About Adam

The Next Generation of Wildlife Photographer

My name is Adam Rabinowitz, and I am a conservation photographer based in Cape Town, South Africa. As someone who feels far more at home behind the lens, writing about myself doesn’t come naturally. But if you’ve found yourself here, you’re probably curious about how I came to be a photographer and what goes into capturing these moments of wildlife and wilderness.

more than a photograph

My photographs are often mistaken for paintings, and I take that as a huge compliment. To me, each image is more than just a photograph—it’s a composition of time, patience, and deep intention. Every piece begins long before the shutter clicks. It starts with weeks of research, mapping locations, chasing light, and understanding the conservation stories unfolding in these landscapes. Then comes the journey—traveling to remote places, often alone for weeks, waiting for nature to reveal its magic. The moment itself is fleeting: the instant when light, movement, and emotion align to create something extraordinary. From there, I sift through tens of thousands of frames, searching for the one image that truly captures that magic. And finally, with meticulous care, I refine the photograph—not to change reality, but to bring to life the awe and wonder I felt in that moment.

Growing up in a family with a passion for photography, Adam was immersed in the craft from a young age. His parents were avid photographers who captured family portraits, and Adam spent countless hours watching them work and exploring their darkroom. These early experiences planted the seeds for his future path, even as he pursued other artistic passions.

In school, Adam’s love for art flourished. Teachers often remarked that his drawings were so realistic they could have been photographs. Despite this, it wasn’t until later in life that Adam discovered photography as his true calling—a medium where his artistic vision and passion for storytelling could unite.

Where it all began

Photography runs in my blood. My parents are portrait photographers who, to this day, travel across South Africa capturing family moments. I grew up surrounded by cameras, film, and the glow of a darkroom downstairs. Some of my earliest memories are of sitting in the backseat of my dad’s car, watching the Karoo landscape shift with the morning light as we spoke about what makes a photograph truly special. Those quiet moments—just light, movement, and a shared love for storytelling—shaped the way I see the world.

Despite my love for art and photography, I never truly believed becoming a photographer was a realistic path for me. Growing up in a small Jewish community in George, I followed the sensible route and enrolled in engineering at the University of Cape Town. Three years (and many sleepless nights) later, I realized I was on the wrong path. So I took the risk, left my studies behind, and threw myself fully into photography.

I’d love to say the rest was history, but those early years were anything but easy. I spent countless hours exhibiting my work alongside my parents at décor shows around South Africa—long drives, late-night setups, and exhausting days selling photographs to strangers. It was tough, but those years refined my craft and taught me how to tell stories that truly mattered.

Eventually, everything fell into place. Looking back now, I can’t believe I get to do what I love every day. And it’s because of people like you—people who see the world through the same lens I do, who value the wild places and stories that need to be told.

The Philosophy Behind My Work

I believe photography is more than just capturing moments—it’s a bridge between people and the world around them. My images reflect the delicate relationship between wildlife, humanity, and the landscapes they share, offering a way to see the extraordinary in the everyday.

At the heart of my work is a passion for conservation. I believe art has the power to inspire change, and I hope my photography sparks a deeper appreciation for the natural world. Whether it’s an aerial shot of shifting sandbanks or an intimate portrait of an elephant, my images tell stories that remind us of what’s at stake. Through collaborations with conservation organizations, my work has helped raise awareness of biodiversity and the urgent need to protect fragile ecosystems. I believe that awareness leads to action—and even the smallest action can create a ripple effect.

“Photography allows me to connect with people and places in a way that feels timeless. It’s not just about taking a picture—it’s about capturing a story, a feeling, a fleeting moment of beauty that might otherwise go unnoticed.”

— Adam Rabinowitz

Frequently Asked Questions

My Favorite Animal – Impossible to pick one but I love wild dogs, elephants, leopards and cheetahs a lot, oh and of course mischievous honey badgers.

My Favorite Photo – Impossible :) I pour so much of myself into each image and I love all of them for different reasons. 

My Favorite National Park – In South Africa, it has to be the Kruger National Park. In Namibia, my heart belongs to Etosha National Park where I have gone countless times and always get something unique and special. In Botswana, Nxai Pan National Park, especially in the rainy season, is pure magic. In Zimbabwe, it has to be Mana Pools - I cannot resist a park that allows visitors to get out of their cars (at their own risk of course).

What Camera I Use – I have always used Canon, upgrading over the years from film to DSLR, and more recently, to mirrorless.

Bucket List Trip I’m Yet to Do – East Africa is every wildlife photographer’s dream (spoiler: it looks like it’s happening this year!).

An Invitation to connect

My photography resonates with those who see the world not just for what it is, but for what it could be. My images now live in homes around the world as heirlooms and conversation pieces—sparking curiosity, emotion, and a greater consciousness about the beauty and fragility of our planet.

If my work speaks to you, I hope it inspires you to take action in your own way—whether that’s protecting the wild places around you, sharing the story of conservation, or simply pausing to appreciate the world through a different lens. Together, even the smallest contributions can make a difference. If you ever have the opportunity to visit these wild places, be sure not to miss it. Seeing it first hand is something else and by supporting responsible tourism we can ensure that these places continue to be protected for future generations.

Thank you for being part of this journey.