Adrian DawsonPhotography has been part of my life for more than forty years.
I first became seriously interested in photography while studying media in the 1980s and, although my professional career subsequently took me into business management and consultancy, photography remained a constant interest throughout.
Over time, wildlife photography became the area that interested me most.
There is something uniquely rewarding about photographing animals in their natural environment: the combination of light, behaviour, patience and unpredictability means no two encounters are ever quite the same.
A lifelong interest in wildlife photography
I have photographed wildlife in both the UK and Africa, and my work has been published in The Times.
Africa, in particular, has become central to my photography.
I have visited the continent many times, stayed in a range of safari camps and spent countless hours photographing wildlife from safari vehicles and in the field.
That experience has taught me that successful wildlife photography is rarely just about equipment.
It is about understanding light, anticipating behaviour, seeing backgrounds, being ready when something happens and, just as importantly, knowing when to stop taking photographs and simply enjoy the moment.
My approach
I believe photography should enhance the wildlife experience, not dominate it.
Sometimes the best advice is technical.
Sometimes it is about waiting for a cleaner background or anticipating what an animal might do next.
And sometimes the best advice is simply:
Put the camera down and enjoy what is happening in front of you.
That philosophy sits at the heart of both my photography and the way I hope to work with safari guests.
Experience in Africa
I have travelled to Africa on numerous occasions and have stayed in safari camps including Governors’ Camp in the Maasai Mara on two occasions.
Those experiences have given me a strong understanding not only of the photographic opportunities available on safari, but also of the importance of the wider guest experience.
A successful safari is about far more than photographs.
It is about wildlife, place, people, atmosphere and the memories created along the way.
My role as a photography host is intended to add to that experience rather than take over from it.
Looking ahead
My focus now is on combining my experience in wildlife photography, Africa and professional communication into a role that helps other people enjoy photography more.
Whether that is through practical advice, safari-hosting support or future hosted photography trips, the aim remains the same:
to make wildlife photography more rewarding, more understandable and more enjoyable.
Equipment and editing
I currently use Nikon Z-series cameras and lenses and photograph in RAW format.
My post-processing is primarily carried out in Adobe Lightroom.
I am comfortable discussing the principles that apply across modern Canon, Nikon and Sony systems, because good wildlife photography ultimately depends more on understanding exposure, autofocus, shutter speed, composition and light than on any particular brand of camera.
If you would like to discuss wildlife photography or safari photography hosting, I would be pleased to hear from you at: adrian@adawsonphotography.com
From business consultancy to photography hosting
Alongside photography, I have spent much of my working life in business and consultancy.
That background may seem very different from wildlife photography, but many of the skills transfer surprisingly well.
Helping people understand something complicated, explaining ideas clearly, adapting to different personalities and building confidence are all equally important when helping somebody improve their photography.
As I move away from full-time consultancy, I am increasingly focusing on wildlife photography and on helping other photographers get more from their safari experience.
Why safari photography hosting?
Many safari guests arrive in Africa with very capable cameras and lenses, but may not always feel completely confident using them in rapidly changing wildlife situations.
A lion may stand up without warning.
A leopard may disappear into cover.
Light can change dramatically within minutes.
There is often very little time to work out which autofocus mode or shutter speed to use.
That is where practical, calm advice can make a real difference.
My aim is not to replace the professional safari guide, but to complement their expertise by concentrating on the photographic side of the experience.
That may involve helping a guest prepare their camera before a game drive, suggesting settings in changing light, discussing composition and positioning, or working through images in Lightroom back at camp.
The objective is simple:
to help guests return home with better photographs, greater confidence and an even better safari experience.
