From Psychology Major to Global Wildlife Travel Writer & Photographer: Jessica Kelly's Unexpected Journey

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Ever wondered what it's like to lock eyes with a wild gorilla or swim alongside marine iguanas that snort salt to regulate their bodies? Jessica Kelly takes us behind the scenes of her fascinating career as a wildlife travel journalist and photographer, revealing how an unexpected path led her from psychology studies to documenting life on all seven continents.
Jessica's story begins not with journalism school, but with a simple food blog called "It's Pop, Not Soda" that unexpectedly opened doors to food competitions and cookbook collaborations. When COVID claimed her event planning job, she transformed crisis into opportunity, taking over a travel section for a local newspaper focusing on nature-based destinations. The turning point came during a life-changing trip to Botswana during green season, where witnessing mothers with their baby elephants and lionesses hunting together left her forever changed. "It was just incredibly moving," Jessica reflects, "I felt like a different person after that trip."
We dive deep into Jessica's most memorable wildlife encounters, from exploring the Galapagos Islands (where she insists everyone must snorkel) to trekking with gorillas in Rwanda and spotting tigers on safari in India. She offers practical wisdom on balancing healthy fear with respect when photographing powerful creatures, selecting ethical tour operators, and the gear she uses to capture her stunning images—from her Sony camera to her strategically chosen mini drone that skirts weight restrictions in many places.
What distinguishes Jessica's approach is her authentic passion combined with journalistic persistence. She shares candidly about the less glamorous aspects of travel writing—the constant adaptation required, pitching stories for a year before getting a response, and finding unique angles when everyone on a press trip experiences the same activities. For those following in her footsteps or working with travel media, her advice is invaluable: allow time for organic discovery, lead with timely angles and never lose the excitement that makes each destination special.
Follow Jessica's adventures on Instagram at AdventuresAreWaiting as she embarks on upcoming expeditions with National Geographic to Portugal's Azores, Alaska for grizzly bear photography and French Polynesia for her first scuba certification. Her story reminds us that the most rewarding paths are often the unexpected ones.

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Chapters

1. From Psychology Major to Global Wildlife Travel Writer & Photographer: Jessica Kelly's Unexpected Journey (00:00:00)

2. Introduction to Jessica Kelly (00:00:05)

3. From Blog to Career: Jessica's Journey (00:03:00)

4. Wildlife Travel Passion and Notable Experiences (00:06:07)

5. Fear, Ethics, and Bucket List Destinations (00:10:52)

6. Freelance Writing Challenges and Advice (00:17:05)

7. Photography Gear and Career Accomplishments (00:23:24)

8. Upcoming Adventures and Contact Information (00:28:52)