“Uniting photography and conservation with exclusive access.”
The Atlas 1 Story
Founded by professional photographer/filmmaker Donal Boyd and filmmaker/producer Emma Romeijn, Atlas 1 Expeditions serves as the vibrant travel and workshop arm of Atlas 1 Studio - a media production company uniting people and planet through the art of storytelling.
Atlas 1 Expeditions seamlessly extends the studio’s passion for storytelling into dynamic, real-world experiences that combine visual creativity with a comprehensive understanding of the natural world and the conservation practices that protect it.
Photography & Filmmaking Focus
We offer uniquely curated travel workshops that not only explore captivating destinations but also focus on enhancing the creative skills of each participant.
We focus primarily on photography, but are we’re also happy to share our knowledge on filmmaking, impact, and storytelling.
Our trips are open to creatives of all levels and over the years we’ve hosted many guests with no previous experience. Moreover, guests without specific photographic interest have also thoroughly enjoyed our trips in the past.
Conservation Ethos
Through engagement with local conservation practices Atlas 1 Expeditions aims to foster a deeper understanding and appreciation of the places we visit.
Our trips include a conservation component, offering not only valuable contextualization, but also unique access to organisations usually off limit to visitors. We work exclusively with organisations that we’ve personally built relationships with and that we trust to be the very best in their field.
Our Team
Donal Boyd
Co-founder and Expedition Leader
Donal is a photographer, conservationist, and filmmaker based between Europe and Africa. With over 16 years of experience, he has honed his skills in photographic and film productions across Southern Africa, Iceland, and globally.
Known for his practical teaching style, Donal simplifies complex editing tools for both beginners and advanced students, fostering creativity and individual expression. His deep knowledge of wildlife and conservation enriches his workshops, blending technical skills with a profound respect for nature and its preservation.
Emma Romeijn
Co-founder and Expedition Leader
Emma is a producer and editor from the Netherlands now based in Iceland. Her background at international film festivals and extensive global travel has honed her expertise in creating impactful media that resonates worldwide.
Emma is known for her unique ability to guide creators in crafting compelling stories, focusing on strong narratives and character development to inspire change. Her workshops not only cover technical skills but also emphasize the power of film as a tool for social and environmental influence.
Nathan Moine
Expedition Leader
Nathan is a photographer and filmmaker with over 8 years of experience, focused on capturing the beauty of wildlife. Based in France, he has traveled to more than 20 countries, photographing a wide range of natural landscapes and animals. Nathan has developed a unique editing style that emphasizes the essence of his subjects.
He is also deeply committed to wildlife conservation and enjoys sharing his passion with others. Nathan offers practical lessons in photography, videography, and editing, helping students improve their skills and discover their own creative approach.
Margaux Nahas
Expedition Leader
Margaux is a creative enthusiast with a strong passion for photography, videography and art, fueled by the beauty of nature. She’s skilled in using various tools like Photoshop, Lightroom, and Resolve, allowing her to create and refine visual content with ease.
Her love for wildlife started years ago in France and deepened through her travels around the world. Margaux enjoys helping others improve their creative skills, drawing from her unique experience. Her connection to nature and animals is something she absolutely loves to share with others.
Naudé Heunis
Expedition Leader
Naudé Heunis is an award-winning filmmaker and photographer from Cape Town, South Africa. Specializing in wildlife, adventure, aerial and underwater, Naudé trained at film school as a director of photography before finding his calling when a sick friend asked him to fill in for a shoot with National Geographic.
Since then, he has built a name as one of the continent’s top wildlife filmmakers, with a fine skill and passion for bringing the stories of the voiceless to a world that desperately needs to hear them. His storytelling is driven by the philosophy that change begins with one person. Naudé’s clients include NatGeo, the BBC, DJI, Audi, WWF, IFAW, Sennheiser, PolarPro, PADI and more.
Leah Kay
Bookings and Social Media
Hi, I’m Leah Kay, a proud saffa based in Cape Town!! Growing up I spent a lot of time in the bush, which gave me a deep connection to nature and a passion for conservation that is second nature. I specialise in marketing and photography through which I aim to highlight and celebrate the natural world! When I’m not working, you can find me chasing sunsets, diving, or exploring hidden trails. I’m so excited to be part of the Atlas 1 Expedition team and can’t wait to connect with you!