From Dubai to South Africa: Filipina expat Kathlene Fidora’s wild journey through the lens
How Fidora turned a childhood passion into a global mission for wildlife conservation
Last updated:
3 MIN READ
1/15
A leap of faith brought her to the UAE, where she worked as a bartender by day and photographer by heart. Her talent took her all the way to Paris for the Monin Cup UAE finals—where she also met her future husband.
Their shared love of travel led them across continents, but it was a 2017 trip to South Africa that transformed her purpose. “Seeing elephants roam free and lions in their natural habitat was both breathtaking and heartbreaking,” she says. “That’s when I knew I had to speak up for them.”
Kathlene Fidora/Gulf News reader
2/15
Now, Fidora’s work is more than art—it’s advocacy. Her wildlife photography spotlights endangered species and fragile ecosystems, using each frame to spark awareness and action.
“Every image is a message,” she says. “A reminder that the wild is vanishing—and we have to fight for it.”
Kathlene Fidora/Gulf News reader
3/15
In this exclusive interview with Gulf News, Fidora shares raw moments from the African bush, near-misses with predators, and why telling honest, ethical stories through photography matters more than ever.
Kathlene Fidora/Gulf News reader
4/15
Q: What inspired you to choose South Africa for your photo essay, and how did you prepare for photographing such powerful animals in the wild?
A: South Africa has always held a kind of mystique for me. The vastness of the landscape, the rawness of the animal encounters—it’s like stepping into a different rhythm of life. It wasn’t just about photographing animals; it was about experiencing nature at its most honest and untamed.
Kathlene Fidora/Gulf News reader
5/15
Leading up to the trip, I immersed myself in everything I could—documentaries, books on animal behavior, online masterclasses. I reached out to a few safari guides I’d met on previous trips and got advice on what to expect during that time of year—weather patterns, predator movement, even how to react if we encountered certain animals unexpectedly.
My husband and I planned this journey ourselves, so we made a list of key locations within the reserves that were known for biodiversity. We also made sure our gear was lightweight but robust—long lenses for distance, weatherproof covers, and plenty of backups for batteries and memory cards.
Preparation was both technical and mental. You have to be ready for anything.
Kathlene Fidora/Gulf News reader
6/15
Q. Can you describe a moment during the trip when you felt both awe and fear while capturing footage of predators like lions or tigers?
A: There was one morning that still gives me chills. We were tracking a pride of lions at dawn—soft golden light just beginning to break through the horizon. Our guide had spotted fresh tracks in the sand, and suddenly, there he was—a massive male lion stepping out of the grass, about 30 feet away from our vehicle.
Kathlene Fidora/Gulf News reader
7/15
He was calm, but alert. His amber eyes locked with mine for a moment. That stare—it was ancient, knowing, wild. He moved slowly toward us, each pawfall deliberate. We didn’t speak. We didn’t breathe. The tension in the air was almost tangible. There was no barrier, no enclosure—just us and him in shared space.
Was I scared? Yes. But the fear was layered with reverence. That moment—the golden light on his mane, the soft sound of his breath, the dust kicked up by his feet—was one of the most profound of my life. I only took two shots. Then I put the camera down and just watched.
Kathlene Fidora/Gulf News reader
8/15
Q: What challenges did you face while shooting in the wild—weather, safety, lighting, or animal behavior—and how did you overcome them?
A: Everything in the wild is unpredictable. One moment it’s sunny and still; the next, a sudden wind shifts everything. The animals react to the environment constantly, so if the light changes or a predator moves into the area, the whole ecosystem adjusts.
Lighting was probably my biggest hurdle. Midday sun flattens everything and creates harsh shadows, while early mornings meant dealing with cold temperatures that drained my batteries quickly. I had to adjust my shooting schedule to maximize the golden hours—those fleeting moments just after sunrise and before sunset.
Kathlene Fidora/Gulf News reader
9/15
Then there’s safety. We were alone much of the time, so we had to rely on our training—watching animal body language, staying inside the vehicle, never making sudden movements. We were always respectful of the space we were in. These animals aren’t actors; they don’t perform for the camera. You wait for them to tell their own stories.
Kathlene Fidora/Gulf News reader
10/15
Q: How do you balance the need to get a compelling shot with respecting the animals’ space and natural behavior?
A: That’s a balance I take very seriously. I’ve seen too many tourists or influencers trying to provoke reactions just to get a dramatic photo. That’s not only unethical—it’s dangerous.
My philosophy is simple: do no harm. I work with long lenses so I can stay well back. I watch for signs of stress—flared nostrils, tail movements, vocalizations—and the moment I see a shift in body language, I pull back.
Kathlene Fidora/Gulf News reader
11/15
Some of my best shots came when the animal didn’t even know I was there. A lioness nursing her cubs. A kudu drinking at dawn. A leopard grooming in the shade. These intimate moments only happen when the animal feels completely at ease. That’s when photography becomes art—and when it becomes meaningful.
Kathlene Fidora/Gulf News reader
12/15
Q. What story or message are you hoping your photos and videos will convey to people who view your essay?
A: I want people to feel something when they see my work. Wonder. Respect. Maybe even discomfort. Because that emotional response can be the first step toward awareness—and change.
Kathlene Fidora/Gulf News reader
13/15
This project is a love letter to the wild, yes, but it’s also a warning. So many of the species I captured—the African wild dog, certain lion subspecies, even large birds like the southern ground hornbill—are disappearing before our eyes. Not tomorrow. Now.
Kathlene Fidora/Gulf News reader
14/15
If my images can make someone pause before buying ivory, or support a conservation fund, or just think twice about where they spend their tourism dollars—then I’ve done my job.
Kathlene Fidora/Gulf News reader
15/15
This isn’t about taking beautiful photos. It’s about using photography as a voice—for the voiceless, for the fragile ecosystems we’re losing, for future generations who deserve to know what it’s like to hear a lion roar across an open plain.
Kathlene Fidora/Gulf News reader
Got an eye for epic landscapes or skyline shots that stop people in their tracks? Whether you're capturing the golden dunes of the desert, the dazzling Dubai skyline, the serene coastline of the Emirates, or the wildlife scene abroad—we want to see your best work!
Take inspiration from incredible photo essays like Kathlene Fidora’s wildlife adventure in South Africa—and share your own visual stories from the UAE or your travels abroad.
This is your chance to be featured in our Reader Gallery, where your photos could be seen and admired by thousands of Gulf News readers.
Email your most stunning images—with captions—to readers@gulfnews.com
Let’s celebrate the beauty of the UAE, one powerful photo at a time.
Manuel AlmarioSenior News Editor
Manuel has been with Gulf News for 24 years, currently serving as a Senior News Editor and a vital member of the team. From managing social media platforms and crafting viral content to shooting and editing videos on various topics such as weather, gold prices, and traffic updates, Manuel ensures news is not just timely but engaging. He also moderates reader comments and keeps the digital space respectful and impactful.
Formerly the Community Editor for the Readers section, Manuel helped residents resolve issues with banks, telecom providers, utilities, and government agencies—giving people a voice and driving accountability. “I’m proud that, with the cooperation of companies, I was able to help people get the answers they needed,” he says.
Beyond the newsroom, Manuel is driven by a passion for human interest stories—amplifying voices that often go unheard. “From rags-to-riches journeys to the quiet resilience of people with special needs, I believe these stories restore hope in humanity,” he added.
“In every story I tell,” Manuel says, “my goal is simple: to inspire hearts, inform minds, and make a real difference in people’s lives. Whether it’s a viral video, a quiet act of resilience, or a voice that needs to be heard, I believe every story has the power to connect us—and sometimes, even change us.”
Manuel’s impact goes far beyond the newsroom—he’s been honored as one of the 300 most influential Filipinos in the Gulf Legacy Edition 2020 by Illustrado. His dedication to telling powerful stories, along with his influence in community, culture, and human interest, has earned him a well-deserved place on this prestigious list.
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