Under the Great African Sky, 2022 (XL), 2022

James Lewin  

ames Lewin is an internationally acclaimed photographic artist based in Kenya, renowned for creating timeless masterpieces that offer a rare perspective into the lives of some of the world's most iconic inhabitants.

Entirely self-taught, Lewin first picked up a camera while working alongside anti-poaching and research units on the front line of conservation in Kenya. Soon after, he abandoned a career in real estate in London to pursue his passion for wildlife with his camera in hand. His work has since received more than 25 international awards, including winning the Animals in their Environment category at the Natural History Museum's Wildlife Photographer of the Year, widely regarded as the most prestigious award in the genre. In 2026, he was also named a finalist in the Hasselblad Masters and won Series of the Year at the Monovisions Photography Awards for The Land That Made Us One.

Working exclusively in the wild, Lewin devotes weeks at a time to achieving extraordinary proximity to wildlife, creating portraits that carry the depth and emotional presence associated with human portraiture. Avoiding traditional telephoto techniques, he works from specially modified vehicles or on foot under ranger supervision, capturing a rare intimacy and connection with his subjects seldom seen in the genre.