ABOUT THE YOUNG WILDLIFE PHOTOGRAPHERS OF SOUTHERN AFRICA

In June 2021, at just 13 years old, Gabby Sykora envisioned creating a community for young, like-minded photographers and conservationists. Honoured to be recognised as a pioneer in youth self-development, Gabby continues to achieve notable milestones.

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Gabby's vision, coupled with the unwavering support of her parents, has blossomed into The Young Wildlife Photographers (YWP) of South Africa. What initially began as a small gathering of three friends has burgeoned into a thriving community consisting of over 850 members.

YWP serves as a dynamic platform for individuals to connect, exchange ideas, and offer support. Through various social media channels, we provide a wide array of resources, such as: Photography Tips & Tricks, insights into Careers in Wildlife & Conservation, and articles on Nurturing Nature. One of our standout features is the Star Segment, in which we conduct interviews with prominent figures in the Wildlife and Photographic industry. Notable personalities such as Lauren Arthur, James Hendry, Gerry Van Der Walt, Villiers Steyn, and National Geographic Explorers Beverly and Dereck Joubert - to name but a few - have graced our platform, sharing their wisdom and experiences.

At the heart of YWP lies a commitment to skill enhancement and knowledge sharing. Our members draw inspiration from one another's journeys and experiences, fostering an environment where growth is nurtured at every stage. What began as a shared passion for wildlife photography and conservation has evolved into a tight-knit community where mutual support is paramount.

YWP's mission is to empower young photographers and nature enthusiasts, to foster a culture of collaboration and mentorship. Through our collective efforts, we strive to create opportunities within our community while advocating for ethical and sustainable practices in nature conservation.

Beyond virtual interactions, YWP actively engages its members through social media quizzes, sharing their images to a greater audience and region-based outings to nature reserves and other outdoor spaces. We believe that true photography is synonymous with immersing oneself in nature, camera in hand.

Our group's online presence flourishes, attracting attention from renowned photographers, conservation organisations, and even high-profile conservationists themselves. We are becoming a force to be reckoned with, and we hope that our youthful voices resonate far and wide. We want our passion and dedication to inspire people from all walks of life to take action in preserving Southern Africa's precious ecosystems. We would love for Governments and large conservation organisations to take notice, recognising the power of the youth in driving change.

With each passing day, we hope that the Young Wildlife Photographers of SA can continue to make a profound impact. We want our members' photographs and stories to touch the hearts of people around the world, prompting them to reconsider their relationship with nature. Through our lenses, we will continue to reveal the delicate balance of life, reminding everyone that the fate of these magnificent creatures’ rests in our hands.

YWP consists of photographers of all skill levels. Which is where the mutual support comes in, our most experienced photographers of which many have earned the “award winning” photographer titles, assist our newer photographers that are still getting the hang of photography in various aspects.

As YWP continues to flourish, we are excited to announce that we have now successfully become a registered non-profit organization (NPO). This milestone marks a significant step forward in our commitment to serving our community and advocating for the preservation of our natural world.

Gabby’s dream has certainly become a reality, as we look at the unified group of young conservationists and photographers that we are today, it fosters a great sense of pride and hope. Together, we have proven that age is no barrier to making a difference. In essence, YWP is more than just a platform; it's a vibrant ecosystem where passion, creativity, and camaraderie converge. Together, we aspire to leave a lasting impact on the world of wildlife photography and conservation, one photo at a time.