Meet the Pro: Mark Dumbleton

Posted on 18/02/2026
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In this episode of the Pangolin Podcast, host Toby Jermyn welcomes South African wildlife and landscape photographer, Mark Dumbleton. Based in Hoedspruit, Mark is best known for his powerful images of African wildlife and dramatic natural scenes. With nearly two decades of experience, he combines a deep love of the wilderness with a strong emphasis on teaching, helping photographers around the world capture and edit stronger images through his YouTube channel, online courses, and guided photo safaris.

Connect with Mark:
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/MarkDumbletonPhoto
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/markdumbletonphoto
Website: www.markdumbleton.com

If you would like to be kept informed of our new video releases, then please join our community by clicking here: https://link.pangolinphoto.com/YTcommunity

If you are interested in joining us on safari, then click here: https://link.pangolinphoto.com/YTsafari

The Pangolin Podcast was produced and edited by Bella Falk: https://www.passportandpixels.com

View a gallery of the images discussed in this episode:
https://pangolin.smugmug.com/SmugMug-Website/Website-Pages/Meet-the-Pro-Mark-Dumbleton

In the podcast, Mark discusses the stories behind four of his favourite photographs and one he admires by another photographer. He shares insights into the technical challenges of capturing these moments, his philosophy on visual storytelling, and the significance of having his work featured on the cover of the 2023 coffee-table book "Remembering Leopards".

Guest Image
Mark selects a breath-taking image by photographer Greg du Toit as one he deeply admires.
https://www.gregdutoit.com/
https://www.instagram.com/wildernessdreaming/

Greg’s podcast episode
https://youtu.be/K_K2MMPQxiM

Mark’s Lightroom course
https://www.markdumbleton.com/the-wildlife-edit-course

Hannes Lochner’s episode
https://youtu.be/JkOfSVSeRng

Timestamps:
* 00:00 Introduction to the Pangolin Podcast
* 01:09 Guest Introduction: Mark Dumbleton
* 03:14 Choosing the Perfect Wildlife Photos
* 04:11 The First Image: After the Feast
* 13:20 The Second Image: Dramatic Mara
* 17:39 The Third Image: Marauding Buffalo
* 22:58 The Fourth Image: A Close Call With Death
* 27:53 Advice for Aspiring Wildlife Photographers
* 32:36 The Final Image (Greg du Toit) and Conclusion

We are Pangolin Wildlife Photography, based in the Chobe, Northern Botswana. When we are not making videos for our channel, we host our guests and clients from all over the world on our Wildlife Photography safaris throughout Botswana and the rest of Africa—and sometimes beyond!

#wildlifephotography #naturephotography #podcast #markdumbleton #pangolinpodcast