BEHIND THE LENS
Jaren A. Fernley
Award-winning wildlife photographer and specialist photo safari host, shaped by years spent photographing Africa’s wild places.
THE PHOTOGRAPHER
Drawn To The Wild
Africa has never simply been a destination to me. It is a place of endless stories, where every landscape, every encounter and every animal offers something new to observe and understand. The more time I have spent in the field, the more I have realised that great wildlife photography begins long before the camera is ever raised.
My work is built on patience, observation and a genuine curiosity about the natural world. Rather than chasing dramatic moments, I focus on understanding behaviour, anticipating interactions and allowing authentic stories to unfold naturally. Whether photographing mountain gorillas in Uganda, following the Great Migration across the Serengeti or waiting quietly beside a waterhole long after sunset, my goal is always the same—to create photographs that feel honest, immersive and deeply connected to the wild.
My greatest reward isn't creating my own photographs.
It's watching someone else capture the image they've dreamed about for years.
PHOTO SAFARI HOST
Sharing the Experience
Every safari is about far more than returning home with beautiful photographs. It is about slowing down, understanding wildlife behaviour, learning to anticipate moments before they happen, and experiencing Africa with a greater sense of connection.
As a specialist photographic safari host, I work closely with every guest throughout the journey, offering guidance on camera settings, composition, fieldcraft and post-processing while encouraging photographers to develop their own creative vision. Whether you are visiting Africa for the first time or returning with years of experience, my goal is to help you leave with stronger photographs, greater confidence and unforgettable memories.
EXPERIENCE
Experience Earned in the Field
Eight years photographing Africa have taken me from mountain gorillas hidden deep within Uganda's forests to the vast plains of the Serengeti and the remote conservancies of Kenya. Along the way, my work has been recognised through international awards, exhibitions and publications, with photographs and stories featured by organisations including National Geographic, The Times, Outdoor Photography and PetaPixel.
While I am incredibly grateful for that recognition, it has never been my destination. Every journey into the field continues to teach me something new, and it is that experience, shared with my guests, that matters most.
WILDLIFE PHOTO SAFARIS
photograph africa with me
Some of the world's greatest wildlife experiences deserve more than a quick visit. They deserve time, patience and the guidance of someone who understands both photography and the rhythm of the wild.
Through Untamed Photo Safaris, I host small-group photographic journeys across Africa, designed specifically for photographers who want more than a traditional safari. With expert local guides, luxury accommodation and a strong focus on education, every trip is created to help you return home with unforgettable experiences and your strongest photographs yet.
FROM THE FIELD
Continue the Journey
Every photograph has a story beyond the frame. Through my journal, I share moments from the field, wildlife behaviour, photographic techniques and the experiences that continue to shape both my photography and the way I see Africa.
Whether you're planning your first safari, looking to improve your photography or simply enjoy the natural world, I hope these stories inspire you to keep exploring.
