Today we’d like to introduce you to Harman Singh Heer.
Hi Harman, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
Growing up in Kenya gave me a deep appreciation for wildlife and the natural world from a very young age. Every few months, my parents would take my sister and me on safari, and those experiences quickly became the highlight of my childhood. Fourteen years ago, I picked up my mum’s old Canon 450D DSLR and proudly declared myself the “photographer” of the trip. From that moment on, I have never been on safari without a camera in my hands.
For many years, wildlife photography was simply a passion as I grew up. I was driven by the challenge of creating meaningful images and by a desire to share the beauty of the natural world with others. As my photography developed, so did my portfolio, and I realised that my greatest enjoyment came not only from taking photographs, but from helping others experience the same sense of wonder that had shaped my own childhood.
After years of refining my craft, in 2023 I co-founded my own safari company, Mzuri Safaris, and I hosted my very first photographic safari in Kenya. I was only 21 years old and didn’t expect people would want to learn photography from me. But I pushed myself out of my comfort zone and the safari exceeded every expectation. While getting my guests in the right places at the right times for incredible photographic opportunities was deeply rewarding, what stayed with me most was watching my guests experience Africa for the very first time. This reminded me why I fell in love with this beautiful corner of the world in the first place.
Those moments changed the direction of my life. I realised that my purpose extended far beyond taking beautiful photographs. By introducing people to Africa’s wild places, I could help create a genuine connection with nature and inspire a desire to protect it. Watching guests leave with a deeper appreciation for wildlife gave me hope that conservation begins with experience. The more people who fall in love with these wild places, the greater the chance we have of ensuring they are protected for generations to come.
Today, I have now expanded my photographic safaris across Africa, India and Sri Lanka. In Africa, I particularly specialise in safaris in Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, Malawi and Namibia. My business now also involves content creation, freelance writing and editing, and selling prints. This is the first year I have been able to take my business full-time, after a few years of completing a bachelors degree in Economics and International Relations, and a masters degree in Professional Writing and Publishing.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
While the road has had its fair share of struggles, I’m thankful for where it has led me.
The loss of my father during my childhood was one of the greatest challenges I’ve faced. Since then, there have been other obstacles along the way. Global pandemics and international crises have made people more hesitant to travel in recent years, significantly impacting the travel industry. I’ve also had to forge my own path, learning through experience, trial and error and the mistakes that inevitably come with building something from the ground up. As a person of colour, I’ve also faced barriers that have limited certain opportunities, making the journey more challenging at times. But despite these setbacks, each challenge has strengthened my resilience and shaped the person I am today. Every struggle has played a role in getting me to where I am today, and I’m grateful for the lessons they’ve taught me.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I specialise in exclusive photographic safaris across Africa and India, creating experiences that are tailored specifically for photographers of all skill levels. In addition to hosting and guiding my own safaris, I also work as a safari planner, designing bespoke itineraries based on each client’s interests, preferred destinations and the wildlife they most want to see. Every itinerary is carefully crafted to maximise the overall safari experience of my guests.
My photography is best known for its artistic style, particularly my intimate portraits of big cats and my silhouette imagery. I strive to create photographs that go beyond documenting wildlife, instead capturing emotion, atmosphere and the character of each animal.
How do you think about happiness?
Being out in nature. There is no greater connection and peace than being in true wilderness areas and watching their flora and fauna live wild and free.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.mzuri-safaris.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hshphotos/
