Travel
- January 14, 2009
How To Make Your Wildlife Africa Photography Stand Out
You’ve dreamed of a wildlife Africa safari for years ” and now its finally going to happen. You see yourself taking National Geographic camera shots. You wonder how to get a close-up of a lion, the way the professionals do. But did you know that if you visit a game reserve such as Amboseli or Kenya Mara, you most likely wont even get the chance? Its strictly the rule in such places nowadays that no vehicle shall stray from the beaten track.
Now is the time to take a second look at that dinky little camera you’ve been using for every family vacation. Get that wildlife Africa close-up you’ve dreamed about without sticking your head in a lions maw or getting trampled by the annual wildebeest migration. A telephoto lens is the perfect answer. (The ideal range for safely shooting wildlife is between 300 mm. to 600 mm.)
Before You Leave For Your Trip
Carrying out a few simple photography exercises and making some modifications before you ever step on the plane can improve your wildlife Africa photography results 100%.
# Practice snapping wildlife in your own neighborhood ” and especially from your car window (providing you’re not the person who is driving!) It doesn’t matter if your subject is just a ground squirrel or a seagull. You’ll soon find yourself seeing opportunities for unique shots you’d have never noticed before.
* Practice so much that you could find your controls in the dark. It would be heartbreaking to miss a once-in-a-lifetime shot, all because you cant find your power button.
# Make a note of any camera task noises (such as zoom or auto focus) that are likely to disturb your subjects. Decide how you are going to get around that before your trip to wildlife Africa.
* Invest in research ahead of time. Read up on your subjects and their habits. Photograph a lion in the safety of your neighborhood zoo.
The Big Day: Tricks Of The Trade
# Buy a bean bag. They do a wonderful job of cushioning your camera when you’re trying to shoot from a bouncing jeep.
# Don’t forget to consider including scenery. Natural objects will make your photographs seem extra special. There’s nothing more haunting than the mood of a place. Including a unique bit of flora will bring wildlife Africa home as nothing else can.
* Remember that malaria is still something to be cautious about. Use repellent, and long, tight clothing buttoned at wrists or ankles.
You may feel silly chasing squirrels through your local park, but persevere. The results of a little foresight and practice and the application of a few simple tricks and techniques will make sure your camera captures your wildlife Africa dream, as well as your subjects.
And don’t forget to bring a good supply of memory cards!
2 Responses to “How To Make Your Wildlife Africa Photography Stand Out”
Long gone are the days when travellers on an African safari would be advised to carry film. Today everything has gone digital and the quality of photos you can get from a digital camera is amazing.
By African safari on Jan 17, 2009