About Blackwood Safaris

Why Blackwood?

Types of Photo Safaris

About Karen

Why Blackwood Safaris

Are you looking for:

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Personal photography instruction from pro-photographer Karen Blackwood,

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Feeling included, no matter what your skill level,

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Affordable, small-group, 5-Star bucket-list safari experiences,

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Unforgettable destinations,

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Thrilling animals in their natural habitats,

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The chance to make a difference for endangered species,

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Trips that welcome families, friends and non-photographers,

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Comfortable mid-range accommodations,

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Professional chefs,

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Breathtaking landscapes and life-changing experiences?

YOU’RE IN THE RIGHT PLACE!

Start Your Adventure

Blackwood Safaris offers two different types of photo safaris.

Which one is best for you?

Photography Workshop Safaris

On Blackwood Safaris’ Photography Workshop Trips, we have the time available every day for dedicated photography and editing classes. These are safaris when we are out for the best light during the morning and late afternoon hours, with mid-day reserved for personalized lessons and classroom time. Karen will be teaching and assisting you in the field and at the Lodge.

From learning about the buttons–what they do and when to use them–to when to shoot and when to wait, to some cool ideas for really special photos, you’ll quickly advance to creating the beautiful images you want with minimal coaching by the end of the safari. You will also learn how to manage and edit your photos using Adobe Lightroom,* following Karen’s Wildlife Workflow method. You’ll go home with stunning wildlife photos and will be able to continue growing as a photographer long after your Safari ends.

*Adobe Lightroom not included in Safari cost

Photography Workshop Trips always include:

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The fundamental functions of your camera

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How to use the buttons and dials on your camera

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How to use each mode correctly

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How to choose your own settings

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How to manage light and shadow

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Photo composition for a unique story

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How to make use your photography to make a difference

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How to edit using Karen's Wildlife Workflow in Lightroom*

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How to continue to improve your photography skills after the Safari

Basic Photo Safaris

On Blackwood Safaris’ Photo Safari trips, we’re out all day seeing and doing interesting things. You’ll have an amazing experience and learn a lot about photography, but we won’t have time for any formal class instruction.

Even if you are brand new to photography and unsure of your camera and skills, Karen will assist you with your camera settings in the field. She’ll recommend photo compositions for striking images, help you tell a story with your photography, and make suggestions for some uncommon photos, all in an incredibly beautiful setting. If there’s time to teach you more, she will squeeze it in.

You will leave the Safari with a wonderful portfolio of unique shots, feeling more confident in your photography skills and ready to take gorgeous pictures anywhere you go.

Photo Safari trips always include:

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All-day action

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Suggestions for stunning photos

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Personalized coaching on camera settings

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Photo composition for a unique story

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How to go from blurry to BLOWN AWAY!

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How to use your photography to make a difference

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Ideas for inspiring images

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Additional instruction as time allows

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How to continue confidently in your photography journey

100% 5-Star Reviews. What Do People Say About Blackwood Safaris?

Meet Award-Winning Wildlife Photographer Karen Blackwood

You’ll love stepping into the wild on a fun, small-group photo safari, guided by Karen, with other nature-lovers. Her contagious enthusiasm will have you excited about ecology, conservation, culture and wildlife habits and behavior. She’ll teach you how to get the best photographs while in the field, on location. She’ll help you master all of the settings on your camera, too, in a way that you’ll remember even after you go home.

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, welcoming, supportive, and able to draw out your innate natural gifts. Coaching you to that “aha” moment–that moment when it all makes sense–makes her day. Don’t you want 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 delightful, engaging way to be the one giving you personal attention on your bucket list trip?

Not a photographer? Karen won’t leave you out! 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.

You can go with Karen to the world’s most extraordinary locations to see iconic and endangered wildlife while appreciating and experiencing local cultures. You’ll stay in safe, clean, quality accommodations with private chefs no matter where you are in the world. The food will be good, the bed will be comfy, and you’ll have hot & cold running water in your own private bathroom. She works with local, licensed, qualified guides for outstanding results, which brings support and income to local communities, ensuring that you’ll have the best wildlife and cultural experience possible in every location.

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 a competent and caring photography coach by your side? Book a seat on safari with Karen! Obviously, her safaris sell out quickly because everyone wants to go on trips with someone friendly, professional, ethical and enthusiastic, so 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: