Our Philosophy

African Photo Tours is driven by a deep passion for Africa and a commitment to sharing its awe‑inspiring landscapes, wildlife, and communities through thoughtfully crafted luxury safaris. Each journey blends unforgettable wildlife encounters with the comfort and character of legendary lodges and camps set within Africa’s most celebrated national parks and reserves. Guided by extensive firsthand experience, we design intimate, authentic, and highly personalized itineraries that reflect both the uniqueness of the continent and the individual traveler. Our goal is to create meaningful, memorable experiences that celebrate Africa’s natural wonders while supporting the places and people that make them extraordinary.

Our Team

We know firsthand how challenging the task of organizing a trip and traveling to Africa can be. Allow us to plan and book your next African adventure!

We have experienced these destinations personally and strive to design trips that are the best fit for you and your budget. We listen and craft each trip specifically to your interests and destinations. We collaborate with you to book you ideal safari.

A man wearing sunglasses and a light grey hoodie stands inside a safari vehicle, holding onto the top frame and smiling at the camera. The vehicle is on a safari in an open landscape with a clear sky.

Jeremy Ford

I fell deeply in love with Africa during my Peace Corps volunteer work back in 2000. Since that transformative experience, I have been traveling extensively across the continent, endlessly inspired by its incredibly diverse cultures and breathtaking natural wonders. For the past two decades, I’ve dedicated myself to capturing these moments through my photography. I believe in slowing down and looking closer. Photography taught me to appreciate the fine details in nature.

Owner & Creator of African Photo Tours
A man in sunglasses gives a thumbs up from an open vehicle window in a grassy plain, with a lion walking nearby.

Doug Melvin

A nationally experienced photographer and videographer with over 30 years of professional work capturing life through the lens—across cities, states, and landscapes spanning the North American continent. Based in Central Ohio, Doug’s reputation for photographic excellence extends far beyond the Midwest, with projects and assignments taking him from the fog-covered cliffs of the Pacific Northwest to the vibrant cities of the East Coast, the desert Southwest, and the great mountain ranges of the Rockies and Appalachians.

Doug specializes in event photography, nature and landscape photography, and multimedia video production, delivering a rare combination of technical expertise and creative artistry. Whether he’s capturing the emotion of a wedding, the speed and power of a sporting event, or the natural stillness of a remote wilderness, his images reveal a deep understanding of timing, composition, and storytelling.

Doug’s passion began during his early career as a firefighter and fire photographer, where he learned to anticipate critical moments under high-pressure conditions. A charter member of the International Fire Photographers Association, Doug later transitioned into military service as a Public Affairs Representative for the U.S. Military, where he supported media operations, storytelling, and communications on a national scale. His work in public affairs sharpened his skills in messaging, visual communication, and managing complex media projects across diverse environments.

He also holds formal training in photographic arts from The Ohio State University, and has remained committed to refining his craft over decades through both hands-on experience and continuing education. His extensive portfolio includes landscape and nature photography, documenting national parks, remote terrain, and changing seasons with an artist’s eye and a technician’s precision—always grounded in the fundamentals of light, shadow, and composition.

Doug is an active member of both the Professional Photographers of Ohio (PPO) and the Professional Photographers of America (PPA), remaining at the forefront of evolving trends and technologies while staying true to the timeless principles of great photography.

Photography guide
A woman with curly brown hair sitting on a beige bench against a wall, with sunlight casting shadows behind her. 
Safari consultant

Sarah Ford

Creative and strategic in equal measure, our marketing director brings fresh ideas to every campaign. They turn insights into action and help our message resonate with the right audience.