AWARD-WINNING WILDLIFE AND LANDSCAPE PHOTOGRAPHER-Deon van Rooyen
Born in Zululand, South Africa, Deon van Rooyen grew up surrounded by an extraordinary abundance of wildlife, birdlife, indigenous forests and beautiful beaches. It was this close connection with nature from an early age that would ultimately shape his lifelong passion for the natural world and, later, photography.
As a young boy, Deon was fascinated by detailed illustrations of wildlife and nature. He spent countless hours with a sketch pencil and paper in hand, studying and drawing the animals, birds and landscapes that surrounded him. This early love of illustration became the foundation of his creative journey.
Later in life, that creativity led Deon to purchase his first 35mm camera and discover another way of expressing his connection with nature — through the art of capturing light, atmosphere and fleeting moments.
A New Home and New Inspiration
In 2018, Deon moved to New Zealand, which he now proudly calls home. The country's pristine forests, dramatic landscapes and unique birdlife have provided a new and endless source of inspiration.
From the ancient temperate rainforests of Fiordland and the landscapes of New Zealand's South Island to the wildlife and vast wilderness areas of Southern Africa, Deon's photography is driven by a desire to capture more than simply an image. His goal is to convey the character, atmosphere and emotion of a place or moment.
Over many years of travelling with his camera, Deon has photographed some remarkable environments and wildlife destinations. His photographic journey has taken him from the wildlife-rich Kalahari Desert and the Chobe River in Botswana to the breathtaking landscapes of Namibia, as well as the remote temperate rainforests of New Zealand.
For Deon, photography is a constant search for the perfect light and those fleeting moments that can never be repeated.
AWARDS AND RECOGNITION
Deon's growing recognition as a wildlife and landscape photographer has included awards in both Australia and New Zealand.
Photographer of the Year 2025 – Finalist
One of Deon's first major awards came in 2025 when his powerful portrait, “The San People of the Kalahari,” was selected as a Finalist in the People Category of the Photographer of the Year 2025, presented by Ted's Cameras in Australia.
Receiving the news was a particularly special moment for Deon:
“Hi Deon,
Judging in Photographer of the Year 2025, presented by Ted’s Cameras, is now complete. I’m delighted to let you know your entry ‘The San People of the Kalahari’ has received a Finalist Award in the People category.
Congratulations, to be a Finalist at this level is a remarkable achievement!”
— Mike O’Connor, Editor, Australian Photography
The photograph was created during Deon's travels through the Kalahari. Fascinated by the San people and their deep connection with the desert environment, Deon spent four freezing winter nights in a small two-man tent in the Namibian desert, patiently waiting for the right opportunity to create the image.
The resulting photograph captures a San man looking towards the early winter sun — a quiet and evocative moment reflecting both the harshness and beauty of the Kalahari.
Photographer of the Year 2025, Australia - People category
Pangolin Photo Safaris – Finalist 2025
Later in 2025, Deon received further recognition when his photograph of two meerkats watching the sunset in the Kalahari Desert was selected as a Finalist in the Mammal Behaviour Category by Pangolin Photo Safaris.
The image was the result of patience, observation and a willingness to get down low and immerse himself in the environment. For Deon, photographing wildlife is not simply about finding an animal; it is about waiting for that special interaction between light, behaviour and environment.
Pangolin Wildlife Photography Finalist 2025 for mammal Behaviour - Deon van Rooyen
New Zealand IPP – Highly Commended 2026
In 2026, Deon received two Highly Commended Awards in the New Zealand IPP, New Zealand Amateur Photography Awards, for two of his images depicting the temperate rainforest of Fiordland in New Zealand's South Island in the Landscape category.
Highly commended 2026, NZ IPP, NZAPA, Landscape category - Deon van Rooyen
To create these photographs, Deon spent several days trekking through remote Fiordland forests and creeks, venturing away from the more familiar paths in search of intimate and atmospheric scenes.
The experience reflects an important part of Deon's photographic philosophy: sometimes the most rewarding images are found by slowing down, exploring beyond the obvious and allowing nature to reveal itself.
Highly Commended in the Landscape Category 2026, NZ IPP NZAPA - Deon van Rooyen
PUBLICATIONS
Deon's photography has also received recognition through publication.
Kia Ora Magazine – August 2025
One of Deon's Fiordland landscape photographs was selected for publication in Kia Ora, Air New Zealand's in-flight magazine, appearing in the Travel Image of the Month feature in the August 2025 edition.
His upcoming publications will include a series of three articles in New Zealand's Bird & Forest Magazine, further sharing his experiences and passion for wildlife, birds, forests and photography.
PHOTOGRAPHY WORKSHOPS AND TRAVEL
For those who share Deon's passion for wildlife and landscape photography, he also offers Landscape and Wildlife Travel Workshops.
These experiences are designed for photographers who want to improve their skills while exploring some of the world's remarkable natural environments. Deon's approach combines his knowledge and experience as a photographer with his passion for finding unique locations, interesting subjects and the right light.
Whether photographing wildlife in Africa, landscapes in Namibia, birds in New Zealand or the ancient forests of Fiordland, the emphasis is always on creating meaningful images and unforgettable experiences.
For more information about upcoming Wildlife and Landscape Photography Travel Workshops, visit Deon's website.
