Meet The Admin Team

My name is Gabby Sykora, a 15-year-old with a profound passion for photography, nature, and conservation. In June 2021, at the age of 13, I envisioned creating a community for young, like-minded photographers and conservationists. This vision materialized into The Young Wildlife Photographers of SA (YWP), which has grown from only 3 members to now over 700.

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I am humbled to have been recognised as a pioneer in youth self-development and some of my prestigious achievements, so far, include winning the overall Junior Artist - Photography at Talent Africa SA Nationals 2021. In the same year, I was invited on behalf of Beverly Joubert to be a Keynote Speaker at the International Women's Blaze Trails Symposium - celebrating women in science, exploration, and conservation. I have completed the FGASA Junior course and hope to continue as soon as am able to, at the age of 18.

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Currently, I am part of the SANParks Junior Honorary Rangers, having been selected to represent the youth in SANParks Vision 2040. We aim to be the voice of the young people of South Africa in the future of SANParks.

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I photograph wildlife to document the imminent threats our wildlife faces. By capturing these moments in time while the animals are still thriving, I can preserve and share memories that many may never witness firsthand. Through my photography, I aim to convey the beauty of nature, enabling others to experience it vicariously and to appreciate its wonders through my lens.

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My current life list for Southern Africa is 526. My favourite species is the Gorgeous Bushshrike and one of the species that I would most like to see is the African Broadbill. Having only visited once before, but with an impending trip back very soon, I would have to say my favorite birding spot is Pafuri Picnic Site and my dream birding destination, locally, would be the St Lucia Wetlands (iSimangaliso Wetland Park).

I am 19 years old and from Gauteng. I have had a passion for wildlife my entire life and took up photography in July 2019.

Some of my other hobbies include golf, cycling and most importantly, birding!
My favorite animal to photograph is the leopard because of their unique mysterious personalities, beauty, as well as their elusiveness. My favorite destination without a doubt is the vast tract of diverse bushveld, the Kruger National Park, for reasons that could fill an entire book.

Our wildlife is under continuous threat, and so by photographing these animals in the wild, I can create everlasting memories as well as create awareness to hopefully make an impact on people by showcasing our beautiful wildlife especially to my peers.
I hope to carry this passion throughout my life and hopefully inspire many others along the way.

I am 23 years old and from Gauteng.
Photography has been a way of life right from the start - from the time I could first hold a camera! Growing up as the son of a professional wildlife photographer basically meant that there was no escaping it!
Over the years, photography has taken me all over the globe, seen me meet some truly incredible people (Prince Harry for instance) and made me find a deeper connection to our natural world.
I have been fortunate to have placed in some prestigious wildlife photography competitions, with Winning the Overall Youth Category for the Nature’s Best Wildlife Photographer of the Year competition and Runner up in the 51st Wildlife Photographer of the Year’s Youth Category as personal highlights.
My goal with nature photography is to cultivate a feeling of appreciation with the viewer. Photography serves as a method to show millions of people who cannot experience nature first hand the beauty thereof. People look after things they appreciate, and if they can appreciate nature, they will look after it.
I owe my successes to my mentor and father - Wim.

I am 20 years old, raised in the Garden Route region of the Western Cape, currently living in Pretoria, Gauteng! I was 7 years old when I first went to the Kruger Park, and since then I have been hooked on nature!

When I was 12, also on a trip to the Kruger, I picked up Birding and a few years later, botany, arachnology, herping, occasionally Lepidoptory, and most recently all forms of aquatic life. Birds remain my main interest though.
I picked up photography as a way to document my findings, which I upload to iNaturalist as a means of citizen science.
I am a huge conservationist and help wherever I can with Birdlife South Africa and Botsoc (CREW).

In 2021, I was awarded the Owlet Award by Birdlife South Africa, and was a speaker at their Flock to Wilderness event in 2023. I finished up with high school in 2023, and after taking a year to upskill myself and find my bearings, I started working full time as an avifauna and botany specialist doing data collection for Enviromental Impact Assessments.

I am a 17 year old wildlife photographer from Johannesburg, Gauteng. I love all things nature, and I found my passion for wildlife photography in 2020.

I love photographing all wildlife, but I specialise in bird and mammal photography. Some of my favourite species to photograph include: African Elephant, White-fronted Bee-eater, Leopard, Drakensberg Rockjumper, and many more.

I am the proud winner of the Benjamin Mkapa African Wildlife Photography Awards in 2022 under the Youth In Africa category.

I joined YWP in June of 2021, and I am now one of the proud admins of the groups. My current photography setup is the Canon 90D and the Sigma 150-600mm Contemporary lens.

 I am 16 years old and from Johannesburg, Gauteng.
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As a family, we have been going to the bush since I was very young but I only got into photography in the past 4 years or so. My cousins also partake in wildlife photography so I’ve learnt a lot from them on our trips.
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I am part of the Junior Honorary Rangers for San Parks, along with a few other admin members.

My plan for the future is to hopefully study ecology at the University of Pretoria and work in the field of conservation.

I am a 20 year old and from Cape Town in the Western Cape. Growing up as the daughter of 2 nature and wildlife loving vets, I spent a lot of time around wild animals and in various game parks from when I was very small.

I started photography at a young age, with very cheap kid cameras, and would always borrow my dad's camera on trips. I believe that capturing and showcasing our incredible wildlife allows us to be more aware of what we would lose if we continue putting destructive pressure on them. People are more inclined to feel the urgency if they see what stunning animals and birds are at stake.

I am currently studying environmental science, zoology and oceanography, and hope to do a guiding course at some point if I am able to. My dream job would be to work as a bridge between people and wildlife in preserving our beautiful environment.

I get my inspiration for conservation from various organisations (eg. WWF) and activists, especially documentary makers (eg. Sir David Attenborough), researchers and photographers.

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Follow along on this journey, as myself and other members of YWP, endeavour to make a difference in the conservation of animals and environment within our incredible country.

I am 19 years old, from KwaZulu Natal.

My passion for Photography started in 2019. Wildlife has always been a massive part of my life. If I had to describe where exactly home for me is, I'd describe it as a place with never-ending wildlife, long drives surrounded by endless views of gorgeous landscapes. My main focus in photography is wildlife. I absolutely love Birdwatching, it has formed part of my everyday routine! Being able to both Photograph and capture the pure beauty of animals and birds in their natural habitat means so much to me.

My favourite animal to photograph is the Leopard and Duikertjie, and I absolutely love photographing birds.

I'm an athletic person, so in my free time I am either at the gym, or on a run.

I am 17 years old and from Johannesburg, Gauteng.
I’ve had a passion for wildlife for as long as I can remember. From a young age I forced my dad to go out on night drives wherever we went to look for nocturnal animals.

Which is why I have been so lucky to have had the sightings and experiences that have shaped me into the conservationist and photographer I am today. My aim is to do a degree in veterinary sciences at the University of Pretoria to further my impact within conservation. I have always had the support of my family who have taught me to bird and learn about the bush.

I am an enthusiastic Kruger lover and will always be the first at the gate in the morning and last through the gate in the evening. I have and always will, love the bush.

Number: 0724057820
Instagram: robynphipps_photography

I'm a 15-year-old South African photographer and nature lover. My grandma ignited my love of the great outdoors by instilling in me a profound appreciation for the beauty of our natural surroundings from a very young age.

My passion for photographing South Africa's wonders has been stoked by exploring its varied landscapes, which range from lush forests to vast savannas. I enjoy capturing these moments with my camera, whether it's the vibrant colours of a dawn over the plains of Africa or the minute details of a fragile flower.

I'm excited to share my love of wildlife and photography through my involvement with YWP of SA, and I'm also looking forward to learning from other young photographers who are as passionate about nature photography as I am.

I am an 18-year-old nature and wildlife photographer from Cape Town, South Africa. My passion for nature photography and visual storytelling led me to become an active member of the Young Wildlife Photographers (YWP).
Through YWP, I continue to develop my skills while supporting others in discovering their own passion for photography.

Driven by a desire to empower young talent, I also co-founded the Youth Photographer of the Year (YPOTY) competition. This platform provides emerging photographers with opportunities to express their creativity, grow as storytellers, and raise awareness about conservation.

As an award-winning photographer, my work has been featured in various magazines. I strive to capture the beauty of the natural world, allowing others to experience the magic of wildlife through my lens. Whether through YWP or my personal photography, I try to tell the world’s stories and show life through my lenses.

My name is Elanie Snyman, a 21-year-old wildlife enthusiast from Johannesburg, Gauteng. In 2022, I completed my FGASA NQF2 qualification, along with a certificate in tracking. I'm currently in my second year of BSc Zoology at the University of Pretoria. I’m passionate about working with wildlife and hope to contribute to conservation efforts. The pangolin is my favorite animal—their conservation is something I hold very close to my heart.

I've been going to the bush for as long as I can remember, and that’s where my love for photography began. I started with just a "mik-en-druk" camera when I was little, and my passion for capturing wildlife has grown ever since. South Africa’s incredible wildlife and landscapes inspire me every day, and photography allows me to share this beauty with others.

For me, photography isn’t just about taking beautiful pictures—it’s a way to highlight the threats our wildlife faces. Through my work, I hope to raise awareness and inspire others to get involved in conservation. I believe that photography has the power to tell stories that can spark change and help protect our incredible fauna and flora for future generations.

My name is Ruven Schoeman and I love all things nature but I focus mostly on birds. I’ve been captivated by it since I could remember. But I only started getting more serious in photography the last few years.

If you’ve seen my Instagram or Facebook page you’d agree that I spend most of my time photographing birds, which is true. I’m currently a high school student in Cape Town where I spend weekends or holidays birding as well as in Plettenberg Bay, but I also occasionally venture beyond the borders of the South Africa.

I hope to see myself being involved in working closely with nature after school especially something from an avian focus. My dream is to support avian conservation and protect threatened bird populations.

My name is Danielle Abrahams. I am 22 years old. I am currently studying a BSc at Stellenbosch University. I am passionate about animals and photography, both on land and underwater.

My go to camera is a Nikon. I love to explore beautiful places all around the world, no matter how far. Some of my favourite places to go is the Okavango Delta, Botswana, and the Philippines.

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When I'm not in the wild, I am spending time with my friends, family, and five dogs. I also love to read, draw and sing.