Wild Shots Outreach: Empowering people through the lens ep. 2 | Lowepro

EMPOWERING PEOPLE THROUGH THE LENS

Episode 2: Happiness Mashigo

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.

“I never could have imagined this is how my life could turn out – thank you for believing in me! My name is Happiness – and I am so happy”.

PHOTOSPORT X BACKPACK 35L AW with Happiness Mashigo

It was always Happiness' (28) dream to be a professional safari guide. She tried qualifying by doing an online course on her own at home, but it proved too difficult without any practical training. In the meantime, she undertook the Wild Shots Outreach course in 2023, to gain new skills.
Her passion and determination were clear to see.

So Wild Shots Outreach’s Bursary Fund sponsored her three-month, residential FGASA field guide training. Happiness passed with distinction and is now working as a safari guide in a lodge in the Greater Kruger Area. There are very few female black guides and she is an inspiration to other young women in her community.

“It was always my dream to be a professional nature guide - I never could have imagined this is how my life could turn out! Thanks to Wild Shots Outreach – I am living my dream.”
- Happiness Mashigo