Eighteen-year old one of two photographers in the world allowed to photograph white lions in their natural habitat.
By Debra Muzikar
Aussie Peter Chambers, who is only 18 years old and has a diploma in professional photography, recently returned from a trip to South Africa . He is one of only two photographers in the world to have been given a special dispensation to photograph white lions in their natural habitat.. The opportunity was offered by the Global White Lion Protection Trust (GWLT). With less than 300 white lions remaining in the world, they are a protected species who are endangered.
Peter was chosen because of the caliber of his talent.
Peter was diagnosed on the autism spectrum at age 14 and has been homeschooled since. “Photography has enabled him to complete his education with significance, because it is something he is good at,” Peter’s mom Judith says. Peter’s dad is also a photographer. Judith was surprised and delighted when Peter received an invitation to South Africa. His trip was financed through a crowdfunding campaign.
About his autism he says “People are interested in how autism effects someone, but they should focus on the person themselves and their personality, not mainly on their difference.”
Peter’s mom Judith shares a story about his trip. “Peter was able to take a photo of a giraffe with a snare around its neck so the conservation park manager could determine what to do. This helped the manager be confident the snare was working its way loose, and the giraffe would not need to be darted, hence avoiding further danger to the animal, and also the need to call out a vet, which would be costly.”
To purchase Peter’s photography visit his website.
Photograph of Peter Chambers taken by his dad, Nic Chambers.
