Guide: Andrew Beck

I am not a serious photographer but have been fortunate enough to take a couple of Wild Eye trips. I’m a Wild Eye client because of the humans behind the operation, the way I have been cared for, and their sincere dedication to conservation. But along the way I’ve snapped some photos too. I admit they mostly sat untouched because I had little enthusiasm for the editing piece of photography.

I’ve since spent 7 hours with Andrew doing a Lightroom tutorial. Having his eyes on my photos was invaluable. Beyond the technicalities of the program, he has helped me see the potential in my shots – even many I might have trashed if I didn’t know better.

The hours flew by and honestly I’m left with a lot of pride in my photos, which is worth much more than the money paid for the course. Absolutely no regrets here.

If you are thinking about traveling with Andrew, my advice is to stop thinking and start doing. He is the most knowledgeable, kind, considerate and generous photo/tour guide I have ever had the pleasure to spend time with.

He did everything in his power throughout our trip to ensure not only that we came away with some stunning photographs but were immersed in the experience of being out there actually taking them.

I will never forget my time on the Amboseli lakebed lying on the ground next to our vehicle as elephants ambled past. Special moment in a special place shared with some very special people.

“Change the way you see the world”. A phase that became reality for me from the time I met Wild Eye cofounder and wildlife guide Andrew Beck. Three and a half years ago I signed up for my first Wild Eye photographic safari. Eight safaris later, Andrew is still my “go-to guy”.

Whether, while on safari or from his office post-safari, I have benefited from his extremely patient professional approach, extensive knowledge of photography and wildlife, kindness and willingness to help.

There’s never dull moment on safari with Andrew, even when nature is not cooperating he will find opportunities in the field for you to practice various photographic techniques, and today I find myself taking better and better photos, photos I never thought I’d be able to take and building a diverse portfolio.
Who knew learning would be so much fun.

I first met Andrew Beck at the Wild-Eye seminar in June 2015. That was the start of a fantastic friendship for myself and I’m sure the source of much frustration for Andrew!!
I have been on a very steep learning curve with wildlife photography ever since. What separates Andrew for me, is his patience and way of passing on the immense knowledge, ethical respect of the bush and photographic techniques. His teaching skills are second to none and many of my fellow travelers with Wild Eye all feel the same way.

One of Andrew’s favorite sayings during safari is “This place never fails to deliver.” Whenever and wherever he says this, I’m thinking: “Andrew never fails to deliver, either.”
Since 2014, I’ve enlisted him as my photographic guide to Sabi Sabi, Kenya, Tanzania, Zimbabwe, Namibia, and Botswana. With each safari, he has brought something new and creative to my photographic store of knowledge. It could be a new way of seeing wildlife and landscapes, a new way of using the camera, a new way of editing images.
But above and beyond all this, safaris with Andrew always deliver what for me is the most important message: that we go on safari to experience, as fully and as deeply as possible, the richness and diversity of the place that once only lived in our imaginations.

Having his eyes on my photos was invaluable. Beyond the technicalities of the program, he has helped me see the potential in my shots – even many I might have trashed if I didn’t know better.

The hours flew by and honestly I’m left with a lot of pride in my photos, which is worth much more than the money paid for the course.
Absolutely no regrets here.