Artist Bio
James Gradwell is an international awarded travel photographer.
His love of travel has taken him to 53 countries, included 3 years living in the USA, 1 year in South America and countless trips through Africa.
James’ images hang in Cape Town’s ‘Semback Fine Art from Africa Gallery’ and are displayed on walls across the globe. He has been featured in numerous publications, including Nat Geo.
Travelers Notebook
Where It All Began
I started photography as a way to capture the beauty surrounding me while working as a Safari Guide at Londolozi. Right from the first click I was hooked. I believe my Safari Guide training helped hone my eye as within my first year I was signed on as a wildlife stock photographer for Gallo & Getty Images.
For 6 years I worked as Wildlife Stock Photographer and Professional Safari Guide at Londolozi, Ngala and Phinda before becoming Head Guide at the Relais Chateaux Bushmanskloof. I left lodge life to follow a childhood dream and spent a year in South America living with a remote Amazon tribe while working with Tropic Eco. These changes influenced my photography and I diversified from wildlife photography into travel photography.
From South America I moved to Cape Town initially working as a Safari Director for Micato Safaris before combining all my work experience to create Photography Tours
In the Spotlight
Artist Statement
I have been blessed with some talents that have allowed me to travel the world and follow my passions. But it all means nothing if I don’t give back…
My Parents run a Non Profit Children’s Home on the Durban South Coast that currently houses 59 children. Proceeds from sales go towards supporting this home. Because I too, came from a children’s home, my parents adopted me as a baby and completely changed my life.
There are an estimated 2,5 Million orphaned children in South Africa. You can also donate directly on the Mother of Peace website.
Qualifications
4yr Degree in Nature Conservation
Field Guide Association of South Africa (FGASA)
Level I: Theoretical test
Level II: 260 days of verified Safari Guide experience + theoretical + practical tests
Level III: 520 days of verified Safari Guide experience + theoretical + practical tests
Tourist Guide: Western Cape, Eastern Cape, Northern Cape
Work Experience
Safari Guide for 6 years between Londolozi, Phinda, Ngala and Tau Game Lodges
Head Guide at Relais Chateaux Bushmanskloof Lodge
Consultant & Guide Tropiceco (South America)
Consultant & Guide Grootbos (Western Cape)
Safari Director for Micato Safaris (The World’s No 1. Safari Operator).
James has taken all the experience he has gained working for the very best Safari Operators in Africa and beyond to create his own award winning business Photography Tours
“I am a hunter gather of light instead of painting cave walls
I photograph moments!”
James Gradwell
Publications
Photography Awards
Photo Tour Business Awards
Countries Visited
Services
That I Offer
Photo Drop
High-Res image which is emailed to the
printing lab of your choice.
Best option for internationals
Safari Photographer
Do a safari at Tau Game Lodge in the Madikwe Game Reserve. where I will accompany you to professional photograph your experience
Order Images from Website
Any Image is available to purchase directly from here, simply email me a screen shot and I will send prices and payment link
Fine Art Prints
I work with a premium printing lab for Acrylic, Aluminum & wood prints. Read more here
Gallery Images
I have 16 Images in the Sembach “Fine Art from Africa Gallery” 66 Strand Street, Cape Town
Canvas Prints
Purchase my Images directly online https://livingcanvas.co.za/artist/james-gradwell/
Travel Photo Trips
From your personal professional photographer to personalized photo tours! For detailed info please visit Photo Tours page
Cape Town Photo Tours
With my team Photography Tours we run photo tours, photo walks;
wildlife and bird photo safaris
Licensing
No one size fits all. Websites, Social Media, Adverting, magazines, brochures. Please email inquires my rates are reasonable.
Images of Me
Not often I’m in front of the Lens
Little Too Close For Comfort, Namibia
No shared language, it didn’t matter. Eastern Turkey
Monument Valley
Obligatory Pose, USA
Selfie 2023
South Africa
Drop Me a Line
Prints. Photo Tours. Licensing. Professional Photography. Let me know if you have any questions!