Luxury Travel Photographer - Around the World by Private Jet

A Luxury Travel Photographer’s Journey Across 7 Extraordinary Destinations

There are travel experiences, and then there are journeys that completely redefine what is possible.

This was one of those journeys.

Working as the official photographer, videographer and Photographic Enrichment Coach for Abercrombie & Kent on their 25-day “Wildlife Safari: Around the World by Private Jet” was, without question, one of the most extraordinary assignments of Juliet’s career.

Spanning continents, climates and cultures, this was not simply a travel experience. It was a full immersion into the diversity of our world, from Arctic-like mountain conditions to tropical island life and vast African savannas.

From the snow-covered forests of Japan to the golden plains of Kenya, every destination brought its own rhythm, its own light and its own story to tell.

The Role: Travel Photographer, Videographer & Storyteller

On a journey of this scale, the role of the photographer goes far beyond simply taking pictures.

Juliet was there to document every layer of the experience, from iconic wildlife encounters and landscapes to the smaller, more intimate moments that often carry the most meaning.

At the same time, she supported guests as their Photographic Enrichment Coach, helping them elevate their own photography and capture the journey in a more considered way.

It was a role that required complete presence, technical precision and a deep understanding of storytelling.

The Journey: Seven Destinations, One Extraordinary Experience

Over the course of 25 days, the journey unfolded across seven remarkable destinations:

Japan – Snow monkeys and serene winter landscapes
Philippines – Whale sharks and tropical island life
Malaysia – Orangutans and dense jungle ecosystems
India – Tigers, culture and rich colour
Rwanda – Mountain gorillas and emotional depth
Madagascar – Lemurs and sensory island living
Kenya – Big Five safari and the Masai Mara

Each destination brought a completely different photographic environment, requiring constant adaptation, both technically and creatively.

Life on a Private Jet Expedition

Travelling by private jet transforms the experience entirely.

The custom Boeing 757 became a central part of the journey, not just for transport, but as a space to reset, review images and prepare for what was next.

With a small group of guests, everything felt seamless and considered. Logistics were handled effortlessly, including something that felt like the ultimate luxury, a dedicated luggage manager for the entire trip.

For a photographer travelling with extensive equipment, this was a game changer.

Juliet travelled with three large camera bags alongside two substantial hold bags, filled with everything from snow boots and cold-weather gear for Japan to lightweight clothing for tropical climates, as well as smart evening wear for dinners.

Having someone manage that movement between destinations was, quite simply, incredible.

Luxury travel photography

The Gear Behind the Journey

Photographing a journey like this requires a carefully considered setup.

Juliet worked with a combination of Canon 5D Mark IV bodies and the Canon R5 mirrorless camera, allowing for both reliability and versatility across different environments.

Her core kit included:

16–35mm lens for wide, environmental storytelling
50mm prime lens for natural, intimate imagery
70–200mm f2.8 for versatility across subjects
100–400mm lens with a 1.4x extender for wildlife
DJI Mavic Mini drone for aerial perspectives

Alongside this, there was the essential supporting kit:

MacBook Pro for editing and image management
Multiple hard drives for backup and storage
A full system of chargers, cables and extension leads
Portable lighting and speedlights

All of this was carried in Peak Design camera bags, including a backpack, messenger bag and travel bag. These were invaluable throughout the trip, offering both durability and practicality across constantly changing environments.

It is no exaggeration to say that this journey would have been significantly more challenging without them.

The Reality Behind the Lens

While the imagery from a journey like this may feel effortless, the reality behind the scenes is anything but.

This was an intense assignment.

Days regularly stretched to 15 hours or more, with constant movement between locations, climates and time zones. Every moment was an opportunity to capture something, which meant being switched on creatively at all times.

And then came the editing.

In today’s world, there is an expectation for immediacy. Guests are understandably excited about what they have experienced and eager to relive those moments through photography as quickly as possible.

One moment that perfectly captures this reality was after trekking with the gorillas in Rwanda.

Having just spent an incredibly emotional and physically demanding hour with the gorillas, we were making our way back down a steep, muddy mountain. Covered in mud, navigating difficult terrain, the experience was still very much unfolding.

And yet, the question came, naturally and enthusiastically:

“When can we have the photos?”

It is completely understandable.

But it also highlights the challenge.

Because behind that question lies the reality of needing to get back to electricity, download files, back everything up securely, begin editing and deliver images at speed, all while moving on to the next destination.

Add in multiple time zones, travel fatigue and a tightly packed schedule, and it becomes a true test of both organisation and endurance.

Wildlife safari photography

A Photographer’s Perspective: Capturing the World in Motion

Photographing a journey like this is about far more than technical ability.

It is about awareness.

Understanding light as it shifts across different continents. Reading environments quickly. Anticipating moments before they happen.

It is also about instinct.

Knowing when to shoot and when to pause. When to focus on the detail and when to step back and capture the bigger picture.

Over more than 20 years of professional photography, Juliet has developed a style that balances all of these elements, allowing her to capture images that feel both natural and intentional.

More Than Photography: Human Connection

Beyond the landscapes and wildlife, it is often the human moments that leave the deepest impression.

From conversations with guests on the jet to connections with local communities across each destination, these interactions add richness and depth to the journey.

They remind you that travel is not just about places, but about people.

A Full Circle Journey

What made this journey so powerful was the contrast between each destination and how they connected together as a whole.

To begin in the snow-covered mountains of Japan, photographing snow monkeys in freezing temperatures, and to end in the warm, open savannas of Kenya surrounded by the Big Five, felt almost surreal.

From icy landscapes to tropical humidity, from dense jungle to open plains, this journey showcased the extraordinary diversity of our planet in a way that very few experiences can.

It was not just a physical journey across the world, but an emotional and creative one too.

Each destination added something new.

A new perspective, appreciation, and story.

Wildlife safari photography

Moments That Stayed

Looking back, it is almost impossible for Juliet to choose just one standout moment.

From the very beginning, standing with three camera bags packed for a 25-day journey around the world, there was a quiet realisation. This is actually happening. And once the trip began, those moments of awe never really stopped.

Swimming with whale sharks in the Philippines was one of the first. Being fully immersed in the water, with no distractions, just these vast, gentle creatures moving effortlessly around her, was both humbling and grounding. It was one of those rare moments where time seemed to slow down completely.

In Rwanda, the experience shifted into something far more emotional. Trekking with the gorillas brought an extraordinary sense of connection. At one point, a mother gorilla and her baby passed right by her feet. There was nothing to do but stand still and take it in. The stillness, the proximity and the quiet respect of the moment made it unforgettable.

Madagascar brought a completely different energy. Time spent with the lemurs was playful and full of life. Watching them jump and interact so freely was a reminder of how joyful wildlife photography can be when the environment is thriving.

From a photographic perspective, a few images stand out. A portrait of an orangutan in Borneo, surrounded by soft green jungle, where the rich tones of its fur stood out almost like a painting. And a gorilla in Rwanda, captured in a quiet, reflective moment, showing a softness and personality that goes beyond documentation.

Of course, the journey also came with challenges. In Malaysia, intense humidity meant lenses would fog almost instantly when moving between environments. It was a small detail, but one that required constant awareness to avoid missing key moments.

India and Japan both offered powerful visual inspiration in very different ways. India was vibrant, fast-paced and full of colour, while Japan felt calm, layered and beautifully understated.

And while the private jet made travel seamless, some of the most memorable moments came in other ways. From tuk-tuks in the Philippines to a sunrise hot air balloon over the Maasai Mara, each experience brought a new perspective.

Floating silently above the plains, watching wildlife move below as the sun rose, was one of the most peaceful moments of the entire journey.

More than anything, this experience reinforced why Juliet does what she does.

To witness the world in this way.
To connect with people, places and wildlife.
And to capture those moments so they can be shared and remembered.

Explore Each Destination in More Detail

If you’d like to dive deeper into each part of the journey, you can explore the individual stories from every destination:

Each article captures the unique atmosphere, wildlife and moments that made every location so special.

Luxury Travel Photography by JL Creative

At JL Creative, we specialise in capturing luxury travel, wildlife and adventure experiences with a natural, vibrant and story-led approach.

Your Travel Photographer

If you are a luxury travel brand, tour operator or destination looking for photography that captures the essence of your experience, we would love to hear from you.

FAQs About Luxury Travel Photography & Around the World Assignments

What does a travel photographer do on a private jet expedition?

A travel photographer documents the full story of the journey, including landscapes, wildlife, cultural moments and guest experiences, creating a cohesive visual narrative.

What is the biggest challenge of photographing a trip like this?

The pace and immediacy.

Managing multiple time zones, constant travel, high expectations for quick photo delivery and physically demanding environments all at once requires both organisation and stamina.

What gear do you need for an around-the-world photography assignment?

A flexible and reliable setup is key. This typically includes multiple camera bodies, a range of lenses, backup systems, a laptop for editing and secure storage solutions such as hard drives.