October Photographer Takeover: Caleb Captures Cheetahs at CCF Namibia

This month, we’re excited to introduce our Photographer of the Month, Caleb Fix — a wildlife photographer, conservation communicator, and coral biologist whose lens captures not just the beauty of nature, but the deeper connections that make conservation so meaningful.

Caleb’s love for wildlife and art has always been part of who he is, but it wasn’t until an internship at his local zoo during college that he realised photography could be a way to bring these passions together.

“The more I waited for the perfect picture, the more I learned and observed about them as organisms,” he recalls. One of his earliest photos — a squirrel monkey sticking its tongue out — showed him just how powerful an image could be in sparking joy and connection with others.

Today, Caleb is pursuing an M.A. in Biology through Miami University’s Project Dragonfly: Global Field Program, where he focuses on using storytelling to inspire conservation action. His work has already taken him around the world — from photographing black howler monkeys in Belize to studying coral reef ecosystems in Florida — but his trip to CCF Namibia left one of the biggest marks.

Experiencing CCF Namibia

In 2024, Caleb joined CCF Namibia as part of his Master’s programme. Over 12 days, he immersed himself in cheetah conservation, from rehabilitation to community outreach, and even witnessed the release of three cheetahs back into the wild.

“Seeing cheetahs successfully released into the wild is one of those hope moments I love to see. It’s conservation actively in action,” he says. He also recalls the thrill of watching a cheetah sprint during exercise runs: “You always hear stories about how fast they are, but seeing it in person truly is extraordinary — the power in their legs, the way they use their tails for balance. It’s insane to watch.”

But it wasn’t just the wildlife that made Namibia unforgettable. From breathtaking sunsets to star-filled night skies, to long nights spent at a watering hole in Etosha National Park watching black rhinos and hyenas, Caleb describes it as a place that engages all the senses. Most of all, he cherished the relationships — with classmates, staff, and people like Iggy from CCF who left a lasting impression:

“He knew how to have fun and not take himself too seriously, but was also extremely passionate and driven when it came to his work. I remember thinking, he’s someone I want to strive to be like.”

From Cheetahs to Coral

Back home in Florida, Caleb works as the Communications Coordinator and a coral biologist at The Reef Institute, a nonprofit dedicated to coral reef conservation. Here, he combines his science background with storytelling — managing the organisation’s media while also being part of the coral outplanting team. “When you capture a coral polyp up close and see its tentacles and mouth in action, you realise how truly complex they are. Helping others see corals as animals is one way I try to build a connection with these ecosystems,” he explains.

He is also co-founding Walker Wildlife Films, a nonprofit creating educational nature documentaries, and preparing to launch Nature’s Voice, a podcast sharing conservation stories from around the world.

Advice for Aspiring Wildlife Photographers

When asked what advice he’d give to others hoping to follow in his footsteps, Caleb’s message is simple:

“Let your passion fuel your photos. Some of my absolute favorite photographs aren’t the most technical, but they’re moments that allow me to relive cherished experiences. If you let your love for wildlife drive the stories you share, your images will always have depth and meaning.”

📸 You can follow Caleb’s journey on Instagram at @Calebgoesoutside and at @reef_institute, where he runs the communications for The Reef Institute.