With over eight photography awards to his name, including World’s Top 100 Photography Heroes, Jason Edwards knows a thing or two about storytelling through the lens of a camera.
A National Geographic photographer who has spent over three decades capturing natural history, we caught up with Jason to learn more about his career, what he does in his downtime and how cycling plays an important role in keeping fit for his job as well as unwinding when he’s home.
Keep reading for a snapshot of Jason’s life.
Tell us a little bit about yourself
While Jason has spent a lot of his adult life abroad capturing wildlife and the environment, as a born and bred Melbournian, Jason is a proud Princess Hill resident and has been since he was 18 years old. “I’m the fourth generation of my family to live in the Carlton North and Princes Hill area and my son is the fifth generation.”
A former Melbourne High School student and RMIT University graduate, Jason is now globally recognised for his contributions to Science, the Environment and the Arts. Beyond National Geographic Magazine, his work has been featured in the world’s top nature and wildlife publications, including BBC Wildlife, Australian Geographic and Conde Nast Traveller.
“I’m excited to be launching my book Icebergs to Iguanas at the start of December,” tells Jason. The book is a collection of his most treasured images from around the globe paired with behind-the-scenes stories.
What keeps you busy in life?
“As National Geographic is based in Washington DC, I often split my days between several global time zones,” explains Jason.
Given his job, it’s easy to see that Jason is not one to sit still for long. With time in Melbourne limited between assignments, Jason shares that there’s always a long list of things that need to be done before he packs his bags and jets off again.
Spending time with family is a priority, however, he confesses “I’m sure it drives them a little crazy that I want to do a raft of activities when I’m home when they’re already exhausted from their own daily routines.”
What do you enjoy doing between work trips?
“I love putting on music and reading books at home to wind down from all of the travel,” shares Jason.
With his work taking him around the world for long periods of time, Jason also enjoys spending his downtime back in Melbourne outdoors either cycling, surfing or swimming, visiting the theatre or exhibitions and visiting family. He adds, “I do love swimming and training at Carlton Baths also as it minimises the strain on my body from fieldwork”.
You’ll also find Jason enjoying the local neighbourhood when home, “my ideal afternoon is pasta at Tiamo’s, a movie at the Nova and perusing books in Readings”.
What type of riding do you do these days?
Jason has been a Bicycle Network member for nearly five years and uses his two wheels for the trifecta of fitness, mental well-being and commuting. To meet the demands of his job that involves carrying heavy equipment, consistent riding allows him to maintain leg strength and overall fitness.
Living inner-city, Jason makes use of the network of bike trails Melbourne is best known for as a way to take a mental break and unwind. With scenic trails on his doorstep through Carlton and Princess Park, the Yarra Trail and along the Yarra River, Jason says he heads out “wherever the mood takes me”.
As a surfer, the bikes are always thrown in the car with surfboards when exploring the west coast from Bells Beach and Torquay to Gippsland and Venus Bay with his son.
More practically, as his main form of transport, owning a bike gives Jason the freedom to commute to the office in Collingwood and get around town to appointments, “when the weather is kind,” he adds.
What’s next?
Jason is currently on assignment in the Falkland Islands, South Georgia and Antarctica and will be travelling to the remote Sub-Antarctic Islands south of New Zealand after.
After five months of back-to-back assignments, Jason says, “I’m very much looking forward to relaxing in January spending time with family and surfing and time on the bike”.
Returning home also coincides with the launch of Jason’s book Icebergs to Iguanas, an amazing initiative to share his life work with others.
Keen to see Jason’s life work behind the lens? Bicycle Network members will get a $10 discount when purchasing Icebergs to Iguanas and Jason will be donating 10% of every book purchase to Bicycle Network.