Wildlife Guiding in
Coastal North Carolina
With its wide variety of habitats, from coastal wetlands to forests and grasslands, Eastern North Carolina is home to a diverse array of wildlife, from majestic bald eagles and white tailed deer to rare and endangered species such as the red cockaded woodpecker and the critically endangered red wolf.
The area is also known for having the largest concentration of black bears in the world as well as a wide range of reptiles and amphibians. In addition, it hosts one of the biggest wintering bird migrations in the United States
Coastal North Carolina
Tour Overview
I offer full day private wildlife and photographic guiding for up to 3 individuals. We will typically leave before sunrise, take a break during the day and return in the afternoon and stay through sun set. This allows us to look for and photograph wildlife when it is most active and capture the beautiful glow of the morning and late afternoon light. Of course if there is wildlife activity during mid-day, we always have the option of skipping the break and staying. Or we could use the mid-day to travel to another area for a different wildlife experience.
The day is completely yours, and I can tailor it to whatever timeline you have and the wildlife you would most like to see or photograph. Whether you are a beginner photographer or an expert, I will design a trip built around your needs and will provide expert guidance with settings, positioning and lighting. You will be driven in a very comfortable 4 wheel drive SUV with plenty of space for all your gear.
Your safety and the safety and welfare of the wildlife we encounter are my highest priority. To that end, we will always respect the boundaries that animals set. We will never push or harass wildlife and if an animal shows signs of distress or discomfort, we will back off or leave the area to allow the animal to have the space they need. Every animal is an individual and has different tolerance levels and we'll always approach wildlife interactions with that in mind.
What's included
- Pickup and drop off at your accommodations
- Photography guidance and learning
- Water and a variety of snacks
- Use of high quality binoculars
- Reflective vests if required during certain months
- Bug spray and sunblock if needed

Pricing
Up to 3 Spots Available per trip
$775 for 1 person
Each additional person is $100
(maximum 2 additional people)
- There is a 10% discount on the total fee for any bookings of 2 or more days
- A 50% deposit is required to confirm your tour dates. The balance is due 1 week prior to the start of the tour
- I offer a pick up and drop off service between RDU airport (or airport hotels) and the coast for $150
Travel With Jennifer Hadley

About Me
I have loved wildlife and nature my whole life. I currently live in Raleigh, North Carolina and travel all over the world photographing wildlife in their natural habitat. I especially love behavioral and storytelling type of photography and showing people what wonderful creatures we share this planet with. My photography has been featured in numerous publications worldwide and I have won several photographic contests including the top prize of the 2022 Comedy Wildlife Photography Awards. I have also filmed and co-produced two conservation documentary films featuring the need for safe wildlife passages along the coastal routes and the critically endangered Red Wolves. I currently guide in Eastern North Carolina and lead photography workshops in destinations like Alaska, Patagonia and Africa.
Testimonials From Previous Travelers
"Our photo safari experience with Jennifer was fantastic!"
★★★★★
Our photo safari experience with Jennifer was fantastic! She got us into beautiful lodges in Timbavati and Mandikwe and got us out on some epic game drives. She has amazing instincts for finding and getting close to rare creatures, and her energy and enthusiasm were infectious.
Rob T
Oct 08, 2024
"Jennifer's passion for wildlife conservation is contagious"
Jennifer is insanely good at her job. Her knowledge of animal behavior and habits, her tracking ability and her determination to put the animal's interest and well being above all else allowed me to have amazing encounters. Jennifer's passion for wildlife conservation is contagious. I will be forever grateful for the knowledge and education she shared with me. We spent 2 days together from sunrise to sunset, non-stop and every moment she had, she was offering in the field photography guidance. I'm not sure I can express what an opportunity it was for me to be able to learn one on one from Jennifer.....a huge opportunity to say the least.
Sara H
"From the moment we met, Jennifer made me feel completely at ease"
I found Jennifer on Instagram in 2023 while looking for a place closer to home to photograph wild bears, which I've been obsessed with for over 10 years. Although I've done group workshops in Alaska, BC and Minnesota, I had never tried a one-on-one guided trip before. From the moment we met, Jennifer made me feel completely at ease, and I've been going back every year since. Over 2 unforgettable days, she guided me through two huge wildlife refuges, sharing her incredible knowledge of the area and its wildlife. I was lucky to observe black bears, including a mama with 3 cubs, and even some rare red wolves. One of my favorite moments was when we we photographing a massive male bear and Jennifer noticed a young skittish bear behind us standing on its hind legs, curiously checking the big male - we managed to capture some amazing shots thanks to her sharp eyes. She's someone who really cares about wildlife - she'd stop the car to help a snake cross the road! She also made sure I had the best camera settings and gave me fantastic photography tips, sharing so much about conservation that you don't usually get in workshops. If you truly love bears and other wildlife and want a one-on-one experience with a professional wildlife photographer, Jennifer is the guide you want. I'm so grateful to have met her.
Yuki I
"Jennifer's ability to combine her deep expertise in wildlife with her warm, approachable personality makes her the perfect guide"
I had the absolute pleasure of traveling to North Carolina with Jennifer for 4 days, and the entire experience exceeded every expectation. From the moment I arrived, Jennifer went above and beyond to make sure everything was seamless - she picked me up herself, offered excellent accommodation recommendations, and took care of every little detail so that all I had to do was focus on enjoying the adventure. Her knowledge of the area and its wildlife is unmatched. Within my first 30 minutes out with her, I had the incredible privilege of seeing an extremely rare Red Wolf - an animal that is almost extinct. It felt like a once-in-a-lifetime encounter, and it set the tone for the amazing days ahead. Over the course of the trip, Jennifer brought us to multiple locations where we had unforgettable wildlife sightings: bears grazing, bears dozing peacefully in the sun, and even playful bears swimming. One of the highlights was spotting a mother bear with 2 cubs which was simply heartwarming. My personal favorite though, was a massive male black bear who confidently walked right towards us, framed by the fiery glow of autumn trees in the background. It was the kind of scene that felt straight out of a dream. Not every encounter made for the perfect photograph, but some left me with memories just as valuable. I'll never forgot watching tiny cubs scramble up a tree. Jennifer also made sure the experience wasn't just about the wildlife; she introduced me to a charming local coffee shop which quickly because a favorite stop. I still think about that hazelnut iced coffee - it was that good! Jennifer's ability to combine her deep expertise in wildlife with her warm, approachable personality makes her the perfect guide. She knows exactly where to be, when to be there, and how to make the most out of every outing. If you're considering booking a trip with her, don't hesitate - run, don't walk to do it. It's truly an experience of a lifetime.
Alicia B
"I was most impressed with how freely Jennifer shared her knowledge"
I spent 2 very full days with Jennifer at Alligator River NWR shooting black bears and other wildlife and I had a great time. She knew exactly where to find the bears, how to approach them safely and ethically, and how to get us in position to get the best shots. I was most impressed with how freely Jennifer shared her knowledge. She watched over my shoulder as I was shooting, offering valuable suggestions and tips that I definitely needed, and she cheerfully answered my endless stream of questions. Finally, I really enjoyed Jennifer's company. We literally spent more than 30 hours together over 2 days, and the conversation never waned for a minute. She's a wonderful human in addition to being a fantastic guide, and I hope to get a chance to work with her in the future
Pete M
"The animals, the photos and the process were all top-notch"
Jennifer made our trip to North Carolina unforgettable! Everything about our experience exceeded our wildest expectations. The animals, the photos and the process were all top-notch. We can't stop telling people how amazing it was. Truly a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for a dad and daughter to share
Andrew K
Let's Travel Together
If you’re ready for a photography experience grounded in respect, learning, and rare moments in the wild, I would be honored to guide you.
Join me where light, landscape,
& wildlife come together.
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