ICONS: specialised photo adventures

A new look at tailor-made travel

Most know what they want to see and why, but sometimes a bit of inspiration – and help – is needed. As such, I’ve grouped together some of my favourite destinations under a new “ICONS” banner. These are not just always destination-driven, but can focus on specific species too. One of my favourite exercises is to put together an itinerary for a specific species – or natural event – that maximises your photographic opportunities. I’ve lost count of the times I’ve set up grizzly trips, polar bear excursions and sojourns through Africa for the migration for example.

In the last eight years, I have been increasingly asked to organize and set-up tailored trips for individuals, couples and families (or friends!) wishing to get best wildlife experience they can. Since 1994, I’ve been lucky enough to work globally and it’s that network and experience I am making available. ICONS is our new name for the bespoke service we have offered in the past, and groups together a range of options that I previously did not make available, and adds in some extra benefits for booking too!

EXPERIENCE. DELIVERED.

I’ve always been frustrated that many “trips” that are supposedly geared for individual needs end up being a simple “bed-filling” exercise. Everywhere I send you will be because I have been there (often multiple times) before you, working…without guests. As such, you can be certain I’m putting you EXACTLY where I would go to achieve the experience you are after.

All of these ICONS trips will therefore use the same locations, guides, equipment and techniques as if they were guided trips…but are utterly personalised. So, you get all the fun without having to listen to me drone on!

Sometimes these will be trips that are defined and full in their own right; sometimes they will be extensions or add-ons to other trips (perhaps to one of my guided trips in fact?). Every itinerary is tailored – not off the shelf – and as I say, you have the confidence that I’ve been there and worked… not just visited on a single night stay to see if the lodge is ok!

Click here to download some FAQ about this specialised service 

OTHER BENEFITS

As you’re not on a guided trip with me, you won’t have the (dubious) pleasure of my company. So, to make up for that, every person who books an ICONS adventure will also have the following included:

• Pre-departure zoom call going through all the photographic points you will need to know
• Full pre-departure notes on what to expect, ideas on techniques,
• Photo “assignments” – why not take up the challenge of one of my previous projects and see what you can come back with?
• A day’s “refresher” tuition in person – where possible and practical! – for those on the trip. (This is transferrable if not logistically possible for you to make it)
• A post trip review of up to 30 pictures (as well as the assignment if taken on…) to discuss what went right, what went wrong and what you could do in the future.
• If booking a Churchill Wild polar trip through me, a 5% discount on all their published prices until the end of 2025

So, if any of the following are on your radar, then why not drop me an email first? The list will always evolve as work takes me to new places and exciting projects, but, well, at least this gives you an idea!

COUNTRIES

NOTE: this is not an exhaustive list…and there are multiple options within each location of course!

• Botswana
• Zambia  
• Zimbabwe
• Namibia  
• Tanzania
• Kenya
• Sri Lanka
• Ecuador
• South Africa
• Chile
• Brazil
• Congo
• Uganda
• Rwanda
• Central African Republic
• Gabon Canada
• Alaska
• The Arctic
• India
• Borneo
• Bolivia

FOR SOME IDEAS…WHY NOT CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD SOME “STARTER” OPTIONS

(these are suitably vague and purely to give you some ideas!)

OR SIMPLY CLICK HERE TO EMAIL ME WITH WHAT’S ON YOUR BUCKET LIST!

“On location” trips

Every so often – and it’s not often that predictable – I will be working somewhere on a project and can free up some time at the end of it (or in the midst of it) to host a small group. These trips are not posted on the website until full, but are made available to those who’ve expressed an interest in a certain area/species on a first-refusal basis. I shall contact you if an option exists, and give you the chance to come along. I will be there anyway working, so it’s more of the fact that I can free up some time and open up the option.

So, always keep me posted on what you’d love to see, as perhaps although nothing seems obvious on the groups, and you don’t want the expense of doing it bespoke, then I can keep you in mind for a future off-grid trip if it becomes available. Let me know if this appeals!

FOR PROFESSIONAL FILMING, DRONING, DOCUMENTARY AND CREW REQUIREMENTS, SEND AN EMAIL DIRECTLY TO ANDY@FAUNAVISTA.COM