Paul Joynson-Hicks, often known as PJ, is a British wildlife photographer, safari guide, and co-founder of the internationally renowned Comedy Wildlife Photography Awards. Originally trained in London, he moved to East Africa in the early 1990s and has spent more than three decades living and working in the region, building a life centered around wildlife, photography, and storytelling.
Based in Tanzania, Paul has worked extensively across East and Central Africa as a photographer and guide, leading photographic safaris and workshops for people of all experience levels. His work reflects a deep connection to both the landscapes and the people of the region, shaped by years of immersion in local culture and daily life. Fluent in Swahili and a Tanzanian citizen, he brings a unique perspective to his work, combining professional expertise with a genuine understanding of the places he photographs.
In 2015, together with fellow photographer Tom Sullam, Paul co-founded the Comedy Wildlife Photography Awards — a competition created to celebrate the lighter, more playful side of wildlife photography. What began as a simple idea has grown into a global phenomenon, attracting thousands of entries each year and reaching audiences far beyond the traditional photography world. Through humor, the awards aim to engage people with conservation in a positive and accessible way, encouraging awareness and action through laughter.
Alongside his photography and the success of the awards, Paul has been deeply involved in charitable and community initiatives across East Africa, supporting projects ranging from education to creative enterprises. In recognition of this work, he was awarded an MBE. He continues to explore ways of combining photography, conservation, and community engagement, while also developing projects that support both local artisans and wildlife protection.
Today, Paul lives just outside Arusha in Tanzania with his family, where his days often move between photography guiding in the Serengeti, buying cereals for his kids in the supermarket, and, occasionally, helping people see that wildlife photography doesn’t always have to be serious — sometimes, it can simply make you smile.