| Exploring wilderness areas on safari and viewing | | | | exposure compensation and also the different |
| wildlife in its natural habitat is a breathtaking | | | | metering options (spot, center-weighted and |
| experience and to capture this experience | | | | evaluative). |
| photographically is especially gratifying. | | | | Experiment with shooting moving objects and |
| When you're on safari in Africa, you can expect | | | | anticipating the action. Some of your best images |
| to take most of your photos from within a Land | | | | will be of animal interactions and animals on the |
| Rover, car or boat since the vehicle allows a safe | | | | move (birds flying, zebras running, lions hunting). |
| approach to getting close to wild animals. Some | | | | Be patient and wait for things to happen - you'll |
| areas offer walking safaris with a guide, but | | | | be rewarded with spectacular opportunities. Also, |
| photographing wild animals on foot is more | | | | when you get to a location, really take time to |
| dangerous and does not permit the close | | | | listen and observe- most of my best sightings |
| proximity of a vehicle or boat. Remember that | | | | have come when the vehicle is turned off and |
| stalking and approaching wild animals is potentially | | | | listening for clues. Constantly driving around will not |
| dangerous. Although most animals do not view a | | | | yield good results. |
| vehicle as a threat, almost all will run away from | | | | Try to include something in the foreground to |
| humans on foot. As a result, photographing wild | | | | enhance the sense of depth when photographing |
| animals on foot is far more challenging - plus, you | | | | landscapes. Something as simple as a rock, a |
| have to carry all your equipment. For walking | | | | termite mound or a person will effectively add |
| safaris, I recommend bringing only your best | | | | scale and interest to your composition. |
| zoom lens as it offers the most versatility. | | | | Always be sure to focus on an animal's eyes |
| When photographing from a vehicle, it is best to | | | | whenever possible. Having the eyes in sharp focus |
| turn off the engine before attempting to take | | | | will make the difference between an image which |
| any photographs. Although the vibrations from the | | | | works and one which is a throw-away. |
| vehicle's engine may seem inconsequential, they | | | | Animals don't stay in one place for very long, so |
| will ultimately be noticeable in your pictures, | | | | be prepared. Always move cautiously, slowly and |
| especially if you are using a telephoto lens. Using a | | | | smoothly and stay the recommended distance |
| tripod from an open-air vehicle or boat is quite | | | | when photographing or observing wildlife. |
| possible if you have a private vehicle or have only | | | | ALWAYS be respectful of wild animals and never |
| one or two passengers per row of seats. If you | | | | pressure or stress them. |
| don't have a tripod, be sure to use whatever | | | | Don't hesitate to go out on "bad" weather |
| support is available (bean bag, monopod, roof-top) | | | | days--some of the most striking images are |
| to avoid camera shake. | | | | captured during inclement weather. |
| Tips for Getting Started | | | | In summary, for many people photography is one |
| The following are some tips to get you started | | | | of the most essential parts of an African safari. |
| on your safari photo adventure: | | | | Photographs are much more than just a record |
| If you plan to be on safari for many days, be | | | | of where you have been and what you have |
| sure to bring enough digital storage. You never | | | | seen-they are something to look back on in later |
| want to be faced with passing up an excellent | | | | years or a way of sharing your experience with |
| photo opportunity or having to delete good | | | | friends and family back at home. In addition, many |
| images. | | | | people get as much enjoyment out of taking the |
| Know your camera - you don't want to miss a | | | | photos themselves as they do in seeing the |
| shot! Because many scenes, especially those with | | | | animals and sights and they will take great |
| a high degree of contrast, can fool your camera's | | | | satisfaction in their photos for years to come. |
| automatic metering, practice using your camera's | | | | |