Tommy Trenchard

Photographer and Writer

Biography 

Tommy Trenchard is an independent photographer and writer based in Cape Town, South Africa. For the past twelve years he has been documenting humanitarian and environmental stories from across the continent and further afield for many of the world's leading magazines and non-profit organisations. 

In his work he aims to broadly reflect the full spectrum of the human experience, from stories of crisis, conflict and environmental destruction to stories of positive change and the people driving it.

His work has been widely published and exhibited, and has been recognised by several international awards. He works with some of the world’s most prominent media outlets, including the New York Times, the Guardian, NPR and Geo Magazine among others, and also collaborates with non-profits such as Save the Children, Greenpeace, the Red Cross and MSF.

Photos: The Elephant Whisperers of Livingstone

In Livingstone, Zambia, a succession of failed rainy seasons and human encroachment onto land traditionally used by elephants have led to a rapid increase in human-wildlife conflict over the past few years. During the dry season, elephants enter Livingstone in search of food, raiding gardens, vegetable patches, and fruit trees. When harassed and startled by residents, these interactions can become dangerous. In 2024, at least eleven people were killed by elephants in the town. The three-person Elephant Response Team, a volunteer group, works to keep people and elephants safe. Although the job is demanding and dangerous, the team is motivated by their love for their community and for elephants.