Perspective: My Quest for the Perfect Portrait

PART I

Firstly a little bit about me.

I’m a fine art wildlife photographer, a moment creator, and a conservationist.

One TV station. No internet. Large gardens. Great weather. An abundance of flora and fauna.

These words capture the essence of my childhood. Growing up in Zambia, surrounded by nature and wildlife, shaped my connection to the natural world. I was privileged to be surrounded by vast wilderness from a young age and with numerous trips to national parks in Zambia and surrounding countries - who knew how much of an impact that would have on me later in life. The serenity of those vast lands, the thrill of spotting wildlife clearly resonated within me, a connection that only grew stronger when I found photography (or when photography found me).

After completing high school, I pursued my further studies and career in finance and management consulting in London, where I threw myself into the corporate world and eventually with a string of start-ups. I moved to Barcelona for love and a more balanced lifestyle and it was here that I co-founded a startup that leveraged my experience in finance and consulting, providing market research to public organisations on Africa.

It was this trip to Masai Mara in Kenya and what came soon after that nudged me into reassessing my life, my purpose and what I actually want to do my time. This was the convergence point where wildlife, photography and, with time, the vital importance of conservation all came together. The pieces of my creative puzzle had finally fallen into place.

This journey has brought me to where I am today, fully immersed in my work and living my purpose.

THE CONNECT

In November 2022, I embarked on an unforgettable journey to Rwanda to meet with our ancestral kin, the Mountain Gorillas. A dream trip, to say the least. Photographing the gorillas was very high on my long list of destinations and species to photograph. The trip did not disappoint; I wrote an extended piece on this experience, along with some moments I captured along the way. (Link to gorilla blog).

I relish the opportunity to connect with fellow travellers during my trips. There's a palpable sense of energy and excitement in the air. The environment definitely helps, it’s almost as we all become so open and social, at least for most! One cheerful guy I met, Arnie, is an architect from Peru but living and running his own firm in Chicago. We had lots to talk about, from wine and travels to photography and life’s mysterious synchronicities. He admired the work I was doing in photography and conservation, which quickly led to a conversation about how I make a living, or at least try to!

Little did I anticipate that this encounter would mark the beginning of a great project, one of validation and confirmation that my thinking and efforts are starting to pay off.

THE PROPOSAL

About a month later, back in Barcelona and excited to be sifting through the gorilla and golden monkey shots - admittedly still a big high from that trip - I received an email from a high end reputable interior designer out of Chicago, Soucie Horner (link to website). Referred through Arnie (the architect, no pun intended :)), the designer wanted a nature related image, specifically a giraffe portrait. The designer’s client shared that seeing giraffes during his visit to Tanzania gave him a sense of perspective and left a lasting impression. Exciting!

After sharing my portfolio of select giraffe photos, it became clear he was looking for something specific, with my next impulse suggestion of having a conversation to understand his vision better and offering to dedicate my next trip to capturing the portrait.

Daring? Confident? Risky? Yup, all of the above. If not, why not?

PART II

THE JOURNEY

That following May, armed with my notes and undeterred by the challenge, I set out on the quest for the perfect portrait in the savannah plains of Masai Mara, home to the iconic Masai giraffe (one of four species of the giraffe). I had sketched out a drawing of what I envisioned based on my conversation with the client. Not goofy looking, depicting the grace and elegance of a giraffe and somehow reflective of the character of the giraffe - were just some of my notes. I quickly eliminated male giraffes from my shoot - male giraffes typically have scar tissue built up over time, giving their heads a rough, bumpy appearance—almost like a well-worn battlefield, marked by years of dominance fights. While fascinating in their own right, this rugged look didn’t align with the graceful, elegant portrait that we envisioned and hence primarily focussed on sub-adult females, who have a sleeker, more refined appearance. Their sleek profiles and delicate expressions embodied the grace and elegance I wanted to capture.

I spent the better part of a week in their company, observing and photographing numerous different giraffes - my last count was 72 different giraffes. Often, we would pass by a big cat sighting without a second thought, our attention drawn instead to a distant tower of giraffes standing gracefully against the horizon. Each day became a relentless pursuit—searching for the perfect light to illuminate every detail, from the intricate patterns on their coat to the delicate features of their face.

Sometimes, I was certain I had the perfect shot—only to wake up the next day second-guessing everything. Did it truly capture what I envisioned? Was it the best I could do? The constant doubt pushed me to keep going, to refine my vision, and to embrace the challenge of chasing something even better. Each moment in the field was a mix of patience and focus, knowing the perfect shot could appear when least expected. I focused on finding the right composition that could showcase their elegance and the fluidity of their movements, all while staying true to their natural environment. And above all, I sought the ideal giraffe. All the while, enjoying the flow of nature’s rhythms and loving every moment of it.

I remember thinking, there’s nothing I’d rather be doing professionally. If I can be in the wild, lose myself in nature, and capture the soul of its creatures through my lens—then I’m not just living my dream, I’m living my purpose. I had found my Ikigai. (Link to blog on Ikigai)

THE CURATION

Nearly a thousand photos later, I returned home with a treasure trove of images—each frame capturing the delicate balance of elegance and wilderness, each giraffe telling a different story. I had spent days in the field, carefully selecting varied backgrounds, observing behavioural nuances, and focusing primarily on female giraffes for their natural grace. Yet, I knew that the real challenge lay ahead—aligning my artistic instincts with the client’s vision.

Back in my studio, the painstaking process began. Sifting through every frame, I scrutinised composition, sharpness, lighting, and emotion, always keeping the client’s vision in mind. They sought an image that exuded grace and elegance—something striking, yet avoiding the playful goofiness often associated with giraffes. Shot after shot, I studied expressions, the way light sculpted their features, the subtle interplay of colour and movement.

Eventually, I narrowed the selection down to fewer than 50 images, each a strong contender. But perfection is a tough critic, and I had to push further. It was a fine balance between staying true to my artistic instincts and delivering what the client envisioned—a giraffe that wasn’t just beautiful, but one that carried a sense of poetry, serenity, and an effortless presence in its natural world.

Eventually, I narrowed the selection to fewer than 50 images, each a strong contender. But perfection is a ruthless editor, and I refined the choices further, balancing my own artistic voice with the essence of what the client wanted—a giraffe that embodied poetry, serenity, and the untamed beauty of the wild.

PART III

THE SHORTLIST

Two weeks after my return, I sent a final shortlist of 15 images to the client—each one meticulously chosen, each one offering a different perspective on the graceful giraffe. And then came the waiting. That familiar feeling of anticipation and the subtle, ever-present sense of apprehension. It’s a vulnerable moment—sending your work out into the world, hoping that the client will connect with it in the same way you have.

Would they see what I saw? Would they feel the same sense of quiet beauty in the image? Would it evoke the emotion that I felt when capturing it? Would they appreciate the delicacy of the moment or have a completely different vision in mind?

The waiting game is always a strange one in the creative process. It’s a mix of hope and doubt, excitement and uncertainty - but one that made you feel truly alive. The anticipation of someone else experiencing that moment, that connection, is what keeps you on edge. It’s a moment of reflection, where every choice you made in the field, every detail you considered, becomes part of a bigger picture.

And in that pause, you find a renewed sense of purpose, reminding you why you do what you do, not just as a piece of art but as a story you’re telling—one that’s personal, yet meant to be shared. It’s a reminder that every click of the shutter, every moment captured, is a step toward something greater, something that goes beyond the image itself. All I could do was wait and trust that, somewhere in these images, we had found the perfect one.

The response was swift.

One image stood out above all the rest—a young female giraffe, her gaze calm yet intense, as if she was quietly observing the world around her. he backdrop—a lush tapestry of vibrant greenery—framed her with perfect symmetry, enhancing her presence without overpowering it. There was something undeniably captivating about her—a quiet confidence in the way she held herself, a subtle grace that felt both regal and tender at once. It was the essence of what I had hoped to convey. Let’s call her Layla.

THE PRINT

On to the next steps—the medium of print and finishing. This is always a subjective discussion, and while the client has the final say, I offer my recommendations based on the image and my past experience printing in different formats. Given that this was by far the largest piece of my work ever printed thus far—nearly 2.5 meters high—it required technical expertise from some of the best photo labs I’ve worked with.

While my preferred choice is fine art paper, mounted in a natural black frame with non-reflective museum glass (Printing and Framing link), we also had to consider other factors such as the size and weight of the piece, logistics, sourcing suitable materials, and the client’s specific preferences. Additionally, we wanted to ensure the piece would be both durable and easy to install in the client’s space, all while maintaining the fine art quality and aesthetic.

I am quite meticulous about this process (or the entire process I should say!), not only because I have experimented with it, but because I would like my work to be displayed in the way it was envisioned - everything needs to go aesthetically and no costs spared. To me, I don’t see much point in creating and making a beautiful photo to be followed by cutting corners on the print, framing and glass. To me, there’s little point in creating a beautiful image only to cut corners on the printing and framing. It’s like putting a Ferrari engine into a basic sedan—it might run, but it won’t shine the way it should.

In the end, with lead from the client and consulting with the photo lab, we decided to go with acrylic canvas and a floating frame. While I had my initial reservations, the final result far exceeded my expectations—and came with a well-earned sigh of relief. Acrylic canvas, when done well, can bring a unique depth and richness to an image. It brought out the depth and vibrancy of the image in a way I hadn’t anticipated. The material enhanced the details and added a real presence to the artwork, especially in such a large format.

What emerged was more than just a portrait—it was a testament to the transformative power of art, a celebration of the wild, and a reminder of the profound beauty that surrounds us, waiting to be discovered. The finished photo is hanging in the main lobby of the client’s home, greeting every person that enters with her big bold pretty eyes. And I have only seen it via photo and video. I am (eagerly) waiting for an invite from the client so I can witness this in person.

The greatest compliment I can receive for my work is print. Period.

PART IV

REFLECTIONS AND LESSONS

This project was more than just about printing a photograph—it was about bringing a vision to life with precision and intent. Working on a commissioned assignment for a client of this caliber, alongside top-tier designers and specialists, reinforced a few key lessons.

• The Balance Between Art and Commerce

One of the biggest challenges in my career has been balancing artistic vision with commercial expectations. On one hand, there’s the drive to create freely, but on a commissioned assignment, it’s a collaboration—shaped by the client, designers, and practical constraints. At times, I had to step back and ask whether a decision served the final piece or just my own creative control. Trusting the process and the team was key. Yet, artistic integrity remains essential—it’s about knowing when to push, when to guide, and when to adapt. The goal isn’t just to meet expectations but to elevate them.

• The Power of Connections

More than anything, this project reinforced the power of connection. A seemingly random meeting with Arnie set this entire journey in motion—proof that you never know where a conversation might lead. As hunter-gatherers, we built bonds beyond our circles for survival—cooperation for the hunt, carrying the carcass, protecting each other. That instinct remains, but fear and distraction often hold us back. Yet, when we stay open to conversation and the unexpected, incredible things can happen. A casual chat, a chance introduction—even the most unplanned encounter—can shift everything. And if not? Worst case, you’ve made a new friend.

Collaboration is a balancing act—sometimes challenging, but always necessary. I had strong opinions on how the piece should be presented, but so did the designers and the client. It wasn’t about one vision winning out; it was about bringing them together. At times, I held firm on artistic details, and at others, I trusted the expertise around me. That push and pull didn’t weaken the work—it refined it.

• Trust is Everything

When you work with high-level clients, they expect the best—but more importantly, they trust you to guide them. Their time is limited, their standards are high, and their decisions are deliberate. They’re not just paying for a product; they’re investing in expertise, in a process, in a vision.

And that trust is something you can’t take lightly. If they believe in your ability to deliver, you have to meet that belief with nothing short of excellence. This project reinforced that—every conversation, every choice, every revision had to reflect the same level of care and attention as the final piece itself.

• Your Past Work Isn’t a Waste—It’s a Foundation

It’s easy to look back at past careers and think, “I should have left sooner,” or “That wasn’t for me.” But every step along the way adds something valuable. My background in finance, consulting, and startups wasn’t a detour—it gave me the commercial acumen to build a sustainable photography brand. I knew how to plan, manage multiple projects, and communicate my vision effectively. It helped me secure partnerships with conservation organisations, brands, and publications.

But if there’s one lesson the startup world drilled into me, it’s that authenticity is everything. You can’t fake passion. If your main goal is just to make money, you’ll burn out before you succeed. The most impactful ventures—whether startups, art, or anything else—are built on conviction. If you believe in what you’re doing, it will show in everything you create. The financial rewards? They’re just a byproduct. It will come. (But we also need to make a living).

• The Real Key: Curiosity and Humility

Success in this field isn’t just about talent—it’s about staying curious, adaptable, and humble enough to keep learning. It’s a never-ending journey, and that’s part of what makes it exciting.

Curiosity pushes you forward. It drives you to refine your craft, ask better questions, and embrace new challenges. Humility keeps you grounded. No matter how much experience you have, there’s always more to learn, always another perspective to consider. This project was a testament to both. It wasn’t just about capturing an image—it was about navigating a meticulous process, collaborating with world-class designers, and meeting high expectations to bring a vision to life. It required me to listen, adapt, and grow.

That’s the lesson I’ll carry forward: Stay curious enough to evolve, humble enough to keep learning, and open enough to embrace the unexpected. Because growth isn’t about reaching a final destination—it’s about continuously moving forward.