About Blackwood Safaris

YOU’RE IN THE RIGHT PLACE!

Meet Award-Winning Wildlife Photographer Karen Blackwood

Would you love stepping into the wild on a fun, small-group photo safari, guided by Karen, with other nature-lovers? 

Would you love to learn how to get the best photographs while watching iconic wildlife, whether with a cellphone or your camera? Would you like to master all of the settings on your camera in a way that you’ll remember, even after you go home?

Would you love to have the kind of guide who brings out the best of your passion, your abilities and your interests? Who exposes you to new ideas and cultures, and who does it all in a personal, delightful, engaging way on your bucket list trip?

Karen has taught wildlife photography skills to hundreds of people of every proficiency level for over a decade, including those who have never held a “real” camera before. As a natural teacher who is truly invested in your success, she’s friendly and supportive, able to draw out your innate natural gifts. Her contagious enthusiasm will have you excited about ecology, conservation, culture, and wildlife habits and behavior. 

Not a photographer? You’ll feel included! You can learn how to get the most from your phone’s camera or you can just immerse in the experience. You’ll have a prime spot from which to observe animals in the wild, and you’ll be as engaged and valued as the photographers on the trip. She doesn’t just lead photo safaris, she leads FUN safaris.

Check out Karen’s steller qualifications: Besides wildlife studies in college and in the field, she’s trained as a Field Guide. She understands and can predict wildlife behavior so you can get those great shots, evidenced by her own award-winning photos. She’s an IAATO Antarctic Ambassador, member of NANPA, and a passionate conservationist.  There’s a special place in her heart for elephants and rhino and the blue ice of the polar regions. She loves to immerse in other cultures, capturing candid slice-of-life photos of the people around her, and will help you spot those moments, too.

Can we brag a little about her credentials? Karen’s highly acclaimed photos have been displayed in the USA and Africa in galleries, hospitals, showcases and more. She’s been recognized by Share the View as one of the Top Women Photographers in 2021, 2023 and 2024. Her photography skills have been recognized internationally by judges in leading photo competitions. Her photos have been published in Africa Geographic Magazine, Africa Geographic Yearbooks, NatGeo Your Shot, NANPA Expressions, Wild Card Magazine, Best of Africa, International Bird Photographer of the Year Yearbook, and Naturalist’s Notebook. She’s a regular contributor to Canon and NatGeo Your Shot, as well as a National Geographic Editor’s Choice and Legend of Africa photographer.

Isn’t it time to get out and capture the world with an ethical, competent, caring photography coach by your side? Pick a trip and sign up now before someone else snags your seat. You’ll have a lot of fun, join a wildlife-loving community, and you’ll dramatically improve your photography skills. Her 100% 5-star Trip Advisor reviews agree, too!

Karen’s photography credits include:

2025:

• Judges’ Choice/Top 31 – NANPA Showcase 2026
• Juried into the Bemis Exhibit in Colorado
• Finalist – Africa Geographic’s Photographer of the Year Contest
• Talent Winner – National Photo Society’s Blossoms and Brushstrokes Competition

2024:

• Published – Bird Photographer of the Year Volume 9
• Shortlisted – International Bird Photographer of the Year Contest
• Published – NANPA Expressions Yearbook
• Recognized by Share the View – Top Woman Photographer
• Finalist – Africa Geographic’s Photographer of the Year Contest

2023:

• WINNER – Audubon Photography Awards Contest
• Recognized by Share the View – Top Woman Photographer
• Top 10 – South Africa Photographer of the Year Contest
• Top 100 – International Share the View Competition
• Top 100 – Africa Geographic’s Photographer of the Year Contest
• Finalist – International Bird Photographer of the Year Contest

2022:

• Top 250 – International Share the View Competition
• Top 250 – NANPA Showcase Competition

2021:

• Recognized by Share the View – Top Woman Photographer
• Top 5 Finalist – Africa Photographer of the Year Contest
• Top 250 – NANPA Showcase Competition
• Top 250 – International Share the View Competition

Earlier Honors:

• 1st Honorable Mention – Nature’s Best Photography contest
• NatGeo – Daily Dozen
• Finalist – Nature’s Best Photography Africa Contest
• Published – Nature’s Best Photography Africa Yearbook
• Top 100 – Africa Geographic Photographer of the Year Contest (multiple years)
• Published – Africa Geographic POTY Yearbook (multiple years)
• 1st Honorable Mention – Kodak National Photo Contest