Aussie National Geographic photographer to host intimate safari tour
Australian photographer Jason Edwards has been shooting on safari since the 90s – so safe to say he's had some pretty incredible experiences.
The Melbourne-born snapper, who has been a photographer for National Geographic for 25 years, started shooting at the age of eight, had his first images published at 14 and went on to buy his first camera a year later with his pocket money for $250 – and as the saying goes, the rest is history.
He has taken his storytelling to dozens of countries and to every continent, snapping over a million frames across a bunch of reputable publications from BBC Wildlife, Australian Geographic, Sports Illustrated and The New Yorker.
Jason's love for animals started from a young age, studying arts, science and biology and then going on to become a zoo keeper at Melbourne Zoo at 18.
'I started shooting lots of wildlife during that period because I was around it every day,' the award-winning photographer told news.com.au.
'All the money I earned from the zoo I would spend on travelling and buying camera equipment.'
He eventually built a stock agency where publications would buy his images. The exposure led to his gig at National Geographic.
'They invited me to Washington to present and bring the work that told the story of my career at that point … they asked me to bring 150 frames,' he said.
Once the presentation wrapped up, Jason was offered a contract on the spot.
'That was 25 years ago this year,' he said.
As part of the role, the renowned Aussie photographer spends a lot of time on safari, having worked in Africa since 1992.
And while he's had many wild experiences, there are a few that remain at the front of his mind, like being chased by lions during a project for Nat Geo, 10 years ago.
'It sounds stupid to even say it, but I was working with a mate of mine who was born in Chobe National Park. We were out working at night in an area we were allowed to work, and I said, 'Look, I want to get portrait shots of lions'.
'He said, 'yeah sure'. So we heard a pride in the darkness. I got out and the lions were all around in the dark, [and] a big male came and sat down and my friend's spotlight captured the male for me and I took some shots.
'[But] the male went, 'hang on a minute, that's a human sitting on the ground'. So I get up and start running and the lion of course starts running after me.'
Jason made it back to the four-wheel drive safely, but no footage of the insane moment was captured as the videographer who was also on the shoot was changing the batteries to his camera at the time.
'I spend my life doing this and the way I look at it, is every day is a gift. Because I know that every single day, whether it's in Antarctica or South Africa or the Amazon, would be a trip of a lifetime for someone else,' he said.
'I find that a privilege and I'm very conscious about that privilege.'
And it's through his work at Nat Geo that he was able to score a partnership with Australian travel company Luxury Escapes where he will host and share his expertise for their first-ever safari tour.
The intimate nine-day tour is part of Luxury Escapes Signature Series, a collection of limited-edition itineraries hosted by notable personalities – from MasterChef's Matt Preston and Gary Mehigan to pro golfer Nick O'Hern – and designed around shared passions such as food, sport, and now, wildlife photography.
As part of the trip hosted by Jason, guests will explore the natural habitats of the Big Five – lions, elephants, leopards, rhinos, and buffaloes – and learn how to look at the world through a different lens and capture the moment, whether shooting with a smartphone or DSLR.
The itinerary features highlights such as Kruger National Park, Victoria Falls and the wildlife-rich Chobe River Front.
'The thing I would say about safaris is that it changes people,' Jason told news.com.au.
'It actually takes you out of your comfort zone and reminds you that the world is bigger than you.'
He said the one thing he loves most about it is 'it transports people away from the concerns and worries that they have in the world and it puts them back on nature's clock.'
'They get to see those rhythms of life, so the heat comes up in the day and everything starts to slow down.'
Jason said Southern Africa is one of the most visually stunning places on Earth.
'Its animals take your breath away and I can't wait to help my fellow safari adventurers see it – and photograph it – in a new light.'
The one-off trip is designed for amateur photographers, wildlife lovers, and anyone with a penchant for adventure.
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