Roie Galitz

10.23.2017

Interview with Roie Galitz

What is a common mistake amateur photographers make? 

Out of my experience, I can point out 3 kinds of mistakes:

• Investing in the camera and not in the photographer – great cameras won’t make great photos, photographers take great photos. Equipment is important for better results, but knowledge is far more crucial, especially as a beginner. Learn as much as you can, get better, then buy a better camera.
• Stop and Think – Although it might be tempting, don’t just pull out your camera and start shooting. Think, plan and decide what you want to photograph and what’s the best way to do it. Take a look at the result and then improve. Repeat if necessary.
• Don’t fear a little photoshopping – it’s your darkroom, and images need to be adjusted for the correct exposure and cropping.

What is your best advice on getting the best shots?
Use photographic thinking. Good images are done by using technique, great images are done by using your mind. Ask yourself what you’re going to photograph and then ask: When? Where? How? And most importantly – Why? Plan your shot, sketch if you wish to and only then take it, as best as you can.

Who or what inspires you most?
Nature inspires me the most. Every time I’m out there, my mind is blown by the intensity of life, in its natural environment. I’m always looking at other wildlife photographers, and there are wonderful people with incredible reach for locations and interesting points of view.

Do you have a favourite experience from your speaking career?
I love the energy of the people in the audience, I love the “whooo”s and “haaaas” coming when my images show and especially I like the way the eyes light up when people see the wonderful world we’re living in. Most people, I’d say 99.9999% of people, won’t see a Polar Bear in their lifetime, and it’s my privilege and duty to be their voice and ambassador to others.

Why do clients typically hire you to speak?

3 kinds of talks are requested from me:

• Inspirational – where I share wildlife photography secrets with lots of “behind the scenes” images, explaining what it means to get that award winning shot and actualize your dream. Many times there’s a lot of sacrifice in it, more than you would think.
• Environmental – As a wildlife photographer I’ve seen a lot, and as a Greenpeace ambassador I’ve taken the responsibility to make sure the stories of the forgotten wildlife will not be ignored. The world is changing.
• Customized – Since the natural world is everything, I can talk about anything. I love the talk I’ve been asked to give about Mothers of the Wild, and I enjoyed to combine my love for business and leadership as an entrepreneur with things I’ve learned from the predators I’ve encountered. So everything is a talk.

How do audiences gain from your keynote presentations?
They gain inspiration, motivation, enthusiasm and a new found love for the natural world and adventures in it.