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“What our wild journey
means to us.”
MEmber
Testimonials
Our members are the heartbeat of YWP — and their words say it best. From first birding walks to life-changing wildlife encounters, these testimonials share the impact YWP has had on young nature enthusiasts across the country.
Whether it’s finding their passion, their voice, or a sense of belonging, each story is a reminder that youth can — and do — make a difference.
Being part of YWP has been truly enlightening and enriching. It’s opened my eyes to opportunities I never would have imagined, it’s connected me with a community of like-minded young people who are just as passionate about the environment as I am. Something I’ve found incredibly refreshing.
Over time, YWP has given me a stronger sense of belonging. It’s inspired me to become more aware of my impact on the planet and has given me hope for a more sustainable future. It also inspired me to start focusing more on my photography, helping me see the natural world in new and innovative ways.
What I love most is how diverse the YWP community it’s full of people from different backgrounds, each bringing unique perspectives, ideas, and tips. These shared thoughts have helped me grow not just in my interests, but as a person.
YWP is more than just a platform, it’s an important space for awareness, action, and genuine connection. I’m very grateful to be part of it :)
- Callum Naidoo
"My journey with YWP began in 2023, while I was studying Conservation Ecology (NQF 5) at the Academy for Environmental Leadership (AEL). I was eager to connect with people who shared my passion for photography and love for animals.
Since then, my path has evolved in exciting ways. I earned my drone license and began working in the film industry, and now I’m training for my pilot’s license so I can fly BatHawk aircraft for conservation work.
None of this would’ve happened without the supportive YWP community. The kind advice on my photos helped me grow in both skill and style — from the way I capture images to how I edit them. YWP has truly inspired me to better myself and to make a difference — not just for other photographers, but for wildlife across the globe."
- Quintin le Grange
Being a part of YWP has really given me the best opportunity to share my love of wildlife photography with like-minded people. Since joining, I have learned so much more about different photographic techniques, animal facts and how to improve my photography overall.
It has really inspired me to share my photography with others. This community is so amazing. I love seeing others' photos and their creative ways of capturing the beauty of the wild. I feel so fortunate to be a part of such a wonderful group.
- Danielle Abrahams
Being part of the Young Wildlife Photographers SA community has been one of the most rewarding experiences of my journey as a young wildlife photographer. When I first started, I often felt isolated and unsure of my abilities, but joining this group changed everything.
Surrounded by like-minded peers who share my passion for wildlife and photography, I found a supportive environment where creativity and curiosity are celebrated. The mentorship from experienced photographers has been invaluable—learning from their stories and advice has inspired me to see the natural world through new eyes and to capture its beauty in unique ways.
This community has shown me that my perspective matters and that, together, we can make a difference in how people see and protect our wildlife.
- Megan Mileham
YWP has been an amazing support in my often isolating passion for wildlife photography in South Africa. Not many people my age have the same innate passion for wildlife photography or storytelling as I do, never mind offering support or tips on how to improve. The group has not only helped me grow through my skill, but it’s given me hope for SA’s future - a future full of people who care for our biodiversity, wildlife, and ecosystems.
While getting feedback on your own photography is immensely helpful on its own, the experience gained by learning from others cannot be understated. The atmosphere on the group is one of support, encouragement, and growth. There’s never a dumb question. Even questions you never thought to ask get answered! Every week, there are informative posters shared which give insight into photography tips, techniques, ethics, and more. The weekly challenges keep me active and give me a space to showcase my work.
As an aspiring wildlife filmmaker and storyteller, this community has meant the world to me. While my own environmental activism, commitments, and finishing my final year of school stop me from being as active in the community as I would like, the bite-sized and invaluable pieces of information have been a major asset. Homing my skills as a storyteller has never been so engaging and fulfilling.
- Luke Lerotholi
When I joined YWP, I never imagined the profound impact it would have on my life. It’s so much more than just a platform—it’s a community that has shaped who I am today. Through YWP, I’ve grown in ways I didn’t even expect. Yes, my photography and knowledge of the natural world improved, but even more than that, my confidence and my relationships flourished.
For so long, I felt like an outsider with a ‘weird’ passion—someone who cared deeply about nature, conservation, and capturing its beauty through a lens. But here, I found people who get it. People who share that same spark. I went from taking casual nature shots for fun to using my photography as a way to tell stories, to create art, and to advocate for our planet and its incredible wildlife.
YWP made me feel seen, heard, and valued. As an introvert, I never expected to find such deep, lasting friendships. Yet some of the people I now call my closest friends are the very ones I met through this community. We’ve shared early morning shoots,
conservation projects, laughs, and dreams—and through it all, I’ve never felt more understood. YWP didn’t just help me grow; it helped me belong. And that’s something I’ll carry
with me always.
- Elanie Snyman
Being part of YWP has been such an incredible journey. From the start, I felt welcomed by a passionate and supportive community that truly understands the joy of capturing nature through a lens. What I love most is how inspiring everyone is — it’s not just about photography, it’s about sharing, learning, and celebrating each other’s work.
YWP has given me the confidence to share my photos more openly, and entering competitions has really pushed me to grow and improve. It’s amazing to be surrounded by young people who are just as excited about wildlife and storytelling as I am. This platform has not only helped me develop my skills, but it’s also shown me that there’s a whole world of creative, like-minded individuals out there — and that’s powerful.
I’m truly grateful to be part of such a meaningful and uplifting community.
- Eli Kagan
It is hard to find words to describe a community that has impacted your life so profoundly. The Young Wildlife Photographers of Southern Africa or more aptly known as the YWP of SA was just a blossoming WhatsApp group chat when I joined during the height of the COVID-19 Pandemic. It was a place where like-minded young conservationists could chat about their passions and help each other with their incredibly talented work. Gabby Sykora is the incredible force behind this wonderful society.
Since the early days she has strived to push the limits and broken the limits she has. I have had the honour to work alongside her for a period of time in growing this incredible community to what it is today and this is only the beginning. The YWP is a safe place, a community to grow and to share ideas. A Grassroots initiative that has shaped youth conservation in South Africa and ensuring talent gets shown and Africa’s natural beauty showcased on world stages.
Joining the YWP is one of my greatest choices in life. It has transformed my wildlife passion, opened windows I didn’t know could be opened and provided me withconnections and friends I will cherish forever. It’s a family.
- Gregory Shave
“YWP has helped me connect with others who share the same interests as I do. There’s such a great vibe among the members, and I’ve learned so much through the courses — especially the editing masterclass. I’ve gained a deeper understanding of animals, wildlife photography, and all the gear that goes with it. And of course, the Friday quizzes are always fun! YWP has been an incredible mentor, and I’m really looking forward to the year ahead.”
- Joubert De Wet
ToP Image Credits: Luca Tomlinson
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