Charles Janson Wildlife Photography Tour Guide

About Dr Charles Janson

Dr Charles Janson is an award-winning wildlife photographer, zoologist and university professor whose career has been dedicated to studying and documenting the natural world. Holding a PhD in Zoology, Charlie is also a primatologist and behavioural ecologist whose scientific research has taken him from the rainforests of South America to the mountains and coastlines of North America. His photography has received international recognition, including awards from Nature Photographer of the Year and the Nikon Comedy Wildlife Awards.

What makes Charlie unique as a Nature Talks guide is his rare combination of scientific expertise and photographic experience. Having spent decades studying animal behaviour professionally, he helps guests understand not only how to photograph wildlife, but also how animals behave and interact with their environment.

For Charlie, a love of nature came long before photography. As he explains: “Definitely a love of nature, which my parents told me I showed as early as 3–4 years old. I did not get my first camera until I was seven.”

Today, he uses photography to look more closely at nature, preserve memorable encounters and share his passion for wildlife with others. As Charlie puts it: “If I can inspire, or reinforce, a love of nature with my images, I feel I have accomplished a small bit to make people want to preserve it.”

Wildlife, Science and Photography

Charlie has spent decades studying wildlife in the field, giving him a deep understanding of animal behaviour that he shares with guests on his tours. This unique blend of scientific knowledge and photographic experience helps photographers anticipate behaviour, recognise opportunities and create more compelling wildlife images.

His favourite subjects range from tiny pikas to mighty brown bears. As Charlie explains, “Not only are pikas intrinsically cute, but they are the ultimate survivors.” He is equally fascinated by brown bears for “the captivating combination of ferocious strength and loving tolerance that the females show toward their offspring.”

Charles’ Approach to Teaching Photography

Charlie believes photography should be both enjoyable and intentional. Rather than focusing solely on camera settings, he encourages photographers to think about the ideas and stories behind their images.

As he asks: “What made you take THIS photo among the infinity of ones you COULD have taken? What idea or story attracted you?”

Once photographers understand the fundamentals, Charlie encourages experimentation and creativity. “After that it is just practice — mastering the technical stuff — and play, opening your mind to different perspectives and notions of what an image could be.”

What he enjoys most is helping photographers develop their confidence and skills. “I love seeing fellow photographers improve, at whatever level they start from. I love seeing the excitement they share when they have mastered some skill or taken a memorable image.”

Memorable Encounters in the Wild

One of Charlie’s most memorable wildlife encounters came during fieldwork in Peru, when he unexpectedly found himself face-to-face with a large male puma on a remote jungle trail.

“I was immediately struck by three thoughts: what an incredibly gorgeous animal he was; how defenceless I was; and how far away from help I was.”

The encounter remains one of his most vivid memories from a lifetime spent studying wildlife in the field.

Why Travel With Charles?

Travelling with Charlie is an opportunity to learn from someone who combines the eye of an award-winning wildlife photographer with the expertise of a professional zoologist and behavioural ecologist. Few photography guides can explain not only how to photograph wildlife, but also why animals behave the way they do.

Guests gain a unique insight into animal behaviour, helping them anticipate wildlife encounters, understand their subjects more deeply and create stronger wildlife photographs. Whether you are a beginner or an experienced photographer, Charlie’s knowledge, patience and passion for nature help make every day in the field more rewarding.

Book a Tour with Charles Janson

Charlie leads Nature Talks wildlife photography tours where guests benefit from a rare combination of scientific expertise, wildlife fieldcraft and photographic guidance. These small-group tours are designed to help you improve your photography while gaining a deeper understanding of the animals and ecosystems you are photographing.

Explore Charles’ upcoming tours below and reserve your place.