William Fortescue

Hailed as one of the finest photographers of his generation William has a first class degree in Marine and Natural History Photography and has spent the last four years photographing wildlife across East Africa.

Following his degree William honed his craft as the first ‘resident photographer’ for Governors’ Camp Collection, running photographic safaris for their guests while also undertaking assignments in Namibia, Rwanda, Tanzania, Ethiopia, Uganda and most recently, the Arctic Circle.

His focus on photography as a strong conservation tool has seen him partner with a variety of conservation organisations and has utilised his work to raise over £110,000 for charity since 2020.

Matt Armstrong-Ford

With over a decade of experience in the safari industry, Matt now specialises in highly exclusive wildlife expeditions around the world. From the plains of Africa to the jungles of India or the remote northern most wilderness of the Arctic circle, Matt has gained a reputation as one of the leading private guides in the industry and regular photographic contributor to the ‘Remembering Wildlife’ book series, one of the most successful conservation fundraising initiatives around.

His passion for wildlife and experience as a naturalist, combined with his expertise in photographing some of the most iconic wildlife around the world ensures you stand the best chance of coming away with the shots you have long dreamed of. With Matt’s “wildlife first” approach, not only will you create incredible images but also enjoy a truly authentic wildlife experience and memories that will last a life time.

Describe your dream safari?

“For me I think it would have to be Kenya based. It’s where my safari bug first took hold and where I could really spend time following my favourite animals, elephants. I’d start in Tsavo then head to the Chyulu Hills and Amboseli, working on some super tusker images. Then I’d head for Borana or Lewa in the foothills of Mt. Kenya and finish with a few days in Lamu or Diani on the coast.”
Will
“Tough one to start. For my wedding we went to Zambia, Kafue National Park, and tying the knot in a place that’s always been deeply special to me was very moving. Perhaps I’ve already had my dream safari? Alaska has always been high on my list but if we were sticking to Africa then perhaps a deep dive in to Namibia, the Skeleton coast, the Caprivi Strip and the epic landscapes in between, that would be tough to beat.”

Matt

Any close encounters out there on safari?

“I've had a lion a little too close to my toes while I was guiding in Zambia, perhaps he took offence to the smell? Often we'd have wildlife coming through camp and I've had elephants with their trunk in my shower while I was trying to wash my hair or lions interrupting sundowners as I was pouring gin and tonics!”

Matt

“I'd love to say no but it comes with the territory really. Most animals will always give you warning signs if you're too close, particularly those I spend most of my time photographing (elephants, rhinos and big cats). That said there'll always be moments you accidentally take an animal by surprise. When I lived in the Maasai Mara I hid from a charging elephant in a linen cupboard and I've had a couple of lions take more interest than I'd have liked in my safari vehicle, but nothing out of the ordinary really. Oh, I did get punched by a gorilla this year in Uganda, but I think he was just making sure I didn't get in his way”
Will

What’s Your Top Photo Tip?

“Do your research and be patient. I’m always staggered how much people will spend to come on safari but then leave a sighting after 20 minutes. If you can spend eight hours on the plane to get there, put the hours in at the sightings, it’s always worth it.”

Matt

“Get as low and as close (as is safe) to your subjects. It adds a real dynamic to your image. Put down the telephoto lens and pick up a wide angle. You’ll take less images but I guarantee they’ll be better.
Will

What’s been your favourite moment with guests?

“Again, a real toughie. It's a close call between showing our guests their first polar bear on our Arctic trip this year or seeing elephant twins in Amboseli in 2022. It's so rare to see twins and our guests were then able to visit the Amboseli Trust for Elephants later that day and learn all about the conservation going on to protect them behind the scenes. Any trip where we can get more hands on with the conservation side is a real high for me.”
Will
“My parents came on our Arctic trip this year and it was such a treat being able to show them one of the most remote places on earth. I've had some pretty exhilarating moments too and I think following wild dogs while they make a kill is seriously tough to top. I'm hoping to show this to Will for the first time in Zambia this October.”

Matt