Luvai Zoher Gohar, a 38-year-old wildlife photographer from Nairobi, Kenya, channels his graphic design roots and deep-rooted passion for nature into breathtaking images that capture the raw essence and beauty of the wild. In this picture story, he shares about his passion, his process and some of his stunning photographs.
My camera is my second wife, and the wilderness is my second home.
When I was 12, I embarked on my first pilgrimage to India with my mother. Before we left, my father handed me his film point-and-shoot camera—a cherished possession in those days. Throughout our journey across India, I was captivated by the beauty of the landscapes. I took photo after photo of scenic hills, lush gardens, and breathtaking sunrises.
My mother often questioned my choices, wondering why I was “wasting” film on what she called empty photos. She urged me to include people in the shots, suggesting that she or we should pose. But I was adamant—I wanted to capture nature in its purest form, untouched and unaltered.
Looking back at those photos now, they reaffirm what I have always known deep down. Growing up, the school camping trips, mountain hikes, and safaris with family and friends—along with Kenya’s rich wildlife heritage—laid the foundation for my love of nature. Living right behind Nairobi National Park only deepened this connection.
Where I come from
It began in the lakeside town of Kisumu, where I completed both my high school and foundational studies in graphic design. After relocating to Nairobi, I honed my skills under the mentorship of Mukarram bhai Moosajee, whose guidance and support were instrumental in my professional development.
In addition to graphic design, I have cultivated a passion for photography. My journey in this medium has been primarily self-directed, supplemented by various workshops and online seminars. I draw inspiration from renowned photographers such as Gurchran Roopra, Varun Aditya, Priyanshri, amongst others whose work continues to motivate my creative pursuit.
Inspirations
In 2019, Nikon Kenya organized a photography workshop featuring renowned wildlife photographer Priyanshi Bachhawat, who is based in Dubai. I was privileged to be part of this insightful experience in Amboseli National Park. The workshop was incredibly educational, and Priyanshi’s expertise transformed my understanding of natural light—showing me how it plays a crucial role in shaping the mood, depth, and impact of a photograph.
I was also privileged to host Asim Cheema (in the red hoodie)—an Official Nikon Creator and award-winning photographer—on a safari to Nairobi National Park. It was an incredible experience, not only sharing the beauty of the park but also learning valuable tips and tricks from him that exposed me to the concept of low angles.
What this means to me
As a photographer, I’m always searching for a unique perspective, a different angle that reveals a new story. This pursuit has transformed the way I see the world.
For me, wildlife photography is more than just capturing images; it’s about experiencing the serenity of nature in its purest form. It teaches patience, self-discipline, and resilience.
I remember spending four hours with a lioness as she silently stalked her prey, my fingers growing numb as I waited for the perfect shot. In the end, we both emerged victorious.
I truly believe nature is not just about beauty and serenity—it can also be raw and heartbreaking. There was one such moment, captured in the Maasai Mara, where a mother elephant, Ellie, gave birth to a stillborn calf. Tragedy quickly turned to survival as the Topi Pride seized the opportunity, closing in on the lifeless calf.
Determined to tell the full story through a single frame, I took over 100 shots, each an attempt to capture the mother’s protective stance, the stillborn calf, and the advancing lions. We constantly adjusted our angles, waiting for the precise moment when the pride attacked while ensuring the calf remained visible in the composition. It was a difficult but powerful reminder of nature’s unforgiving reality.
Having said that, you can’t ignore the King. Male Lions have been my favourite subject, the dominance, might and authority continues to amaze me.
There’s one award winning documentary I have watched over and over again from the time it was released in 2013, ‘The Last Lions‘. It’s about the epic journey of a lioness named Ma di Tau as she battles to protect her cubs against a daunting onslaught of enemies in order to ensure their survival. It is all about physical, mental and emotional resilience.
Good things take time
This photograph, taken in December 2023, came at the back of five failed attempts. During a photography workshop in the Maasai Mara, our objective was to capture an animal perfectly framed against the rising sun. It may sound straightforward, but in reality, it was anything but.
For five consecutive days, we tried and failed. The odds seemed stacked against us. We needed to position ourselves lower than the subject, and most crucially, the subject had to be present at the right place and time. By the final day, we had nearly given up. But in a moment of pure magic, everything aligned—the light, the landscape, and the wildlife—allowing us to capture the perfect shot.
Sharing the passion
Not only do I have a deep passion for photography, but I also have a strong desire to share this knowledge with others. I believe in the power of photography to tell stories, capture fleeting moments, and foster a greater appreciation for the natural world.
My experience in wildlife photography, coupled with my desire to learn from fellow photographers, drives me to create an engaging and educational environment. In doing so, not only do I get to share but also gain insights from others in the field.
Through my lens, I hope to inspire others to appreciate, respect, and protect the wild places that make our planet extraordinary.
