Journey with Jaguars ISSUE #2

CHRISTMAS EDITION! (4-5 Minute Read)

Hi guys,

Thanks for being part of the Journey with Jaguars community — wishing you a calm Christmas and a strong start to the New Year. See you on the river in 2026.

As promised in Issue #1, here’s the first Behind the Lens — exactly how this jaguar image was edited in Adobe Lightroom (Classic).

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🐆 Behind the Lens — Editing This Image

1. Crop

First thing: crop.

For this image, I went 5:4.
It works better on Instagram than 1:1 because it takes up more screen space and generally performs better.

The crop was done so:

• the jaguar has space to walk into
• the shadow stays fully in frame

The shadow is important. Cut it and the image loses balance.

If this were for website use, I’d crop looser to give the frame more breathing room.

If this were for print, I’d keep a wider crop and only commit once I know the final size, making sure the file holds 300 DPI at print dimensions.

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2. Basic Adjustments

Next, light global adjustments only.

At this stage, I:

• lifted the shadows slightly
• pulled down the highlights

No colour work yet.
No contrast push.
Exposure mostly untouched.

This step is just about cleaning the file, not finishing it.

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3. Subject Mask (Most Important)

In the original image, the jaguar was slightly underexposed.

This is where the edit actually happens.

I masked the jaguar and refined it around the head and eyes, then:

• lifted exposure
• added just enough clarity to separate her from the background

The goal is to guide the viewer’s eye — nothing more.

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4. Background Control

In the original, the sand was too bright and pulled attention away from the jaguar.

So I:

• lowered exposure on the sand
• reduced highlights
• added a bit of texture

The background should support the subject, not compete with it.

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5. Final Check

Last pass:

• make sure the brightest point is still the face
• check edges and balance
• stop before it looks “edited”

That’s the full process.
No presets. No heavy-handed sliders.

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🐆 The Ultimate Jaguar Knowledge Hub

One page. Every question. Answered.

This is the resource I wish existed when I first started going to the Pantanal — and the page I will send people instead of answering the same emails over and over.

It’s a single, structured page that links out to in-depth blogs — updated, expanded, and properly organised.

If you’re interested in jaguars, the Pantanal, wildlife photography, or planning a proper safari, this becomes your starting point.

A central jaguar knowledge hub will connect everything from choosing the right safari for you, to jaguar behaviour and ecology, to camera gear, field decisions, and how the images are actually edited.

Think of it as basecamp.

— Benjamin​
Journey with Jaguars

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OUR TOURS

📸 Group Jaguar Tours — 2026

Small groups. Private boats. Optimal season only.

Our 2026 Jaguar Group Tours are designed for guests who want exceptional sightings, expert local guides, and hands-on photography support

​👉 View 2026 group tour dates & request your spot​
Spaces are limited by design.

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🐆 Private Jaguar Safaris (April–November)

More flexibility. More control. Your schedule.

We run private jaguar safaris from April through November for couples, families, or small private groups who want a tailored experience. From 2 to 6 days on the river and beyond.

Private boats, custom pacing, and the ability to build the trip around your priorities — photography, wildlife, or both.

​👉 Explore private safari options​

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📷 Limited Photography Safaris — Led by Benjamin James

For photographers who want depth.

​A small number of limited photography safaris are run each season, personally led by Benjamin James.​

Thank You for Being Here

This newsletter marks the beginning of a more personal connection between you and the Journey with Jaguars community.

For the next issue, we’re releasing something big.