Photography is more than just capturing images; it's about telling stories, evoking emotions, and seeing the world through a different lens. For Zeke Romero, a photographer whose work focuses on wildlife and travel, his journey into the world of photography started as an adventure of both personal and artistic growth. After years of dreaming about Africa, Zeke and his wife set off on a journey to the Western Cape, South Africa, a trip that would not only deepen their bond but also redefine his approach to photography. Through his breathtaking images, "Three String Cord" and "Call to Wisdom," Zeke captures the beauty of nature in its purest form; raw, majestic, and humbling.
We sat down with Zeke to learn more about his experiences in South Africa, his philosophy on photography, and how his cultural background influences the way he captures the world.
A Journey to Africa: More Than Just a Honeymoon
Q: Zeke, your journey to the Western Cape sounds incredible! What inspired you and your wife to visit her birthplace, and how did that experience shape your photography?
Zeke’s answer is filled with warmth and nostalgia, and it’s clear from the start that this trip meant more than just a vacation. He says, “I’ve always had a desire to visit Africa but never had the chance. When my wife and I started dreaming about our honeymoon, we thought it would be the perfect opportunity for me to finally visit her home country.”
The trip turned out to be far more than just a getaway, it became an emotional and artistic journey. “It allowed me to experience a new side to my wife’s past,” Zeke continues. “The sentiment of the trip is intertwined with each photo I was able to capture. The opportunity to document such an important moment in my life brought a deeper passion for photography and deepened my understanding of what it really means to 'capture the moment'.”
For Zeke, photography became more than just a hobby—it was a way to honor this special journey and the emotions tied to it. His honeymoon was not just about capturing landscapes, but about telling a story through his lens, a story that was both personal and universal.
The Stories Behind the Lens: "Three String Cord" and "Call to Wisdom"
Q: Your collection features two striking images, Three String Cord and Call to Wisdom. Can you share the story behind each piece and what drew you to capture those specific moments?
The first photo, Three String Cord, captures the awe-inspiring beauty of lions in their natural habitat. Zeke recalls, “It was my first encounter with lions, and the experience actually took my breath away. I’ve never seen such beautiful creatures in my life, and I knew I had to capture that moment. It was my first opportunity, and it could have been my last.”
As the name suggests, the image exudes a sense of unity, strength, and familial connection. “When I look at this photo, the first thing I think about is the strength of the male lion,” Zeke shares. “He demands full respect and attention. Being just a few feet from him brought a sense of vulnerability that I’m not used to feeling, and it really put into perspective how small and delicate humans really are. The other thing that strikes me about this photo is the importance of family. These lions are unique, but they all belong to one family. They live as a team, and that’s why I named it Three String Cord. It’s a symbol of strength, unity, and support.”
In contrast, Call to Wisdom presents a serene, solitary moment with an elephant. Zeke explains, “This was my first experience with an elephant, and what stood out to me was that there was only one elephant in such a vast area of land. The scene was incredibly powerful. The focus was on this one majestic creature, alone but commanding. The composition really made it a perfect setup for a photograph.”
When discussing the deeper message behind this piece, Zeke reflects on the connection between nature and humanity. “Call to Wisdom brings a sense of peace,” he says. “It forces you to take a moment and appreciate the beauty of God’s creation. There’s beauty all around us, and nature reminds us to slow down and take notice of our environment.”
The Strength of “Yes”: Embracing the Unknown
Q: You mentioned the idea of saying yes to the unknown. How does this philosophy influence your work as a photographer, and what did it mean during your travels in South Africa?
Zeke’s philosophy of “saying yes” to the unknown has had a profound impact on his life and work. He admits that his journey into wildlife photography was driven by this very mindset. “One of the biggest reasons I was in South Africa was because of one of the biggest ‘yes’s’ I had committed to—getting married,” he says with a laugh. “But beyond that, there were so many unknowns in this trip. I had always wanted to visit Africa, but I didn’t know what the experience would really be like. Actually being there in person was so much more than I imagined.”
This open-mindedness carried over into his photography. “I had never been on a game reserve before, so it was my first time photographing wild animals,” Zeke says. “It was a completely new experience I had never encountered before, and that was exciting. There are so many different styles and types of photography, and trying out new kinds has helped me grow. It’s allowed me to figure out what I enjoy, what I’m good at, and what I still need to work on.”
For Zeke, saying “yes” to the unknown in both life and photography has become a way of embracing growth and discovery. As he puts it, “You just never know what waits on the other side of a ‘yes.’”
From Urban to Wilderness: How Los Angeles Shapes Zeke’s Perspective
Q: How do your Mexican American heritage and your life in Los Angeles influence your artistic perspective and approach to capturing wildlife?
Zeke’s roots in Los Angeles, a sprawling urban landscape, have had a unique influence on his artistic style. “Growing up in Los Angeles, you don’t see much wildlife around, so I actually started shooting photos in a city context. Some of my first trips were just around my old neighborhood or to Downtown Los Angeles. I loved capturing the energy of city life—the buildings, the culture, the people.”
However, it wasn’t until his first international trip to Australia that Zeke was introduced to wildlife photography. “The difference between urban and nature photography was like night and day,” he recalls. “It was such a flip from what I was used to, and I immediately fell in love with it.” This shift from urban landscapes to untamed wilderness helped Zeke discover a new artistic voice and a deeper connection to the world around him.
Travel Photography Tips: Capturing the Essence of a Place
Q: For those interested in travel photography, what tips would you offer to help them capture the essence of a place like the Western Cape?
Zeke’s advice for aspiring travel photographers is grounded in both preparation and respect for the places they visit. “The biggest tip I would give is to be prepared for the place you’re traveling to. Do some research on the area, culture, terrain, etc. You don’t want to show up underprepared for what the trip has to throw at you.”
He also emphasizes the importance of traveling with respect. “Remember, you are usually a stranger coming into someone else’s home,” he says. “Traveling with humility and respect for the people and environment you’re visiting can make all the difference in the experience—and how you photograph it.”
Mindful Travel: Sustainable Photography
Q: At Ecodunia, we value sustainable and mindful travel. How do you incorporate those principles into your photography and travels?
Zeke is a firm believer in the principle of giving back during his travels. “When I travel, one of the most important things for me is preparing financially. I never want to take more than I give,” he explains. “I try to contribute to society in practical ways—whether it’s buying local goods, tipping well, or supporting local businesses.”
For him, sharing his experiences with others is another key aspect of mindful travel. “Sharing my photos is one way I give back,” he says. “By encouraging others to visit these places, I hope to inspire responsible tourism. If a place has treated me well, I tell others about it and get the word out.”
Exhibiting at Ecodunia: A Dream Realized
Q: Can you tell us about the experience of exhibiting your work at Ecodunia? What does it mean to you to share your art with our community?
Zeke’s first public exhibition has been a dream come true. “The opportunity to share my pieces at Ecodunia has meant so much to me. It’s my first time showing my photos in a public setting, and it’s something I’ve always dreamt about,” he says with a smile. “I’m grateful to Ecodunia for being so easy to collaborate with. They’ve been amazing throughout the entire process, and I’ve enjoyed every moment of it.”
Having his work displayed in the Ecodunia space has allowed Zeke to connect with people in his community and beyond. “It’s been so cool to think that my neighborhood and so many others have gotten to see what I’m passionate about,” he reflects. “Thank you to everyone who has had the opportunity to see my work. Your support has made this a reality.”
Looking Ahead: Future Adventures and Projects
Q: Are there any upcoming projects or destinations you’re excited about that we should look out for?
Zeke is already planning his next big adventure—an exciting trip to Denver. “I’ll be traveling to Denver at the beginning of the new year, and I’m hoping to get some shots in the Rockies, which is something I’ve been wanting to do for a while,” he shares enthusiastically.
As for gear, Zeke has a simple recommendation: “When I travel with a camera, I find that having a crossbody bag helps me tremendously. It’s so convenient for keeping things like my phone, wallet, and passport easily accessible. Conveniently enough, Ecodunia has a great selection of crossbody bags for travel, and I encourage you to check them out!”
Zeke’s work serves as a powerful reminder of the beauty and complexity of the world around us. Through his lens, we’re invited to slow down and appreciate the small moments, the raw beauty of nature, and the deep connections that tie us all together. Whether in the wilds of Africa or the urban landscapes of Los Angeles, Zeke's photography speaks to the universal desire to connect, to explore, and to say "yes" to the unknown. So, if you’re ever in need of inspiration or simply want to see the world through a different lens, look no further than Zeke Romero’s extraordinary work.
