Hannes Lochner is a world-renowned, award-winning wildlife photographer whose work is defined by an artistic mastery of light and a legendary level of dedication to his subjects. Since turning professional in 2007, his name has become synonymous with the Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park, particularly its leopards, a result of living in the Kalahari for five years to produce two of his several acclaimed coffee table books. Beyond the arid zones, his recent work, Planet Okavango, involved a two-year immersion in Botswana’s Delta to capture the region’s essence through his signature focus on composition and storytelling. A perennial winner of prestigious international accolades, including multiple BBC Wildlife Photographer of the Year and Nature’s Best Photography awards, Lochner is celebrated for moving beyond conventional wildlife imagery to create art that captures the soul of Southern Africa. Deeply passionate about mentorship, he now utilizes his profound knowledge of Namibia, Botswana, and South Africa to pass on his technical and artistic skills to the next generation of photographers.

Cathan Moore is a wildlife photographer whose career is uniquely defined by being born and raised within the Timbavati Private Nature Reserve, providing him with a lifelong, intrinsic connection to the African wilderness. Combining this deep-rooted knowledge with a Degree in Commercial Photography from the Tshwane University of Technology and professional FGASA field guide qualifications, he creates visual narratives that are both technically proficient and ecologically informed. His dedication was recognized globally in 2021 when he was named the Youth Winner of the Benjamin Mkapa African Wildlife Awards. Moore’s work has been featured on major international platforms like the BBC, Discovery, and Fox, which he uses as a springboard to amplify his message of conservation urgency. Beyond the camera, he focuses on community engagement and education, viewing his photography not just as art, but as a tool to raise awareness and protect the planet for future generations.

Andrew Beck is a wildlife photographer and educator whose career is driven by a deep-seated yearning for authentic, raw wilderness and a commitment to hands-on conservation education. After dedicating nine years to the study of the natural world—culminating in an MSc in Environment, Ecology, and Conservation from the University of the Witwatersrand—he bypassed academia to co-found Wild Eye. Over the last eight years, he has channeled his expertise into leading photographic expeditions across Africa’s most iconic landscapes, as well as remote regions like the Republic of the Congo and the Arctic territories of Svalbard & Jan Mayen. His unique value as a guide lies in his "MSc-level" understanding of ecology and his background in professional field guiding, which allows him to provide guests with deep biological insights that go far beyond technical camera settings. Driven by a desire to experience the "Africa of old," Beck specializes in exploring remote corners of the globe, using his lens to capture and share the fascination of a natural world he has studied both scientifically and soulfully.

Kyle Goetsch is a Cape Town-based photographer renowned for his landscape, wildlife, and astrophotography. With a passion for nature and a keen eye for detail, he captures the beauty of Africa’s diverse landscapes, from rugged coastlines to starry skies. Kyle's work reflects not only his technical skill but also his commitment to conservation and educating others. He offers immersive photography workshops, guiding participants through breathtaking scenes and teaching them to capture the perfect shot. His workshops cater to both beginners and experienced photographers, providing hands-on experience in some of Africa’s most iconic settings. Kyle’s photography is a celebration of the natural world, encouraging others to explore and appreciate the beauty that surrounds us.

Villiers Steyn is a highly specialized wildlife photographer and educator whose career is deeply rooted in academic conservation and professional field experience. After honing his skills as a high school photographer in Pretoria, he spent seven years earning a Master’s Degree in Nature Conservation, during which he conducted critical research on leopard movement patterns in Botswana’s Northern Tuli Game Reserve. This scientific background transitioned into a prolific seven-year stint as a freelance travel writer, where he published over 100 feature articles for prestigious South African titles like Getaway and Go!. In 2010, he evolved into a professional photographic safari guide, a role that combines his love for teaching with his technical expertise. Today, he operates his own business, Vision Photography, focusing on lodge marketing and leading internationally recognized photographic tours. He has further expanded his reach through his YouTube channel, The Safari Expert, where he provides a comprehensive blend of trip reports, Lightroom tutorials, and gear reviews for a global audience of wildlife enthusiasts.

I have 20+ years experience as a journalist in South Africa, specialising in travel writing and photography. My interests are varied: history, people, culture, climate change, palaeontology, archaeology, deserts, mountains, trees, music, rock art, stone tools, poetry, tortoises, books, hiking, exploration (islands!), birds - and cricket! My travels have taken me across Southern Africa, East Africa, and beyond, including destinations like Antarctica, the Falkland Islands, and Argentina.

Jon Kerrin is an award winning nature photographer based in Cape Town, and a global ambassador for Fujifilm. His portfolio covers landscape, wildlife, and environmental photography. Jon’s work is balanced between exploring and capturing the beauty of the natural world, and teaching others how to do so as well.

Alexander Werth is a half South African, half German photographer from Cape Town. He focuses on mostly wildlife, landscape and street photography and is the founder of the community page @wildlifeofsa on Instagram, where he has carefully been showcasing only the best work wildlife photographers of Southern Africa have to offer. Alex brings a unique blend of artistic expertise and deep respect for the natural world to the judging panel.

Konrad Andrag, a passionate wildlife photographer, co-founded this competition to give youth photographers a platform to showcase their talent. His notable achievements include being featured by National Geographic, winning the BirdLife SA Youth Photography Competition, and being shortlisted multiple times for South African Photographer of the Year. Konrad believes young photographers are often overshadowed by more experienced adults with greater resources, and this competition aims to bridge that gap by providing a space for youth to thrive and be recognized on their own terms, across different categories of photography.

Menrad Holm, co-founder of the Youth Photographer of the Year competition, is a passionate award-winning landscape and nature photographer. Driven by a desire to create fair opportunities for young photographers in Southern Africa, Menrad launched this competition to nurture emerging talent. As an award-winning photographer with experience working with Go Magazine, he is committed to inspiring the next generation of photographers to focus on creativity, storytelling, and their unique vision.