Photographer & Co-Founder

Jaren A. Fernley is a professional wildlife photographer, videographer, and co-founder of Untamed Photo Safaris. With over eight years of experience photographing African wildlife, she has worked extensively across Kenya, Ethiopia, Uganda, Tanzania, Namibia, Botswana, Zambia, South Africa, and Zimbabwe. Her work reflects a deep understanding of wildlife behaviour, light, and composition, developed through years spent in the field across diverse ecosystems.

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Jaren has led photographic safaris in Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, Namibia, and Botswana, guiding photographers through some of Africa’s most iconic wildlife regions. She is also a specialist in photographic hides and low-angle wildlife photography, with long-term experience working from hides and consulting on their use. Much of her career has been shaped by time spent in the Serengeti and the Masai Mara, where she has photographed and filmed lion prides over many years.

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At Untamed Photo Safaris, Jaren plays a central role both in the field and behind the scenes. She works directly with guests on safari, teaching wildlife photography and helping position vehicles to achieve the best possible photographic angles. She is also the main point of contact for direct bookings and safari logistics, ensuring each trip is carefully planned from start to finish. Guests trust Jaren for her deep technical knowledge, calm field presence, and ability to consistently get the best out of wildlife photography in East African conditions.

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Wildlife Photography & Teaching Approach

Jaren is widely admired for her clear, structured, and patient teaching style in the field. She focuses on helping photographers understand how to read behaviour, work with light, and photograph subjects methodically rather than rushing from sighting to sighting. Her approach encourages guests to build complete visual stories, from wider environmental images to detailed portraits, creating stronger and more intentional work.

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Conservation and respect for wildlife sit at the core of Jaren’s teaching philosophy. She places great importance on ethical photography and ensures that animal welfare always comes first. Guests learn not only how to improve their images, but also how to photograph responsibly, with patience and awareness.

Technically, Jaren is highly experienced across a wide range of camera systems and settings. She provides practical, in-the-moment guidance on exposure, autofocus, composition, and adapting to changing light. Her instruction is tailored to each guest’s experience level, making her equally effective with beginners and experienced photographers.

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Life on Safari & Guest Experience

Life on safari with Jaren is calm, inclusive, and thoughtfully paced. She ensures that every guest is treated equally and receives the support they were promised, creating an environment where photographers feel comfortable learning and asking questions. Her strong technical knowledge allows her to assist quickly with camera settings in challenging situations, from fast action to low light conditions.

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Jaren is also highly regarded for her constructive photographic critiques, helping guests understand how to refine their work and improve long after the safari has ended. Her editorial experience in the field, particularly when working with lodges, adds further depth to her guidance, especially for photographers looking to build strong portfolios.

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Above all, travelling with Jaren is about feeling supported, respected, and fully immersed in the experience. Her dedication to fairness, education, and ethical wildlife photography is what defines the guest experience at Untamed Photo Safaris.