ABOUT LINDA

“My dream is to connect with nature, be creative and help protect wildlife”

LINDA SMIT - WILDLIFE & CONSERVATION PHOTOGRAPHER -VIDEOGRAPHER- STORYTELLER - ANIMAL CARETAKER

What I love about photography

What I love most about wildlife photography is not only the creative part of photography itself. First of all, it is being out in nature, the sounds and smells of the forest, the bush, watching the sunrise and seeing nature come to life. Observing wildlife and learning more about them, their personalities, their sometimes brutal nature to be able to survive, but also their loving and caring side, trying to capture it in a photo and sharing their story with the world.

Photographs (and videos) are a way to hold on to these wonderful experiences. Although I love to share my experiences and stories with other people, I want more. I love animals and it breaks my heart that so many species are endangered and plummeting in numbers. My photos shouldn’t only be beautiful, but also be meaningful.

If my work can help make a positive difference in the life of these animals, even if it is only a small difference, I would be extremely grateful.

“If my work can make a positive difference in the lives of animals, I would be extremely grateful”

A passion for nature since childhood

While growing up on the Dutch countryside I developed a passion for nature and wildlife. Always searching for birds, insects and other small creatures. I kept diaries in which I made notes and little drawings of animals and flowers. I have always had a strong connection with animals. I can sit and wait for hours to win their trust and get close to them. When I was ten years old my dad gave me his old camera, and ever since I have been capturing special moments in my life with a camera.

“Nature healed me and now it is time for me to do something in return”

A wakeup call

With a degree in marketing and economics and speaking four languages I have worked for several international companies at sales- and customer service departments. A few years ago, I got a wake-up call in the form of mental- and physical health problems.
A very difficult period in my life for which, in hindsight, I am grateful as it forced me to overthink my life. It made me realize that I wasn’t happy with how my life had unfolded and that I needed to focus on things that make me happy in life, a more creative life connected with nature. I started photographing animals in zoos and I loved observing them for hours.

In 2017 I was nominated as a finalist for the National Geographic Photo Award. It was a great honor and huge motivation for me to continue my journey in becoming a professional wildlife photographer. I decided to leave the corporate world to follow my passion for wildlife photography. Nature healed me and now it is time for me do something in return.

Still searching for a direction in my life, I got the opportunity to do a few internships as a zookeeper and learn more about wildlife conservation and animal caretaking. A skill that is very helpful when it comes to documentary photography for sanctuaries and rescue centers. I am not afraid to get my hands dirty and happy to help in the field. This way I feel more connected to the project and it gives me a better understanding of the project. It helps to create a more compelling story.

“Great things can be achieved when we collaborate to save wildlife”

Africa, a life changing journey

In 2022 I made a life changing journey through South Africa.
I supposed to stay 3 months, but I ended up staying 6 months and if I could have stayed longer, I would. It is true what they say about Africa, it will always have a place in your heart. I started my journey as a volunteer at a big cat sanctuary, where I worked as one of the main caretakers. I visited Kruger National Park twice and I volunteered at a reserve as a content creator. Besides spending time in Kruger National Park, one of the highlights of my journey was joining the Endangered Wildlife Trust to film cheetahs being relocated from South Africa to Mozambique. Witnessing the enormous conservation work and seeing what can be achieved in the field was a wonderful and eye-opening experience. I knew then that this is what I want to do, becoming a conservationist and combining wildlife photography with documentary conservation photography.

I have seen with my own eyes that great things can be achieved by joining forces. If my work can help make a positive difference in the life of these animals, even if it is only a small difference, I would be extremely grateful. Let’s collaborate and make a difference together!

Awards & publications

  • 2017 Finalist National Geographic Photo Award

  • 2022 Wildlife Photographer of the Year Final Round

  • 2023 Wildlife Photographer of the Year Final Round

  • 2023 Winner Honorable Mention International Photography Awards

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Daily Mail
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Mail on Sunday
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Daily Mail
Lorraine Actu
BBCEarth
Sony Nederland
Orangutan Day BBCEarth

Clients & Collaborations

  • &Beyond

  • BBC Earth

  • Burgers’ Zoo

  • Canon Nederland

  • Daily Mail

  • Daily Star

  • Dinokeng Game Reserve

  • Karingani Game Reserve

  • Lorraine Actu

  • Mail on Sunday

  • National Geographic

  • Phinda Private Game Reserve

  • Roam Private Game Reserve

  • Sony Imaging Europe

  • The Endangered Wildlife Trust

  • Tiger Canyon Private Game Reserve

  • Zoo d’Amneville