Capturing Conservation: Alexandra’s Wildlife Photography Journey at CCF Namibia

This month’s Photographer Takeover features the captivating work of Alexandra Schultz — a wildlife photographer, graduate student, and former zookeeper whose lens tells stories of life, memory, and connection. Alexandra spent time at the Cheetah Conservation Fund (CCF) in Namibia as part of Project Dragonfly, where she explored conservation not only through study but through her camera.

We caught up with Alexandra to hear about her most memorable moments at CCF, her favourite species to photograph, and the message she hopes to pass on through her images.

Why Alexandra Chose Wildlife Photography

For Alexandra, wildlife photography is more than a creative pursuit — it’s a way to help others see the world through a different lens.

“Wildlife photography gives me the opportunity to showcase the poetic beauty of nature through my own eyes. Nature is colourful, mystical, and spontaneous. When all of this is captured in a single moment, the audience becomes immersed in the image.”

Her work connects people to nature while celebrating the craft of visual storytelling, something that’s felt deeply in every image she took at CCF. Before joining Project Dragonfly, Alexandra had already spent nearly a decade in the zoo industry. But what brought her to CCF was a personal connection: two cheetahs named Ajamu and Ramses. “As fate would have it, I was once the keeper for two male rescue cheetahs, Ajamu and Ramses, who came to CCF as cubs in Namibia. They had a profound impact on my career, Alexandra shares.”

Her time at CCF was more than just an academic experience — it was a return to the origin of her passion for conservation. 

“Namibia itself felt like a dream—its orange and purple sunsets, rich biodiversity, and the kindness of its people have made it one of my favourite places on Earth. Learning from the staff at the CCF was a gift I will cherish forever.”

Alexandra Unforgettable Moments at CCF

Among Alexandra’s most impactful memories was visiting the animal memorial site at CCF, a space where staff honour the animals they cared for. “I was touched by how this showed that CCF not only has respect for the animals’ lives, but also a recognition of the emotional well-being of their staff. The CCF functions not just as an organisation, but as a family,” she shares.

And like many who admire CCF from afar, meeting founder Dr. Laurie Marker was a dream come true, even if it came with a few unexpected tears. “As I started asking her questions, I got emotional. No one wants to cry in front of one of their heroes, right? To lighten the mood, I cracked a joke: ‘All I know is, Mattel should make you into a Barbie. That’s all I’m saying!’”

Her Favourite Species and Memorable Shots in Namibia

While cheetahs remain Alexandra’s “most regal subjects,” it was the blue wildebeest that truly surprised her during her time in Namibia. “I loved the contrast between their cool-toned coats and the warm, iron-rich soil. That clashing yet complementary colour palette made editing both a challenge and a delight.”

But the most unforgettable moment? A moonlit night in Etosha National Park, where dozens of elephants emerged from the darkness to gather at a waterhole.“Soon, 35 to 40 elephants surrounded the waterhole in front of us. It was one of those rare moments that remind you to put the camera down and just be.”

Follow Alexandra’s Work

Currently based in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, Alexandra continues to explore nature through local parks and conservation-focused projects. “One of my favourite local spots for photography is Raccoon Creek State Park. It’s a natural escape that never fails to inspire me.”

She’s also using her background in education to bring conservation to broader audiences through social media. Now, she is preparing to launch an independent study on the return of North American river otters to Pittsburgh, combining camera traps, field photography, and a digital docuseries. 

Later this year, she’ll travel to Florida’s Gulf Coast to photograph oceanic wildlife and, hopefully, the biodiversity of the Everglades’ mangrove forests. To see more of Alexandra’s work and follow her conservation journey, find her on:

1. TikTok: @mschultz95
2. Instagram: @minschultz
3. Facebook: Min Schultz