FeatherStalker is more than just a brand
It expresses a lifelong passion
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My greatest passion is helping others fall in love with the natural world. I created FeatherStalker to offer unforgettable experiences that awaken a deeper connection to nature—through birdsong, wild places, and the remarkable creatures that inhabit them. Whether you're joining a tour, taking a course, or exploring my photography, my goal is to guide you toward wonder, insight, and appreciation. Sharing my knowledge is one of the most rewarding parts of what I do, and I hope to offer you more than you ever expected.​​​​​​​​​​​​
About Me
My heart beats in rhythm with the natural world
From as early as I can remember, I’ve been drawn to animals. While other kids were busy trying to squash insects, I was carefully scooping them up to move them out of harm’s way. I wasn’t trying to catch creatures to harm or scare them—I simply wanted a closer look before gently letting them go. If a spider appeared in the house, I’d race to rescue it before it met the bottom of my dad’s boot.
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Nature wasn’t just something I admired—it was something I wanted to connect with. I longed to be accepted by the wild, not as a visitor, but as part of it. I would inch toward butterflies and lie still until they began landing on me, as if I were part of the landscape. I never liked seeing animals in cages. I wanted them to live freely, to do what they wanted, when they wanted.
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That deep connection grew even stronger when I was six, during my first visit to Kruger National Park in South Africa. It was love at first sight. Spanning two million hectares of protected wilderness, Kruger opened my eyes to a truly untamed world. Some animals lived in regions of the park so remote they may never have encountered humans. I knew then: I wanted to become a Kruger Park ranger.
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We returned to Kruger every year—sometimes more than once. Over time, I started learning the names of mammals, birds, snakes, reptiles, and trees. When I was seven, I got my first camera. It wasn’t fancy, but it was mine, and I photographed everything I could. My love for wildlife photography began to grow alongside my passion for nature.
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Between the ages of 7 and 18, my photography and editing skills steadily improved. But during that time, golf became my main focus. I spent most of my free time on the course, chasing a dream of becoming a professional golfer—putting my ranger dream on pause. By the end of 2014, I realized that pro golf wasn’t my future. I started playing less and reflecting more on what truly mattered to me.
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After school, I enrolled in Financial Accounting at North-West University. But it quickly became clear that it wasn’t the right path. In early 2016, I made a bold decision: I left accounting, moved hundreds of kilometers, and began studying at Eco Ranger Academy.
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From the moment I arrived, I knew I was where I was meant to be. Learning about animal behavior, ecosystems, and conservation didn’t feel like work—it felt like coming home. Every fact, every name, every insight added fuel to the fire that had been burning in me since I was a child.
Curious Weka on Ulva Island
Although I started taking photos at age seven, it wasn’t until 2016 that I truly began to take photography seriously. While studying at Eco Ranger Academy, I was trained in professional wildlife photography, editing, and how to use visual storytelling to inspire others. Alongside photography, I also studied nature guiding and lodge management—skills that deepened both my understanding of wild ecosystems and my desire to share them with others.
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One of the most unforgettable parts of my training was caring for a baby rhinoceros named Ragel. She was just four and a half months old when I met her, and from the very beginning, we shared a special bond. I would feed her, walk beside her, sleep outdoors with her, and make sure she stayed healthy. Every time I returned to campus, I spent two dedicated weeks by her side. People jokingly referred to her as my girlfriend—but to me, she was family. When Ragel turned nine months old, we released her into the wild, and I spent ten days with her, helping her adjust to her new surroundings. She remains the most important animal I’ve ever met.
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At the end of 2016, I purchased my first DSLR camera—an entry-level Nikon—and my photography journey truly began. Then, in 2017, my childhood dream came true: I became a nature guide and ranger in Kruger National Park.
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Kruger taught me more than any classroom ever could. It opened my eyes to the wonders—and the harsh realities—of the wild. I witnessed the beauty of over 500 bird species, 200 species of mammals, and countless reptiles, amphibians, and insects. I also saw the darker side of human impact on wildlife. Kruger solidified my belief that a single image can change hearts—and maybe even save lives.
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In late 2019, my family and I moved to New Zealand—a dramatic change in both landscape and wildlife. Here, mammals are scarce, birds are fewer, amphibians are nearly absent, and reptiles are elusive. The scenery is stunning, but my heart often longs for the African bushveld.
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In 2020, I began studying Zoology at Massey University, with a minor in Ecology. Once again, I immersed myself in learning about the natural world, volunteering wherever I could to better understand New Zealand’s remarkable wildlife. My passion for sharing what I see through my lens only grew stronger.
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By 2024, I began building my photography website to help expand the number of hearts I could reach with my images. I still miss Kruger deeply and hope to one day return to lead tours in the park that first inspired my path. Until then, I’ll continue growing, exploring, and sharing every encounter I’m fortunate enough to have.
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I believe nature isn’t just something to admire—it’s a masterpiece meant to be felt, protected, and shared.
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Ragel and I after her release in 2017
About my prints
Sharing photos is my way of sharing memories
Every image I capture is a moment of connection with the natural world—and now, you can bring that connection into your home. My prints are more than just photographs; they are windows into wild places, carefully chosen and crafted to evoke wonder, serenity, and appreciation for nature’s beauty.
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Each piece is printed on high-quality canvas or premium acrylic to ensure vibrant detail, lasting color, and a professional finish that enhances any space. I work with trusted print partners who share my commitment to excellence, so you can be confident in the quality, durability, and clarity of every print.
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Whether you're decorating a home, office, or looking for a meaningful gift, my prints are delivered with care, speed, and a deep respect for the wildlife they represent. From breathtaking birds to untamed landscapes, I hope each print brings a touch of the wild into your everyday life—and inspires you to see nature as the masterpiece it truly is.
About my tours
Experiences in nature can calm the storm inside
My tours are designed to do more than just show you wildlife—they’re crafted to awaken a deeper connection with nature. Whether you're joining me in the bush, on the coast, or among the forests of Marlborough, New Zealand, each tour is an immersive, educational, and unforgettable experience.
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As your guide, I bring years of field experience from South Africa’s Kruger National Park and a background in zoology and ecology. But more than that, I bring a deep love for the wild and a passion for sharing it with others. My tours cater to all experience levels—from curious beginners to seasoned birders and photographers—and are personalized to help you get the most out of your time in nature.
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You won’t just tick species off a list—you’ll learn how to interpret animal behavior, identify birds by call and silhouette, and read the subtle signs of the wild around you. Whether you're looking to expand your knowledge, improve your photography, or simply find peace in the natural world, I’ll be there to guide you every step of the way.
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Come walk with me, and let’s explore the beauty of the wild together.
