What work have been you doing beforehand?
I’ve a background in journalism and communications.
Earlier than I modified profession, I spent a decade working as a PR Director for luxurious trend journal manufacturers together with Harper’s Bazaar, Esquire, ELLE, PORTER and The EDIT, primarily based in London. Previous to that I labored in comms for BBC World Information.
What are you doing now?
Largely photographing wild elephants.
I run my very own consultancy in Kenya, working as a content material and media specialist for Save the Elephants, the Elephant Disaster Fund and different shoppers. I spend quite a lot of time in Samburu Nationwide Reserve in northern Kenya with wild elephants.
I additionally supply my providers as a neighborhood producer for worldwide movie crews, linking them up with native Samburu guides and expertise.
Why did you modify?
The change occurred on account of two horrible household tragedies.
They each made me realise how brief our time is on this planet and the way essential it’s to dwell your greatest life. I loved my work in trend – the designer garments, the excitement, the journey – however I felt prefer it wasn’t fairly me. I felt I used to be destined for different issues.
I needed to inform tales and be artistic like I had throughout my journalism days, and tackle new challenges. I needed my life to have function and that means. I needed to have adventures and I needed to encourage others.
I additionally needed to check pictures, a pastime that helped me by way of the darkish days. By no means in my wildest goals did I think about it will grow to be my profession, and I might find yourself working with and photographing wild elephants in Africa!
When was the second you determined to make the change?
There wasn’t actually a second.
It was a gradual realisation that I wasn’t doing what I actually needed to do, I solely had one life and if others may observe their goals, why couldn’t I?
I used to maintain a scrapbook of tales about inspirational folks doing wonderful issues with their lives, and I needed to be certainly one of them, however I used to be afraid to go away my consolation zone.
I didn’t actually know what was in retailer – I had a imprecise plan – however I felt like I used to be on the precise path.
How did you select your new profession?
It type of selected me.
I began taking over odd jobs in charity PR in London which opened my eyes to infinite prospects and started to appease my soul. I used to be additionally finding out pictures at night time college and through the weekends.
The day I resigned from my trend job, I received a photographic competitors within the Each day Telegraph. Every week later I used to be supplied the chance of a lifetime to intern as a photographer with Save the Elephants in northern Kenya. So it felt like doorways have been opening for me.
I used to be utterly blown away by Save the Elephants, Samburu, the tradition, the folks, and the elephants. I determined to make the leap and transfer to Kenya, carving out a profession as a comms professional, content material creator and wildlife photographer.
Now I’ve a mission, a function; I’m utilizing my abilities and creativity to assist defend wild elephants throughout Africa.
Are you proud of the change?
It’s the most effective factor I’ve ever finished with my life.
I’m dwelling a dream. I really feel really blessed and I’m so grateful I discovered the braveness to make the leap.
What do you miss and what do not you miss?
Though I’ve made wonderful mates in Kenya, I do miss these family and friends who know me so properly.
I don’t miss, nevertheless, the loneliness of dwelling in London. Despite the fact that I used to be surrounded by folks, I felt there wasn’t a way of neighborhood like there’s in Kenya. Kenya has area, wildlife and sweetness, and the individuals are tremendous pleasant.
They’ve an actual can-do perspective and I do know who my neighbours are! It jogs my memory of New Zealand in some ways, minus the elephants and the giraffe and the lions …
How did you go about making the shift?
It took me seven months to make the leap.
I did quite a lot of soul-searching, learn numerous books and blogs, employed a life coach, wrote down infinite lists concerning the ‘what ifs’ and even attended a course in Italy referred to as “F**ok It – Do What You Love’ earlier than I really plucked up the braveness to resign.
I had no concept learn how to drive a DSLR digicam in order that was the very first thing I centered on. I studied the technical facet of pictures at night time college. At weekends I went to safari parks within the UK to apply photographing elephants and different wildlife.
I additionally did workshops with famend wildlife photographers within the UK and messaged all my pictures mates asking infinite questions. They have been all so affected person with me!
I felt a little bit of a fraud coming into pictures so late, nevertheless it additionally felt like a calling. It was one thing I needed to do.
What didn’t go properly? What mistaken turns did you’re taking?
I used to be in all probability slightly over enthuisastic, fast-paced and impatient after I first arrived in Kenya (a hangover of getting lived in London for 13 years).
However I shortly learnt to drift.
What was probably the most troublesome factor about altering?
Abandoning every little thing I knew together with family and friends to start out a brand new life and a brand new profession, out of the country in my late forties.
On the similar time, it was probably the most liberating!
What assist did you get? 
Folks in Kenya – expats and locals – are so prepared to assist out and level you in the precise path.
I used to be actually grateful for his or her assist.
What sources would you advocate to others?
The ebook ‘F**ok it – Do What You Love’ by John C Parkin.
What have you ever learnt within the course of?
I’m much more resilient than I realised.
I positively belong in wild, open areas.
After I lived in London I used to be at all times touring, I may by no means maintain nonetheless, at all times had huge FOMO. Now I can spend hours looking at elephants in awe and silence in the course of the reserve.
What do you would like you’d finished in another way?
If something, I want I’d gone on this journey after I was a lot youthful.
However actually, every little thing got here on the proper time. I adopted the signal posts and I consider I’m the place I’m meant to be.
What would you advise others to do in the identical state of affairs?
It’s by no means too late to make a change.
It is going to be daunting however be courageous. Ensure you have a plan, do your homework, guarantee it’s the precise transfer for you and solely you, and ask for assist if you want it.
To seek out out extra about Jane’s work, go to www.janewynyard.com
What classes may you’re taking from Jane’s story to make use of in your individual profession change? Tell us within the feedback beneath.
