Paul Joynson-Hicks
Raised in London and England’s Sussex countryside, Paul followed his passion for photography straight out of school. He honed his life lessons, business savvy and complex lighting strategies as an assistant to pro photographer Angelo Valentino, then moved to Africa to shoot a Uganda travel photo book. Living and working as a wildlife photographer and guide in East and Central Africa since 1993, Paul has since published three more photography books, including Safari Dreaming–An African Adventure in The South Luangwa Valley, which he shot completely on film, and SAADANI–A Celebration, his first major digital production. At the heart of his photography is an exuberant passion for Africa. A Tanzanian citizen, he speaks fluent Swahili and has honed an insightful perception of local cultures. He has a deep and passionate interest in wildlife and birdlife that he is excited to share with Nat Hab guests while guiding our photo adventures.
In his other pursuits, Paul has established several successful charitable organizations. In Uganda, he worked with street children to create the Tigers Football Club. In Tanzania, he started the Goat Races, an annual fixture that has raised more than $1 million over the past 15 years. In 2004, he established Wonder Workshop to enable disabled men and women to produce creative metal artwork, wooden toys, recycled paper products and handmade soap, which are now earning commissions from around the world. He also established Molly’s Network, enabling local accreditation and capacity building for small grassroots organizations. Most recently, in 2015 he launched the Comedy Wildlife Photography Awards to help increase awareness for conservation issues through widespread media attention to humorous, eye-catching images in nature.
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Upcoming Adventures with Paul:
Praise from Nat Hab Travelers:
P. Holt
"Paul was outstanding. As an Expedition Leader, both his wealth of information as a professional photographer and his sensitivity to each individual's needs contributed to everyone having an enjoyable and valuable safari experience. He is a winner—knowledgeable, fun and upbeat!"
T. Hudson
"Paul is spectacular. He is a phenomenal pro wildlife photographer and teacher, world-class expert, fluent in Swahili, amazingly fun and an effective leader. He is the best guide I've ever experienced on a safari. He's a superstar and found us sightings that were beyond belief."
M. Moen
"Paul was an outstanding Expedition Leader in every way. He was personable, energetic and very fun to be with. He was an excellent naturalist with an especially keen understanding of animal behavior. He was patient and thorough in teaching us how to photograph wildlife and how to process our photos. His own skills as a photographer were awe inspiring."
P. Hymel
"Paul was superb and the best guide I have ever had on a journey. Not only was he a proactive and patient teacher as far as photography goes, but he also made sure everyone had equal attention spent time with each traveler. He kept us all laughing and taught me so much about how to improve my pictures!! I will make sure to travel with him again!"
H. Walter
"Paul was an outstanding Expedition Leader. His assistance included help with all aspects of enhancing my photos—equipment, settings, choosing the shot, processing, techniques, etc. He was also extremely knowledgeable about the animals. Paul knows Africa, and I look forward to joining him on future tours."
S. Albrecht
"Paul was simply the best photography guide and Expedition Leader I have experienced. And I have been with lots. He was knowledgeable, fun, committed and made sure we all had a great time."
"Paul was outstanding. As an Expedition Leader, both his wealth of information as a professional photographer and his sensitivity to each individual's needs contributed to everyone having an enjoyable and valuable safari experience. He is a winner—knowledgeable, fun and upbeat!"
T. Hudson
"Paul is spectacular. He is a phenomenal pro wildlife photographer and teacher, world-class expert, fluent in Swahili, amazingly fun and an effective leader. He is the best guide I've ever experienced on a safari. He's a superstar and found us sightings that were beyond belief."
M. Moen
"Paul was an outstanding Expedition Leader in every way. He was personable, energetic and very fun to be with. He was an excellent naturalist with an especially keen understanding of animal behavior. He was patient and thorough in teaching us how to photograph wildlife and how to process our photos. His own skills as a photographer were awe inspiring."
P. Hymel
"Paul was superb and the best guide I have ever had on a journey. Not only was he a proactive and patient teacher as far as photography goes, but he also made sure everyone had equal attention spent time with each traveler. He kept us all laughing and taught me so much about how to improve my pictures!! I will make sure to travel with him again!"
H. Walter
"Paul was an outstanding Expedition Leader. His assistance included help with all aspects of enhancing my photos—equipment, settings, choosing the shot, processing, techniques, etc. He was also extremely knowledgeable about the animals. Paul knows Africa, and I look forward to joining him on future tours."
S. Albrecht
"Paul was simply the best photography guide and Expedition Leader I have experienced. And I have been with lots. He was knowledgeable, fun, committed and made sure we all had a great time."
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