Photographer of the Week: Meet Bush Girl and Wildlife Photographer Luzaan Large

There are some people who discover a love for the bush later in life. Then there are people like Luzaan Large, who simply can't remember a time when it wasn't part of who they were.

For this week's Photographer of the Week, we're introducing you to Luzaan, a 27 year old South African wildlife photographer whose life has been shaped by the Greater Kruger, the Olifants River, and an unwavering passion for sharing the stories of the wild.

Today, Luzaan is living the dream she worked hard to achieve. She is a safari host, photographic guide, and in house photographer at Kambaku II Boat Safaris & Lodge on the banks of the Olifants River. Every day brings new opportunities to photograph wildlife, guide guests, and spend time in one of Africa's most remarkable wilderness areas.

Luzaan in her happy place!

A Love for the Bush That Started Young

Long before she ever owned a camera, Luzaan had already fallen in love with nature.

Growing up in Phalaborwa meant that the Kruger National Park was almost an extension of her backyard. Some of her favourite childhood memories are of Sunday mornings spent exploring the bush with her father.

"The chorus of birds before sunrise, the smell of the bush after rain, and the excitement of every new sighting planted a love for nature that has never left me."

Those experiences laid the foundation for everything that followed. Photography came later, but when it did, it quickly became much more than a hobby.

"I realized I wanted to pursue it seriously when I saw how a single photograph could inspire someone to appreciate wildlife in a completely new way. That's when I understood photography could become a voice for conservation and a way to tell the stories of the wild."

That belief continues to shape her work today. Every photograph is another opportunity to help people connect with nature and appreciate the incredible wildlife around them.

Teaching Herself Behind the Camera

Unlike many photographers who learn through formal courses, Luzaan taught herself everything she knows.

With little more than determination, a camera, and a dream, she gradually developed her skills and built a portfolio that has earned recognition both inside and outside the wildlife photography community.

Her work has appeared in Weg/Go, Getaway, and Kruger Magazine, including the cover of the Autumn 2025 edition. Another milestone came when her photographs were displayed at Orpen Rest Camp in the Kruger National Park.

"The little girl who once looked out the car window in complete awe could never have imagined that one day her photographs would hang inside the very place that inspired her."

Luzaan's stunning cover image on the Kruger Magazine Autumn 2025 edition

Looking ahead, Luzaan has another dream she hopes to pursue.

"My biggest dream is to create wildlife documentaries that help people fall in love with nature the way I did. Because when people truly connect with the wild, they begin to care, and when they care, they protect it."

Photographing Nature as It Happens

When asked to describe her photographic style, Luzaan doesn't talk about editing techniques or camera settings. Instead, she talks about authenticity.

"I capture wildlife as I experience it in the moment, without trying to force or manipulate the scene. Nature tells its own story, and my goal is simply to preserve those genuine moments through my lens."

Seeing a White-fronted Bee-eater alongside two Little Bee-eaters, all perched together, was a rare and beautiful encounter that Luzaan won't forget.

Rather than trying to create moments, she prefers to wait for them. That approach has shaped the way she photographs both birds and mammals, allowing natural behaviour to remain at the centre of every image.

Looking back, she says photography has taught her one lesson above all others.

"Wildlife doesn't perform on demand, and birds certainly don't pose for the camera. The best photographs come when you allow animals to behave naturally and simply wait for the right moment. Some of my favourite images happened because I chose to slow down, observe, and let nature unfold in its own time."

Why Bird Photography Means So Much

Bird photography has become one of Luzaan's greatest passions.

Part of that enjoyment comes from birding alongside her partner, whose enthusiasm often leads to exciting discoveries.

"My partner is a passionate birder, and whenever he suddenly gets excited and points out a bird, I know we're about to experience something special. Those moments of anticipation, followed by the challenge of photographing a species we've never seen before, are incredibly rewarding. Every new bird feels like another chapter added to our journey."

It's those shared experiences and new discoveries that continue to fuel her passion for bird photography.

A Favourite Series

Choosing a favourite photograph wasn't easy because every image tells a different story. But one particular series continues to stand out.

The photographs capture a pair of Wire-tailed Swallows feeding their newly fledged chicks after collecting insects from the surface of the Olifants River at sunset.

"What makes these images so meaningful is that they tell the complete story of parental care and the next generation. I was able to document an intimate moment that many people never get to witness."

For Luzaan, the images represent much more than beautiful light or pleasing composition. They capture an important moment in the lives of the birds and preserve a behaviour that many people never have the opportunity to observe.

A Soft Spot for Kingfishers

When asked if she has a favourite bird, the answer comes without hesitation.

"Without a doubt, kingfishers are my favourite bird family. There's just something magical about them. Their dazzling colours, remarkable hunting skills, and unique personalities never fail to capture my attention."

Although she enjoys every member of the family, one species stands above the rest.

"Every species has its own charm, but if I had to choose one, it would be the Malachite Kingfisher."

The Malachite Kingfisher is Luzaan's favourite little bird, and she never heads out on a boat safari without keeping a close eye on every branch along the river, hoping to spot one. This photograph, taken on the Olifants River at Kambaku II Boat Safaris & Lodge.

Moments You'll Never Forget

Some wildlife encounters stay with you forever, and one of Luzaan's most memorable involved a Black Heron.

"Without a doubt, my most memorable birding and photography experience was watching a Black Heron use its unique hunting technique. Seeing it spread its wings like an umbrella over the water before catching fish was just incredible to witness."

Experiences like these are a reminder that simply spending time in nature often leads to unforgettable moments.

Still Dreaming of Pel's Fishing Owl

Despite spending years photographing wildlife, there are still species that Luzaan dreams of seeing.

At the very top of that list is one bird that many African birders hope to encounter.

"Without a doubt, the Pel's Fishing Owl sits right at the top of my bucket list. The thought of finally seeing one in the wild and capturing it through my lens is something I've dreamed about for years."

Advice for New Bird Photographers

Luzaan believes many people place too much emphasis on expensive equipment.

"The biggest piece of advice I can give is this: it's not the equipment that creates the photograph, it's the photographer behind the camera."

She encourages beginners to focus on developing patience, observation skills, and a genuine passion for nature.

"Expensive gear can certainly help, but it will never replace patience, observation, and a genuine passion for nature."

The Burchell's Coucal is one of the iconic sounds of an African summer, its deep, bubbling call echoing through the bush and earning it the nickname "the rain bird." Capturing this usually secretive species perched in the open was a special moment

Lessons from Birds

Bird photography has taught Luzaan far more than camera skills.

"Bird photography has taught me to see the world from a bird's perspective. It has shown me that every species, no matter how small or overlooked, has an important role to play in nature."

Luzaan came across this magnificent African Hawk-Eagle while out on a game drive with guests. She was incredibly relaxed and chose the perfect perch, giving us an unforgettable opportunity to admire her beauty and capture this striking portrait.

Spending time observing birds has taught her patience, respect, and the importance of slowing down.

"It has also given me a deep sense of responsibility to be a voice for those who cannot speak for themselves. Every photograph is an opportunity to inspire people to notice, appreciate, and ultimately protect the natural world."

One lesson stands out above all the others.

"Nature can survive without us, but we cannot survive without it. We are part of nature, not separate from it. The more time I spend behind the camera, the more I realize that conservation begins with connection, and if my photographs can help even one person fall in love with birds and wildlife, then I've achieved something truly meaningful."

Sometimes It's Enough to Simply Watch

One of the most interesting reflections Luzaan shared was that not every wildlife encounter needs to become a photograph.

"One thing I wish more people understood about bird photography is that not every bird sighting is meant to become a photograph."

Instead, she believes there is great value in simply experiencing the moment.

"Sometimes the greatest gift the wild gives us is simply the opportunity to witness a moment. To watch a bird behave naturally, hear its call, or admire its beauty without lifting the camera can be just as rewarding as coming home with the perfect image."

Photographed during one of their regular birding walks around camp, this tiny Yellow-breasted Apalis reminded her that some of the bush's greatest treasures come in the smallest packages. Their curious nature and constant movement make them both a joy to watch and a rewarding challenge to photograph.

A Journey That Is Your Own

If there is one message Luzaan hopes readers take away from her journey, it is not to compare themselves to others.

"If there's one lesson I hope people take from my photography journey, it's this: never compare your path to someone else's. Every photographer sees the world through a different lens, and that unique perspective is what makes their work meaningful."

She encourages photographers to spend time in nature, learn the behaviour of the birds and wildlife they photograph, and allow their own style to develop naturally.

"The greatest lessons don't come from chasing the perfect image, they come from the countless moments you spend immersed in the wild. Your style, your vision, and your voice as a photographer will grow naturally with every sunrise, every missed opportunity, and every unforgettable encounter. Stay passionate, keep learning, and always remember that the most authentic photographs come from the heart. That's what makes your photography truly yours."

It's a fitting way to end the story of someone who describes herself simply as "a bush girl with a camera, a calling, and an unshakable love for the natural world."

To see more of Luzaan’s photography, visit her website or follow her on Instagram.

Could You Be Our Next Photographer of the Week?

We are always looking to showcase talented bird and wildlife photographers from across our community.

If you would like to be considered for a future Photographer of the Week feature, simply complete our short application form. Each week we will select one photographer to feature on The Birding Life website and across our social media platforms.

If you are selected, we will get in touch to learn more about your photography journey and create a feature article showcasing both you and your work.

Complete the application form here: https://forms.gle/cFmZkLv9nWdFS4wr8