About

“Louisa's powerful images evoke a deep connection to our ancestral roots, reminding us of the instincts that guide us in our everyday lives. Her commitment to documenting the lives of Indigenous tribes and her ability to convey profound human experiences through her lens have garnered attention from major media outlets such as CNN and the Daily Telegraph. Additionally, Louisa’s recent work focuses on capturing the Sacred Feminine, reflecting the raw beauty and strength of women in their most authentic forms. Her photography stands as a testament to the enduring spirit and resilience of the communities she photographs, bringing their stories to a global audience”.

Creating the Muse Magazine ~ Interview by Indiana Holley

My Background and Inspiration.

I was fortunate to be raised in Nairobi, Kenya where I was exposed to a rich tapestry of cultural diversity, that enhanced my creative expression.

From an early age, I explored remote parts of the country, flying alongside my father in his light aircraft. It was through these experiences that I first gained access to tribal indigenous communities and it sparked a lifelong passion, admiration, and interest in traditional culture and ceremony.  

Growing up in Nairobi language, race, and religion were never a cultural barrier; instead, they stimulated a natural curiosity in me that went far beyond my formal education, helping me traverse the globe and remain at ease with my camera in a number of unique situations.

As a lifestyle, documentary, and portrait photographer, I have always travelled extensively for my work. It brings me great joy to be a visual storyteller, passionately documenting the fabric of people's lives with my camera.

With over 20 years of experience in photography, I’ve had the opportunity to work on a diverse range of projects. I’m passionate about partnering with companies and brands that make a positive impact on our planet and society. My portfolio includes a variety of commercial photography work, and I’d be happy to share more. If you’re interested please request via this link. Commercial work enquiry.

A majority of my Fine Art work involves photographing indigenous communities. I have gravitated towards the tribes of the Turkana, Rendille, Dassanech, and Samburu in Kenya, and the Hamer, Mursi, and Suri tribes of Ethiopia.

Life in these villages revolves around family and survival. In these remote communities, far removed from the modern world there is a certain perseverance that’s needed to survive there. I’m mostly curious about the women, it’s in their strength and vitality that I see their beauty, their essence. That’s what I aim to convey in my portraits. The spirit of female empowerment and women’s use of adornment as self-expression.

I’m passionate about highlighting a woman’s evolving ability to adapt to the song of the land through constant change. The way a woman elegantly holds herself, barefoot, adorned in her jewellery in the vast desolate landscape, looking after her goats and children. These women carry their traditions down through generations and while it is not my place to judge what’s best for them, I do feel a strong feminine connection. Their lives are far from easy, and I have a deep respect for these women, perhaps stemming from my upbringing in Africa, where I witnessed firsthand how people endure hardship. I believe that women are the backbone of the tribal patriarchal societies they are born into. For this reason, I am committed to portraying them in their full dignity, as empowered and courageous women.

Through my photography work, I am blessed to travel, meet, and interact with people from all walks of life. I can never truly convey my deep appreciation to these communities for allowing me into their worlds; their individual stories are equally as compelling as they are educational, not only bringing awareness and insight to me but to the world. I feel it is part of my purpose as a photographer to continue creating visual impact. To support and give a voice to women in patriarchal societies and to create an awareness and respect for indigenous tribal culture which is in decline in a rapidly changing world.  

I studied photography at Rhodes University in South Africa. I have gone on to publish and exhibit my work worldwide. I also shoot for various international companies, magazines, brands, and charity organisations. For a more comprehensive account of my photographic work please view my Bio and Exhibition list. Thank you.

Louisa works worldwide as a freelance photographer and currently lives in Australia.