Photography is more than just a passion for me—it’s a way of life. It allows me to freeze moments in time, capturing emotions, cultures, and the wild beauty of nature. There is always a story behind the lens.

Over the years, I’ve taken thousands of photographs. Some have been award-worthy (in my own humble opinion), while others… well, let’s just say the delete button got a workout. But every once in a while, I strike gold. Here are my all-time favourite shots behind the Lens: The Stories Behind My Most Memorable Photos

Lions Eye

This moment at Leopard Hills, Sabi Sands was pure magic. I was behind the lens.

Picture this it is golden hour in the Sabi Sands, Kruger.  Two full male young dominate lions, just eaten. Belly was swollen with lunch. We sat with them for about an hour, and they did not move.  The odd tail swish of irritation of flies.  My camera was on my lap, and we just sat and chatted about their size, and paws, and our ranger gave us valuable information about the lions in the area.

Out of nowhere, they both got up, heard something, and darted past our vehicle.  Without hesitation, I picked up my camera and just shot 20 images.  Hoping to get something special.  I held my breath as I clicked the shutter, praying for gold! The lions didn’t care about our presence or the fact that we were completely mesmerized. That night as I got into bed after a long day on safari. I scrolled through my photographs, and I saw it!

It’s very obscure and not your typical photograph. But I truly love it.

The Smile that shook my heart

India is a photographer’s dream—colourful, chaotic, and full of surprises. This image was taken deep in the heart of Rajasthan. We arrived in a small village just as a wedding celebration was in full swing. Our driver dropped us off, and my husband and I wandered in different directions. I’m naturally curious—okay, let’s be honest, a little cheeky too. While my husband explored cautiously, I walked straight into strangers’ homes, making friends instantly. And, occasionally, a few enemies. Then, I saw her. A woman, draped in a striking red sari, breastfeeding her baby.

Her entire face was covered, yet her presence was powerful. I sat next to her. We didn’t speak a word, but we communicated with our eyes. After ten minutes, I gently asked if I could take her photograph. Without hesitation, she took my hand and led me inside her modest home. Behind the lens, she removed her burka and smiled. It was a quiet, breathtaking moment. I lifted my camera and took just one shot. A wave of warmth and gratitude washed over me. The house was dimly lit, but her expression shone through—serene, strong, and unforgettable. The textures, the tones, and the emotion in that image made it one of my all-time favourites.

Of course, she immediately grabbed my camera to see the result. I wish I could return to that village one day to show her the photograph. That single image went on to win an online competition in Berlin, but more than that, it won a place in my heart.

Monk’s Tattooed Hand

Monks do not like to be photographed.  They are very vocal about it too!  Luckily I had my mother on my side for this shot.  Her being the Pictures Editor of the Sunday Times for a few years did help a lot.  She get their attention and let me secretly shoot as many pictures possible.  On this day, I had only my macro lens on.  So I needed to get up close and personal.  As my mom chatted to the monk, while he was watering his garden, I noticed his hand with water droplets and a tattoo on it. Another amazing trip to my favourite Chiang Mai.

This one was all about the details. I quickly framed the shot and clicked. The simplicity, the history, and the mystery in that single hand still captivate me.

Passing Time in Agra

It’s 4 am. We are exhausted and getting ready to take a train journey to Jaipur. There is no place to sit, and the train station is full.  It is noisy and so busy!  The station is dusty and dirty.  So you sit on your bag.  Ah, Agra. Home to the Taj Mahal and, apparently, some of my riskiest photography moments. I spotted a man standing completely still as a train blurred past him. The contrast was too good to ignore. I snapped the shot just as the train whooshed by, creating a dramatic sense of movement. I was lucky to be that awake to be behind the lens to get that movement!

For once, my timing was perfect (trust me, this doesn’t always happen!).

Steel Wool on Fish Hoek Beach

Who knew playing with fire could be so fun? With a group of very special friends, we decided to make magic!  By spinning steel wool at high speed on Fish Hoek Beach. It was such fun, terrified we would be arrested and robbed.  We were in it together. The Steelwool gang.  As the sparks flew in all directions against the night sky. The result? A dazzling explosion of light was captured in a single long-exposure shot. It was equal parts exhilarating and terrifying. There’s nothing quite like the smell of singed hair to remind you of a great photography session.

It’s important to note, it did help to be with great friends and break the law in a way!  Even though we were very safe making sure no sparks set anything alight.

The Beauty of Failure

Now, let’s be real. For every one of these shots, there are at least fifty that went wrong. Blurry animals, people blinking, rogue seagulls photobombing at the worst moment—you name it, I’ve captured it (accidentally).

Once, I tried to photograph a majestic eagle soaring above the ocean. What I got was a slightly blurry seagull with a suspicious expression. Another time, I set up for the perfect sunset shot, only for an enthusiastic tourist to step right in front of my camera at the crucial moment. So my point is sometimes being behind the lens you can fail!

But that’s the beauty of photography. It’s unpredictable, frustrating, and sometimes downright comical. And yet, every so often, I get lucky. The universe aligns, the light is perfect, and behind the lens, I captured something truly breathtaking. Those are the moments that keep me coming back for more.