Hailing from Southern Province, Emmanuel Kooma – better known as Kooma Jnr – is chasing his dream of photographing a leopard on the prowl and ticking off all of the Big Five with some of his characteristically stunning shot of a rhino or two. He enjoys collaborating to help tell the heartwarming stories that abound in Zambia.

Your name and where you were born:
My name is Emmanuel Kooma commonly known as Kooma Jnr (Junior). I am a photographer and visual storyteller born and raised in Mazabuka town, to be specific. Zambia is a country filled with wild beauty, culture, and warmth that constantly fuels my work.

What inspired you to become a photographer:
Photography found me through curiosity. I’ve always been drawn to moments – the kind that pass quickly but carry emotion, energy, and meaning. Over time, I realized the camera was more than a tool; it was my voice. It became a way to tell stories about people, travel, and the natural world stories that reflect Zambia and Africa’s quiet magic.

What is the story of your best wildlife photo:
It’s hard to choose just one, but there’s a photo I took in the Lower Zambezi that always stays with me – a leopard resting in a tree, with elephants passing below. Having both animals in the same frame meant a lot to me. It was my first close encounter with a leopard, and the first time I’d ever spotted one on my own. It felt like nature was allowing me in, just for a moment. That frame still reminds me why patience and presence matter in wildlife photography.

What is the one sighting or animal you still want to photograph:
Definitely the elusive leopard not just a glimpse, but a real encounter in its element. I’ve seen them in passing, but I’d love to capture one in motion, maybe in the golden light. There’s something powerful and quiet about leopards that fits my moody, cinematic style perfectly. And a rhino for it is the only animal among the Big Five I have never seen or captured.

Which Zambian photographers inspire you:
There are many talented photographers doing amazing work but to just mention a few: Chona Mweemba (Severino the Wolf), Moses Mtonga, Niva Hankede (Druberg Studios), Emmanuel Mwiche (Bichri Photos), Luke Katemba etc who all push creative boundaries and represent Zambia with such pride. I also draw inspiration from the new generation of storytellers using photography to shape how the world sees our country.

How can clients get in touch with you:
I’m always open to collaborations and projects clients can reach me through Instagram at @kooma_jnr or via email at koomajnr@gmail.com.

What services do you offer:
I offer travel, lifestyle, wildlife, and commercial photography, as well as brand storytelling and short-form video content. My goal is to help brands and individuals tell authentic, visually compelling stories whether that’s through portraits and travel campaigns, or wildlife projects. I feel we are as Zambians have a better understanding and know how to tell our stories and nobody can tell them better than us.

Which are your favourite wildlife areas in Zambia? And why do you choose those?
So far the Lower Zambezi will always have my heart — it’s wild yet peaceful, with stunning light and constant movement. South Luangwa is another favourite for its raw beauty and intimate encounters with wildlife and it’s my goal to one day find myself there for I have never been there before. And Kafue National Park: it’s underrated, vast, and unpredictable, which makes every trip feel like an adventure. Each of these places offers something unique, and they all remind me how lucky we are to call Zambia home.