Finding refuge from loss in art

Kirsten Frost’s first camera was a dinky thing. A point-and-shoot with limited capabilities, it wasn’t geared to take the best photos. But in Frost’s hands it made magic. His family travelled extensively, and his father encouraged a spirit of adventure. Just a child, Frost displayed an exceptional ability to translate these encounters into breathtaking stills using only what he had at his disposal. He captured the ordinary in extraordinary ways, focusing on animals and nature. As Frost grew older, he never lost his love for the outdoors. Today, the 26-year-old is one of South Africa's most talented wildlife photographers. 

Frost’s initial talent didn’t go unnoticed. He was just 15 when the owner of a photography shop came across his photos and gave him a better camera. The upgrade allowed Frost to practice and perfect his passion. But at the age of 17, it came to mean more than just a hobby. Frost lost his father to cancer. Finding refuge in photography, he captured what remained. Fleeting moments. The everyday beauty of the natural world. It was to determine the course of his life. When he completed school – which included Nature Conservation – he travelled along the Chobe River in Botswana and spent seven months working as a photographic guide at the Mashatu Game Reserve. The experience solidified his ambition. Frost now works as a Photo Tour Leader for ORYX Worldwide Photographic Expeditions – one of the youngest on the team. 

The exposure that Frost’s images have received is exceptional. His art has featured in numerous local and international publications, including Africa Geographic, GO! Magazine, Getaway, African Birdlife, and Birders World. By consistently producing work that rivals veterans in the field, Frost is an example of the power of dedication. In addition to being recognised by the Nature's Best Africa Photographic Awards, he was also named Botswana’s Wildlife Photographer of 2017 by Cameras for Conservation. Our country and our continent are filled with stunning locations, and even more spectacular wildlife. You’re never too young to appreciate and preserve it.