ABOUT LINDA

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

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

A passion for nature since childhood

I am Linda Smit, a wildlife and conservation photographer, videographer, storyteller, and animal caretaker. My passion for nature began in my childhood in the Dutch countryside, where I spent hours observing birds, insects, and other creatures — keeping diaries filled with notes and sketches. At ten, I received my first second hand camera from my father, and ever since, capturing wildlife has been my way of connecting with the natural world.

What I love most about wildlife photography is not just the creative side, but the experience of being fully immersed in nature — hearing the forest, feeling the bush, witnessing sunrises, and observing animals in their true essence. I strive to capture their personalities, emotions, and behaviors, sharing stories that are not only beautiful but meaningful. If my work can make even a small difference in the lives of wild animals, I am truly grateful.

“If my work can make a positive difference in the lives of wild animals, I am truly grateful”

A wakeup call

After a career in marketing and international sales, I faced a wake-up call due to mental and physical health challenges. This period made me reevaluate my life and led me to follow my true passion: wildlife photography, filming and conservation. In 2017, I was honoured as a finalist for the National Geographic Photo Award, which confirmed my path and encouraged me to leave the corporate world.

To deepen my understanding of animals and conservation, I completed several internships as a zookeeper and worked hands-on in wildlife sanctuaries. This experience allows me to create authentic, respectful visual stories while contributing meaningfully in the field. I am not afraid to get my hands dirty and feel most connected when I am part of a project on the ground.

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

Africa, a life changing journey

In 2022, I embarked on a life-changing journey through South Africa. Initially planned for three months, I ended up staying six. I volunteered as a main caretaker at a big cat sanctuary, visited Kruger National Park twice, and worked as a content creator at a reserve. I also documented cheetah relocations with the Endangered Wildlife Trust, witnessing firsthand the impact of conservation in action. This is where my passion for conservation photography was ignited.

In 2024, I returned to South Africa for four months, joining the Endangered Wildlife Trust Lion Survey Team as a field officer. I took identification photos of lions in Northern Kruger National Park in collaboration with SANParks, documented the Livestock Guardian Dogs Project in the Waterberg Mountains, and spent three weeks self-driving through Kruger National Park to photograph and film wildlife independently. These experiences continue to shape my approach and vision as a conservation storyteller.

Through photography and film, I aim to connect people with nature, raise awareness, and inspire action for wildlife. Every project, image, and video I create is part of my mission to protect and celebrate the incredible animals that share our planet.