Wildlife Photographer | Resident Photographer @isharakenya
Big Fan of Nature & Animals 🐆🌿 | Videographer
Aspiring Environmentalist | Filmmaker
Imara Njeri’s journey as a photographer is a masterpiece of passion, perseverance, and purpose. It all began with a pink Samsung point-and-shoot camera—an unassuming tool that sparked a lifelong love for capturing the world’s beauty. As a child, Imara was always ready with her camera, freezing moments in time, whether it was a family trip, a blooming flower, or sunlight dancing on a surface. Those early snapshots planted the seeds for a future she couldn’t yet envision. After high school, Imara pursued art history at York University, believing it to be her calling. But as time passed, she felt a growing disconnection. Photography, her constant companion, began to call louder. Taking a leap of faith, she shifted her path to film production at the Toronto Film School—a decision fraught with uncertainty but driven by her passion for storytelling. Her early career was a rich blend of diverse experiences. Starting as a child actor in the Kenyan TV series Angel’s Diaries on KBC, she played a leading role in its second season as Angel. This early exposure to creative expression laid a foundation for her storytelling journey. Later, she honed her skills in marketing and social media management through internships with TakeSix_Africa Productions and EM Naturals, where she developed expertise in content creation and audience engagement.
Imara also gained hands-on experience in photography during her internship at Pro Studios, mastering portrait photography, studio management, and light setups. In addition to her formal roles, she embarked on freelance photography in 2019, working on projects that allowed her to explore and refine her creative voice.
Her role as a residential photographer at Ishara Kenya in Masai Mara marked a pivotal chapter. Joining in May 2023, Imara embraced the opportunity to immerse herself in wildlife photography, blending her love for nature with her storytelling skills. In this role, she has not only captured breathtaking images but also contributed to the community by teaching local children photography through Canon programs—a deeply fulfilling endeavor.
For three long years after her studies, Imara didn’t have a stable job, relying on freelance gigs to sustain her passion. It was a challenging time filled with uncertainty, yet it shaped her resilience and deepened her commitment to her craft. These experiences, coupled with her time as a marketing intern and social media manager, gave her the tools to connect with audiences and build meaningful narratives through her work.
Today, Imara is living her dream as a wildlife photographer in the iconic Masai Mara. Her work transcends capturing picturesque landscapes or majestic animals; it’s about telling profound stories of survival, hope, and the delicate balance of nature. Through her lens, she invites others to see the world differently, to cherish its fragile beauty, and to understand the urgency of conservation.
At Ishara Mara, Imara shares her knowledge by teaching photography to local children, fostering a new generation of storytellers. Her role as one of the few female African wildlife photographers carries a special significance—she’s paving the way for others, showing that representation and inclusion in this field are vital and achievable. Imara’s artistry extends beyond still images; she is also making strides in filmmaking.
Recently selected for the NEWFS Female Cinematography Lab, she is expanding her storytelling canvas, blending motion and imagery to push creative boundaries.
Looking back, from her first photo with that pink Samsung to earning a spot among the world's leading conservation storytellers, Imara’s journey is proof that following one’s passion can lead to extraordinary places. With her camera in hand and an unyielding drive to inspire, Imara continues to capture the world’s wonders while blazing a trail for others to follow.
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