EMPOWERING PEOPLE THROUGH THE LENS
Episode 1: Wisani Ngwenya
Article in collaboration with Wild Shots Outreach (WSO)
At Lowepro, we understand the power of photography and the potential it holds to inspire meaningful change. It’s more than just taking pictures: photography is a powerful tool that can transform lives in unexpected ways. It can open doors, shift perspectives, and enable individuals to narrate their own stories through the lens.
Our partnership with the South African NGO Wild Shots Outreach (WSO) is a shining example of the transformative power of photography and its significant influence on both individuals and communities.
TAKING ACTION WITH WILD SHOTS OUTREACH
This South African NGO empowers youth from underprivileged communities to connect with their wildlife heritage and develop skills for employment in wildlife and tourism through photography. Wild Shots Outreach equips these young people with new skills and introduces them to the natural world, raising their aspirations as the future conservationists and photographers.
In 2024, Lowepro has supported WSO in training 151 students across 19 courses. These courses concluded with a hands-on workshop, where the young photographers were challenged with conducting a photoshoot of the latest Lowepro collections. Explore their journey.
“Life is a journey. If something doesn’t work out first time – take another shot, just like with a photograph.”
PRO TREKKER 350 with Wisani Ngwenya
Wisani (25) first did the Wild Shots Outreach course in 2016 whilst still at school. On leaving school, with the support of Wild Shots Outreach, he undertook work experience with a local newspaper, a wildlife film company and with a professional journalist. It soon became clear that Wisani was a talented visual storyteller both with a stills camera and with video.
With a grant from the Wild Shots Outreach Bursary Fund, he gained a BA Hons in film-making from AFDA Media College in 2022. After completing a year’s work placement with the Ebony & Ivory Media Agency in Johannesburg, Wisani has now founded his own media company, We Next Productions, with clients including SA’s TV Weather Channel.
"For me, photography is a powerful tool for storytelling and empowerment, enabling me to capture and share the untold stories of underserved communities - while inspiring transformation through visual artistry.”
- Wisani Ngwenya
