various work environments, allowing her to gain diverse experiences and skills. However, her true passion lies in administration, where she excels and thrives. Whether it’s locating a hard-to-find item or quickly producing a crucial document, Colette approaches each situation with determination and efficiency. Affectionately known as the “proverbial third hand” of the team, she is always ready to lend assistance and support whenever needed. Colette’s love for nature, combined with her professional experiences and passion for administration, makes her a perfect fit for our team.
Jaun-Mari Franzsen
Social Media and Marketing Manager
Jaun-Mari Franzen is C4 Photo Safaris' Social Media and Marketing Manager. With a passion for storytelling and conservation, she brings the safari experience to life through impactful content and creative digital strategy. Raised in a small farm town close to nature, Jaun-Mari developed a deep appreciation for storytelling and creativity from a young age. This passion guided her into digital marketing and content creation. Since joining C4 Photo Safaris, she has helped bring the company’s conservation stories and travel experiences to life through engaging social media and online content. Jaun-Mari also enjoys portrait and people photography and draws inspiration from the mix of city life and nature that Pretoria offers.
