Meet roy toft

We were lucky to catch up with Roy Toft recently and have shared our conversation below.

Roy, we’re thrilled to have you on our platform and we think there is so much folks can learn from you and your story. Something that matters deeply to us is living a life and leading a career filled with purpose and so let’s start by chatting about how you found your purpose.

I believe purpose in life comes through finding a passion. This passion creates a drive to excel and master something. My passion for animals and wild places came early as a boy growing up in Southern California. Going out for the day in our local hills searching for snakes and lizards became my favorite past time. I soon had a garage full of local snakes that I was fascinated by and decided that being a wildlife biologist was my goal. After graduating from college and receiving a nice camera as a gift, my passion for nature and wild things quickly shifted to capturing these interests of mine on film. This ultimately became my career as a wildlife photographer and tour leader.

Appreciate the insights and wisdom. Before we dig deeper and ask you about the skills that matter and more, maybe you can tell our readers about yourself?

My career has shifted in the photography industry over the years as any careers do…starting with building a portfolio of work to be represented by stock agencies, assignment work for magazines and ultimately leading photo tours. The early years were all about getting my work published and seen by the public. Bringing awareness and education about endangered species and imperiled habitats. As my photo tour business started to take of more time and energy, my purpose became more about sharing my love for nature and photography onto a larger audience.

If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?

In the early part of my career hard work, perseverance, and mastering the skill of photography were definitely the three major qualities for success. As my career evolved into leading tours and photography workshops, my most important skills shifted to teaching and hosting people. Leading groups of people on extended international trips is a complex job with a mixture of skills including therapist, phycologist, educator, and friend.

To close, maybe we can chat about your parents and what they did that was particularly impactful for you?

My parents allowed me to follow my passions without judgement and without trying to change my intended life path. All the while giving support and encouragement to whatever decisions I made in life.

Contact Info:

Image Credits

Bio photo by Stella Toft. All other images by Roy Toft

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