About Blackwood Safaris
Why Blackwood Safaris
Are you looking for:
Personal photography instruction from pro-photographer Karen Blackwood,
Feeling included, no matter what your skill level,
Affordable, small-group, 5-Star bucket-list safari experiences,
Unforgettable destinations,
Thrilling animals in their natural habitats,
The chance to make a difference for endangered species,
Trips that welcome families, friends and non-photographers,
Comfortable mid-range accommodations,
Professional chefs,
Breathtaking landscapes and life-changing experiences?
YOU’RE IN THE RIGHT PLACE!
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:
The fundamental functions of your camera
How to use the buttons and dials on your camera
How to use each mode correctly
How to choose your own settings
How to manage light and shadow
Photo composition for a unique story
How to make use your photography to make a difference
How to edit using Karen's Wildlife Workflow in Lightroom*
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:
All-day action
Suggestions for stunning photos
Personalized coaching on camera settings
Photo composition for a unique story
How to go from blurry to BLOWN AWAY!
How to use your photography to make a difference
Ideas for inspiring images
Additional instruction as time allows
How to continue confidently in your photography journey
Meet Award-Winning Wildlife Photographer Karen Blackwood
Karen’s photography credits include:
2025:
- 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
Intimidating? Fear not. You’ll love stepping into the wild on a fun, small-group photo safari with Karen.
Karen’s photography journey started at age 14 when her aunt gave her a Canon AE-1. This fascinating woman has worn several hats through her lifetime, putting herself through college as a radio disc jockey, then serving her community as a police officer before the skies enticed her to fly as a commercial airline Captain. She’s always been a passionate wildlife photographer.
Karen has traveled the world, and when she got to Africa, she fell in love with photographing African wildlife. She began designing and leading 5-star small-group wildlife and cultural photo safaris in South Africa in 2012. That soon expanded as guests asked her to take them to new locations. Now she loves sharing the incredible wild spots and wildlife she’s discovered all over Africa, North and South America, from the Arctic to Antarctica, the Middle East to the Far East, and just about everywhere in between. Where do you want to go? She knows the best places and best times to go on safari there!
Karen has taught wildlife photography skills in the field to hundreds of people of every skill level for over a decade, including those who have never held a “real” camera before.
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. Her additional teaching credentials include being an FAA Gold Seal Certified Flight Instructor for over 30 years, and she even teaches children and adults to ride horses!
As a natural teacher who is truly invested in your success, she’s friendly, welcoming, and supportive, no matter your skill level. You’ll really enjoy experiencing the beauty of our natural world as she individually and personally coaches you to confidently take your best shot. Karen’s greatest joys are seeing photographers get to that “aha” moment when it all makes sense, and stoking a passionate fire of excitement about wildlife and conservation in her guests. Aren’t suggestions, instruction, and feedback designed so you can improve the kind of support you want from your guide?
Not only is Karen an accomplished and caring teacher, 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.
Not a photographer? You won’t be left out. Karen can show you how to get the best from your phone’s camera or you can just immerse in the experience of having the best spot from which to observe animals in the wild.
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. She has 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 photographer.
Isn’t it time to get out and capture the world with a competent and caring photography coach by your side? Come on safari with Karen! You’ll have a lot of fun and you’ll dramatically improve your skills, and her clients’ Trip Advisor reviews agree 100%.