Conservation has been a passion and hobby since I was a young kid as I grew up on a farm in Africa. With over 120 species of birds present, along with all manner of smaller creatures, I was always going to care about the planet. I devoured books about wildlife and conservation issues and studying all the photos that the greats had taken of Africa's finest birds, animals and insects.

It was through wildlife watching that I discovered wildlife photography. I saw the legendary Richard du Toit working in the Kruger National Park that inspired me to want to start taking photographs of all manner of critters. Getting a camera and a good long lens was a priority for me, and it took many years before I could afford them.