Nat Geo’s ‘Queens’: Female-Led Wildlife Triumph

National Geographic’s latest series, “Queens,” is making waves in the world of wildlife documentaries as it ventures into uncharted territory, spotlighting the remarkable stories of nature’s matriarchs through the lens of a female-led production team. From the sweeping savannas of Africa to the frosty expanses of the Arctic, “Queens” offers an intimate glimpse into the lives of the animal kingdom’s leading ladies, portraying them as leaders, protectors, and providers.

What sets “Queens” apart is its groundbreaking commitment to a female-led production team. This conscious choice aims to bring a fresh perspective to wildlife filmmaking, showcasing the strength, intelligence, and nurturing roles of female animals while also celebrating the remarkable women behind the camera. Erin Ranney, a passionate wildlife camerawoman, stands out among these talented individuals, bringing her expertise and dedication to capturing the most intimate moments of the natural world.

Ranney’s role in “Queens” was pivotal, spending over two and a half years traversing the globe to film wildlife in their natural habitats. Her approach to cinematography is deeply personal, viewing the camera as an extension of her connection to nature—a tool that allows her to explore and share the intricacies of the natural world without disrupting it.

In an exclusive video clip, Ranney expresses how her work on “Queens” was not merely a job but an opportunity for personal and professional growth. She highlights the advanced technology, including Red cameras and the Canon CN20 lens, which played a crucial role in capturing the essence of her subjects.

The Red camera’s high resolution and dynamic range enable filmmakers to capture detailed and vibrant images even in challenging lighting conditions. With its Helium 8K sensor, the Red camera offers an extraordinary level of detail, allowing viewers to see the world from the perspective of the animals without disturbing their natural behavior.

Complementing the Red camera, the Canon CN20 lens provides a versatile zoom range essential for wildlife cinematography. Its ability to zoom from 50mm to 1000mm without sacrificing image quality allows camerawomen like Ranney to capture close-up shots of animals from a safe distance, respecting their space while still capturing intimate moments.

Ranney’s work on “Queens” showcases the power of combining passion with technology. Her ability to capture subtle interactions between animals highlights the series’ dedication to providing a closer look at the relationships within the animal kingdom. The precision equipment she used allowed for the observation of these moments in stunning detail, offering viewers a window into the lives of these majestic creatures.

“Queens” not only celebrates the strength and resilience of its subjects but also highlights the importance of perspective in wildlife filmmaking. By featuring a female-led production team, the series brings new depth and sensitivity to the portrayal of nature, proving that women can excel in traditionally male-dominated fields.

Through the eyes of Erin Ranney and her colleagues, “Queens” provides a rare glimpse into the lives of some of the animal kingdom’s most fascinating leaders. Captured with cutting-edge equipment that pushes the boundaries of wildlife cinematography, the series stands as a celebration of the natural world, the animal matriarchs that rule it, and the remarkable women who bring their stories to light.