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Meet Award-Winning Wildlife Photographer Karen Blackwood

What make traveling with wildlife photographer Karen Blackwood different?

Ethics. Professionalism. Knowledge. Integrity. Passion. Friendliness. Competence. Community. Caring. Enthusiasm.

The ability to teach camera skills you’ll finally be able to use after you return home.

In fact, 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. She doesn’t just lead photo safaris, she leads FUN trips.

Check out Karen’s qualifications: She’s trained as a Field Guide. She understands and predicts wildlife behavior so you can count on getting those great shots, evidenced by her own award-winning photos. She’s an IAATO Antarctic Ambassador, NANPA member, 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 photos have been displayed in the USA and Africa in galleries, hospitals, showcases and more. She’s recognized by Share the View as one of the Top Women Photographers. 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.

Does that mean you’ll win awards, too? Very possibly–you’ll get a great foundation while taking the kind of photos you’ve only imagined until now. You’ll definitely go home with images you can proudly hang on your wall.

Pick a trip and sign up before someone else snags your seat. You’ll have a lot of fun and undoubtedly improve your photography skills. Her 100% 5-star Trip Advisor reviews agree, too!

2026:

• Finalist – London Camera Exchange Photographer of the Year 26
• Shortlisted – Bird Photographer of the Year 2026
• Judges’ Choice/Top 31 – NANPA Showcase 2026

2025:

• Semi-Finalist – International Share the View
• 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