JAREN A FERNLEY
UNTAMED PHOTO SAFARIS
WILDLIFE PHOTORGAPHER | SAFARI SPECIALIST | VIDEOGRAPHER
A Life Shaped by the Wild
My name is Jaren A. Fernley, and I’m a wildlife photographer and videographer based in East Africa. From early on, I felt a quiet pull toward the natural world—an instinct that has shaped the course of my life.
Today, I live and work across the African continent alongside my husband, fellow photographer Mark A. Fernley. Together, we founded Untamed Photo Safaris, a company built around small-group, education-focused safari experiences that connect people to the raw beauty of the bush. Our work is rooted in ethical wildlife practices, thoughtful travel, and meaningful connection.
Hide Photography Expertise
I’ve spent countless hours in hides across Africa—from water-level elephant hides to minimal blinds for birds and predators. Hide photography requires patience, awareness, and an understanding of behavior. These are the principles I bring into every shoot and teaching experience.
This knowledge shapes how I work, how I guide, and how I teach others to slow down and see more deeply.
Ethics & Conservation
My work is grounded in ethics and an unwavering respect for the natural world. I believe wildlife should be photographed without interference or exploitation—especially now, as habitats shrink and ecosystems face unprecedented threats. I don’t chase images or disrupt natural behavior. Instead, I rely on patience, observation, and the understanding that presence alone can be powerful.
Alongside my photography, I collaborate on conservation-focused storytelling with NGOs, researchers, and community organizations—using photo and video as tools for education and advocacy. Telling these stories is a way to give voice to the animals themselves, and to help others see their world more clearly.
Why This Work Matters
This work isn’t just what I do—it’s a commitment to the natural world. Wildlife photography has taught me to listen more, move slower, and stay present. It has also made me more aware of what’s at stake in a changing climate and disappearing wilderness. These moments I capture are not just memories; they are evidence, education, and calls to protect what still remains.
I photograph not just to preserve moments, but to share stories that deserve to be seen and felt. My role is to help others connect with animals on a deeper level—to understand their world, their beauty, and their vulnerability. Whether I’m guiding someone to their first lion sighting, editing a film for a conservation partner, or mentoring a photographer across the globe—my intention is always the same: to honor the wild, and to help others do the same.
What I Offer:
My work goes beyond the lens. It is rooted in a sense of duty—to help people experience wildlife not only in ways that are personal and grounded, but also with a deeper awareness of the planet's fragility. I believe that through connection comes care, and through care, conservation. Every service I offer is guided by that belief. I believe it is my duty to use my craft in service of the natural world—to document wildlife with honesty and respect, and to raise awareness in a time of environmental urgency. My work exists at the intersection of beauty and responsibility, where each image is a reminder of what we stand to lose, and what we still have the power to protect. Through a mix of creativity, planning, and presence, I offer the following services:
Small Group & Private Photo Safaris with Untamed Photo Safaris
I lead small-group and private photographic safaris through Untamed Photo Safaris. These guided journeys are designed to help guests deepen their photography skills while immersing in the rhythm of the wild. Each itinerary is thoughtfully crafted, and every trip balances education, adventure, and connection.
On-Safari Photography & Videography
I travel with guests as their personal storyteller—documenting each safari through still photography and video. Whether it’s a quiet morning at camp or a powerful wildlife sighting, I aim to capture the spirit of your journey. Common for: family safaris, milestone trips, elopements, weddings, proposals, and private group adventures.
Custom Safari Planning
As a registered travel agent with deep regional knowledge and years of hands-on experience, I help travelers create tailor-made safari itineraries. Whether you're a first-time visitor or returning to the bush, I work to ensure every trip is thoughtful, seamless, and personal.
Wildlife Photography Mentorship (Online)
I mentor photographers around the world in developing their craft, vision, and confidence. Each mentorship is personalized and may include feedback, editing techniques, field prep, and visual storytelling.
Website Design for Photographers
I build clean, professional portfolio websites for wildlife and nature photographers. Whether you're looking to showcase your work, sell prints, or launch a blog, I create platforms that align with your style and goals.