Well, not completely of course (so those of you that had initially got very excited there can calm down again…sorry to disappoint!), but from the photo adventures point of view it’s going to be an exit stage right (presumably pursued by a bear…) for me by the end of August 2026.
Firstly, panic not. All the trips that are scheduled and booked for this year, 2027 and those in 2028 are running as per normal – nothing changes at all in that sense. Also, if I’m committed to be there, I still will be too. All that IShappening is that from 31 August, I will not be taking on any more requests for organising photographic adventures and as such, essentially we are closing down that side of things.
It’s nothing personal hahahaha! For all of you that have been on a trip with me, or organised by me, you’ve all been nothing other than fantastic and I’ve had a real blast getting to either show you some of the places I know, work and love so much in person or with the aid of some of my guiding teams when I’ve not been able to be there with you.
However, trips were never meant to be a “thing” and I started them purely on the basis of trying to change the idea of how a photographic adventure could be organised and led. It doesn’t mean I had all the answers (indeed, did I have any?!), but at least if you know how trips CAN be, it gives you the chance to shape your future adventures from the driving seat and not the passenger seat.
On that basis, remember, don’t accept financing some amateur’s portfolio by going on a “photo-led” trip! Make sure if you’re accompanied there’s a genuine need, you learn something new and they have a track record. You wouldn’t give your car to be serviced by a complete novice, so why trust your photographic holiday and adventure the same way?
So, there you go. Of course I’ll still be here – working on articles, books and a new documentary series as well as popping up at exhibitions around the country too and of course at my fund-raising talks. I’m not retiring from wildlife just yet…but will be leaving the travel side of things behind.
As such, if there’s anything perhaps you missed out on/couldn’t make because it clashed or if there are destinations still on your agenda that you’d like me to put together, then do reach out. Options for 2027 and 2028 exist for tailored travel, and if enough want to go to the same place as a group, and I’ll ensure we get this all lined up for you. This can include extensions to current trips you have booked of course too.
In terms of groups, we have two sets of people going to China in 2028 (all full) and a cruise up the Congo and Sangha rivers (with me) also (sadly, also already full too). I will, therefore, be able to put in another trip to Chile in 2028 for those wishing a puma-fix with my excellent guiding team there. If that appeals – let me know.
Otherwise, all the travel will tend towards individual, couple, or small friend/family groups. From Alaska to Zimbabwe – we can have one more go at putting it together for you – just ping me a line.
So, just as a final reminder…from the end of August 2026, I won’t be taking on any new enquiries.
Last but not least, a big, big thank you to all of you who have entrusted their wildlife photography and travel (in part or full) to me in the last 7 or 8 years. I hope you have had as much fun as me.