Dani Connor, known globally as the "Queen of the Squirrels," is a British wildlife photographer, filmmaker, and Canon Ambassador who bridged the gap between academic zoology and digital stardom. After completing a zoology degree and working at London’s Natural History Museum, she paused her PhD plans for a trip to northern Sweden in 2020.

Her life changed when she discovered four orphaned wild red squirrel kits. A clip she captured of a kit named "Baby Pear" making tiny squeaking sounds went viral, gaining over 16 million views. This success prompted Dani to move permanently to the subarctic Swedish forests to pursue independent filmmaking.

Focusing on hope-based conservation storytelling, she has since crowdfunded a protected woodland sanctuary for the local wildlife. Through her YouTube channel, Connor combines technical expertise with ethical fieldcraft, inspiring an international audience to protect fragile natural habitats.

Duade Paton is an Australian bird photographer, filmmaker, and conservation storyteller based in North-East Victoria. His work focuses on capturing the beauty, behavior, and unique character of Australia’s birdlife. Through his popular YouTube channel, published photography, and live talks, Duade shares not only stunning imagery but also practical insights into wildlife photography and the importance of protecting natural habitats. His mission is to help people connect more deeply with the natural world through visual storytelling and education. 

We’re joined by wildlife photographer Federico Veronesi, whose striking black-and-white images capture the soul of Africa’s wild places. Federico shares what drives him to spend hours, sometimes days, waiting for the perfect moment, and why photographing wildlife is as much about emotion as it is about light and composition.

Greg du Toit is an award-winning wildlife photographer known for his immersive, in-camera style and deep connection to Africa’s wild places. Based in East Africa, he is widely recognised for creating intimate, atmospheric images often shot from ground level or while sitting in waterholes that offer a unique perspective on wildlife behaviour. Greg’s work is driven by patience, storytelling, and a passion for experiencing nature rather than manipulating it. He is the author of Wilderness Dreaming and continues to inspire photographers through his images, teachings, and remarkable field experiences.

Hannes Lochner is a wildlife photographer renowned for his immersive work across Africa’s wild landscapes, particularly the Kalahari. He shares insights into the challenges of capturing stunning wildlife shots, the unique behaviours of his subjects, and the careful planning behind his most memorable images. Explore the beauty and complexity of African wildlife through the eyes of a true adventurer.

Jan Wegener, originally from Germany and now based in Queensland, Australia, is renowned for his breathtaking bird portraits and innovative photographic techniques. In this episode, he shares his journey into bird photography, the inspirations that fuel his creativity, and how classic bird paintings have influenced his distinctive style. From Golden Finches to Crested Pigeons, Jan’s stories and insights are sure to captivate and inspire photographers of all levels.

Janine Krayer is a wildlife photographer whose work is deeply inspired by her journey from studying finance in Germany to exploring some of Africa’s most breathtaking landscapes, including the Okavango Delta. Known for her thoughtful storytelling, Janine captures powerful moments that reveal the beauty and complexity of nature. Her recent work includes stunning images from a remarkable 10-week road trip through Botswana during the COVID-19 lockdown. Through her photography, she highlights how technology has opened new creative possibilities in wildlife capture.

Jongman is a renowned wildlife photographer from Botswana whose work blends artistic vision with a deep love for nature. Raised in a creative family, he explored music and architecture from an early age, eventually pursuing architecture professionally before transitioning into photography.

Today, Jongman captures the beauty and intensity of wildlife across Africa, drawing on his design background and field experience. 

Karolina Norée is a wildlife photographic guide who moved from Sweden to South Africa after falling in love with African wildlife in 2016. Since then, she’s worked with photographers from around the world, known for her deep knowledge of the bush and her ability to help others capture powerful images in the wild.

Margot Raggett is a British wildlife photographer and passionate conservationist, best known as the founder of the Remembering Wildlife book series. After a successful career in public relations, Margot turned her focus to wildlife following a powerful encounter with elephant poaching in Kenya in 2014. This life-changing moment inspired her to use photography as a tool for conservation.

Through Remembering Wildlife, she has brought together some of the world’s top wildlife photographers to produce a series of stunning photo books, each highlighting a different endangered species. The project has raised over £1 million for conservation efforts and continues to grow in impact and reach.

Mark Carwardine is an outspoken conservationist, award-winning author, and wildlife photographer with decades of experience bringing the natural world to life. He co-presented the BBC series Last Chance to See alongside Stephen Fry, travelling the globe to spotlight endangered species. Mark has written over 60 books, hosted radio and TV shows, and chaired the Wildlife Photographer of the Year competition. Recognised as one of the most influential nature photographers worldwide, he continues to inspire audiences with his passion for wildlife and conservation.

Based in Hoedspruit, Mark Dumbleton is best known for his powerful images of African wildlife and dramatic natural scenes. With nearly two decades of experience, he combines a deep love of the wilderness with a strong emphasis on teaching, helping photographers around the world capture and edit stronger images through his YouTube channel, online courses, and guided photo safaris.

Pusetso’s upbringing took place in Botswana, but it was during her time in Harare, Zimbabwe, that she first discovered her passion for photography. At the time, she was part of the yearbook team, taking photos of her fellow classmates. Her dad was also a great source of encouragement, lending her cameras and video recorders to pursue her hobby.

In 2019, Pusetso’s love for wildlife photography was sparked during her internship at Pangolin Photo Safaris. It was there that she uncovered her true passion for capturing images of animals. Following the completion of her International Tourism Management degree, Pusetso worked at a public relations firm in Gaborone, Botswana’s capital, before relocating to Kasane to pursue her photography career full-time.

Her photographic perspective of nature and wildlife not only tells a story but also emphasises the significance of conservation efforts.

Sabine Stols is a German-born wildlife photographer who transitioned from cruise-ship people photography to a full-time nature career with her husband, Charl. The couple have spent the last 10 years hosting with Pangolin Photo Safaris. 

A Canadian nature photographer with a passion for capturing the wild beauty of our planet. His journey into photography started as a hobby—just him, his camera, and a love for the great outdoors. What began as simple adventures in his backyard soon turned into a deep obsession with capturing the vast beauty of our world.

Acclaimed wildlife and marine photographer and underwater cinematographer Steve Benjamin joins us from Cape Town, South Africa, where he has spent years documenting the vibrant life beneath the ocean’s surface. His work has been featured by Netflix, the BBC, National Geographic and Disney, reflecting both technical mastery and a deep commitment to ocean conservation. In this episode, Steve talks through four of his favourite personal photographs, the techniques and challenges behind underwater imagery, and the realities of working in some of the world’s wildest waters. He also shares a photograph admired by another photographer, offering a glimpse into the dedication behind great nature photography.

Steve Perry is an award-winning wildlife and landscape photographer and co-founder of Backcountry Gallery. Known for his stunning, high-impact imagery and clear, practical teaching style, Steve has built a global following of photographers who turn to him for expert advice on everything from camera technique to field ethics. With a passion for capturing the natural world and a talent for breaking down complex concepts, he brings a wealth of knowledge, experience, and inspiration to every conversation.

As Creative Director of Trai Anfield Photography and Enlightened Media I aim to make working with us a pleasure and an adventure!  

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Enlightened Media is about approaching work differently and supporting other sustainable, ethical projects wherever we can.   We appreciate diversity, value inclusivity and welcome our clients and colleagues with open hearts and minds.

My love of photography, conservation and travel forms the basis of all my work.  I have continued to work freelance for the BBC Natural History Unit, presenting on Radio 4′s flagship natural history programme The Living World, and reporting for Shared Planet and Saving Species, though in recent years my focus has shifted to being behind the camera more.

Villiers Steyn is a South African wildlife photographer, safari guide, and educator. He originally pursued a career in conservation after completing his Masters Degree, and is now a full-time YouTuber through his brand, the Safari Expert. 

Walter Aaron is a Botswana-born wildlife photographer and resident photo host for Pangolin Photo Safaris in the Chobe. Growing up in the heart of the Okavango Delta, Walter developed a lifelong connection to nature that naturally led him to become a safari guide. It was through guiding that he discovered his passion for photography, eventually walking into the Pangolin hotel with a CV to ask for a job.

Today, with nearly five years of experience as a photo host, Walter is known for his technical skill in achieving dramatic low-angle perspectives and his dedication to mentoring the next generation of professional Batswana photographers. When he isn’t behind the lens or guiding guests, he is helping to nurture the talent of local interns, with the ultimate dream of seeing a Wildlife Photographer of the Year winner emerge from Botswana.

On the Pangolin Podcast, we’re joined by wildlife photographer and innovator Will Burrard-Lucas. Known for his groundbreaking creations like the BeetleCam, Will has captured some of Africa’s most elusive animals, from the giant pangolin to the black leopard. He’ll share the stories behind his favourite shots, the tech that makes them possible, and how his work supports vital conservation efforts across the continent.

Wim van den Heever is an internationally acclaimed wildlife photographer and the founder of Tusk Photo. A South African native, Wim grew up with a camera in hand, viewing photography not just as a hobby, but as a way of life. This deep-rooted connection to nature has taken him to every corner of the planet, from tracking jaguars in Brazil to documenting the great migrations of East Africa.

Wim is perhaps best known for his mastery of light and his deep understanding of animal behaviour, which culminated in him winning the prestigious Grand Title for Wildlife Photographer of the Year 2025. His winning image, Ghost Town Visitor, was the result of ten years of planning and persistence. 

When he isn't in a remote corner of the world, Wim can often be found enjoying deep house music or planning his next great photographic challenge.