All posts by Jason Odell

Newfoundland in Focus: Puffins, Gannets & Whales

Photo Safari July 17-24, 2027

I’m excited to announce my 2027 Newfoundland photo safari: Newfoundland in Focus: Puffins, Gannets and Whales, taking place July 17–24, 2027 from St. John’s, Newfoundland, Canada.

This small-group workshop is designed for photographers who want an immersive wildlife experience focused on some of Newfoundland’s most iconic summer subjects: Atlantic puffins, northern gannets, razorbills, murres, and humpback whales.

Newfoundland in summer offers extraordinary access to seabird colonies and marine wildlife. We’ll photograph from prime coastal vantage points and from private zodiac excursions that give us outstanding opportunities for whale and seabird photography.

What We’ll Photograph

Over the course of the safari, we’ll focus on:

  • Atlantic puffins at close range along the Bonavista Peninsula
  • Northern gannets in one of North America’s most spectacular seabird settings at Cape St. Mary’s
  • Razorbills and murres 
  • Humpback whales from two private zodiac outings

The Experience

This is a small-group trip with a maximum of 5 guests, which means plenty of room for individual instruction in the field. I’ll be providing hands-on coaching throughout the safari, along with a pre-trip Zoom orientation session and image review and critique.

Our itinerary includes time in St. John’s, Cape St. Mary’s, Bonavista, and Elliston, giving us access to exceptional bird colonies and whale photography opportunities.

Into Africa: Namibia Photo Safari 2027

Oct. 16-30, 2027 from Windhoek

Full tour itinerary and details

Lioness with her cubs
A lioness approches her cubs in Etosha National Park, Namibia | Image courtesy of Kathryn Haylett

I am excited to announce that I’ve put together an incredible Namibia Photo Safari. This is a very exclusive tour, and it’s limited to just six clients. Yep, no hassles with a large group, and full attention from me and our guide. We’ve got a customized Land Rover (set up for photography) and our own English-speaking guide. Accommodations and most meals are included, including 11 dinners. This is a small-group experience unlike other African safaris, and you’ll have the opportunity to photograph wildlife, landscapes, and the night sky under a quiver-tree forest!

This 14-night tour is round-trip from Windhoek, Namibia (WDH)

What’s Included

Single-occupancy, en-suite accommodations

  • 1 night hotel in Windhoek
  • 5 nights in Etosha National Park
  • 1 night Okonjima Game Reserve including 2 leopard tracking activities
  • 1 night in the Erongo Mountains and Spitzkoppe
  • 2 nights in Swakopmund on the Skeleton Coast including a “Living Desert” experience
  • 2 nights to explore Sossusvlei and Dead Vlei

Also included:

  • English speaking guide and driver
  • Photo instruction with Jason Odell
  • Breakfast every day, and dinners on 11 nights
  • Park entry fees
  • 2x safari activities per day in Etosha National Park
  • 2 leopard tracking activities per person
  • Sunrise tour of Sossusvlei and Dead Vlei
  • Kalahari sunset tour with cheetah photography experience
  • Airport transfers

Online Classes: Now Live on Substack!

Free for all subscribers

After spending the last few months tinkering around with the “Go Live” feature on Substack, I’ve made the decision to migrate my online classes to this platform. In the past, I’ve only offered my classes via Zoom, and that created some logistical challenges… recordings had to be posted, people needed to make sure Zoom was installed, etc. 

In light of this migration, I’m implementing the following benefits to my subscribers:

  • Free Subscribers: Get notified of my live sessions and watch classes live on Substack (desktop or App)
  • Paid Subscriber Tier: Get notified of my live sessions and watch the recordings of the events if you are unable to attend live
  • Photo Enthusiast Tier: Receive my private Zoom link to join my class in real time and ask questions in the Zoom chat

Watch Video Replays on Your TV!

There’s a brand-new Substack App for Apple TV and Google TV that lets you watch content directly on your television! Perfect for watching my online lessons while you follow along on your laptop!

Springtime in Japan 2027

The Photo Enthusiast’s Tour

When: March 31-April 10, 2027
Where: Tokyo-Osaka-Kyoto
Group size: 6-8

Join me on an 11-day private photo tour through Tokyo, Nikko, Mt. Fuji, Osaka, Nara, and Kyoto during cherry blossom season. Limited to 6–8 participants, this immersive experience blends cultural exploration with expert photography instruction.

Tour Highlights

  • Tokyo city tour: Senso-ji, Meiji Shrine, Harajuku, Shibuya, and Shibuya Sky.
  • Excursions to Nikko temples, shrines, and Kegon Falls.
  • Sunrise photography at Mt. Fuji and Lake Yamanaka.
  • High-speed Shinkansen train ride to Osaka.
  • Nara day trip with Todai-ji Temple, Kasuga Taisha, and deer in Nara Park.
  • Osaka’s top sites: Osaka Castle, Tenjinbashisuji, Umeda Sky, and Shinsekai.
  • Kyoto experiences: Fushimi Inari Shrine, Arashiyama Bamboo Grove, Tenryu-ji, and a traditional ryokan stay.
  • Leisure days in Tokyo and Kyoto for personal exploration

This special tour is capped at eight participants. Booking is on a first-come basis. Reserve your seat by contacting me directly. Check the link below for the detailed itinerary and tour pricing.

2026 Photo Tours and Safaris

Be sure to check out my complete 2026 photo workshop/tour schedule!

Light streaming through a redwood forest.
Explore the majestic California redwoods and southern Oregon coast with me May 17-21, 2026

I’ve added a few more safaris for this year, including:

My photo safaris and workshops allow you to experience the magic of photography in a small-group setting. Most of my workshops are limited to eight photographers or fewer. You’ll not only learn the best camera settings, but also my end to end workflow from capture to final output.

See what my clients have to say about my tours!

Event Calendar