A local photographer is once again using his talents to support others in the community. Jay Siemens and Friesens have partnered for a second time to produce and sell calendars featuring Siemens' work, with proceeds benefiting Altona's Build A Village.

The 2017 edition - Expressive Eyes - focuses on wildlife and uses photos taken over two trips to Africa, in particular South Africa and Uganda.

"A lot of time spent on safaris and a lot of hours looking at the bush waiting for that one moment," explains Siemens.

"There's just something about it when they're making eye contact with you. I would say ninety-nine per cent of the time they don't care about you but for the one per cent of the time they notice you and it's like, almost like a moment with the animal."

He adds there was a slight element of danger in capturing the hippo shot, noting the creature is believed to kill more people than almost any other animal in Africa. "There's always a chance something goes wrong."

Siemens says however, the biggest element of danger presented itself while cage diving with hungry Great White Sharks in South Africa.

"That was pretty wild, having these ten to fifteen foot sharks just within touching distance almost. There is a guy chumming the water so they're getting these sharks riled up and getting them hungry and they're essentially eating in front of you."

Sales from Siemens' 2016 calendars raised enough money to support one refugee family for an entire year - nearly $20,000 - selling out in a few short weeks.

"That exceeded expectations," he said.

The 2017 calendars are for sale at Whitecap Coffee in Winkler, West Park Motors in Altona, Folio Cafe at CMU in Winnipeg and online at jaysiemensmedia.com