| The jungle can be a mysterious and frightening place. | | | | that first and foremost, safety comes first. You |
| It is a place where wild animals roam without | | | | have to be mobile enough to react when you are |
| inhibition, where humidity is at an all time high, and | | | | facing untoward situations. |
| where Mother Nature reigns supreme. More | | | | Respect Mother Nature |
| importantly, the jungle is a place we humans are at | | | | Many people seem to think that if they physically fit, |
| the mercy of a domain where we have absolutely no | | | | they are able to tackle the jungle easily. You have to |
| control over. | | | | remember that the forest is a totally strange |
| However, as daunting as the jungle may seem, it is a | | | | environment for city dwellers. We are so used to |
| place where you can encounter strange animals and | | | | modern conveniences that we are not frequently |
| plants. It also the home of various hunter-gatherer | | | | exposed to the raw element of danger in the jungle. |
| tribes who still depend on the forest for sustenance. | | | | Yes, the danger is very real, be it an encounter with |
| As such, the dark and foreboding jungle presents a | | | | a poisonous snake or a slip off a treacherous ridge. |
| wonderful photographic experience for those who | | | | When an accident happens, you have to deal with |
| are willing to venture into the sea of trees and | | | | the possibility that there is no cellphone signal to call |
| foliage. | | | | for help. The best advice is to be humble and alert |
| As a photographer, going into the jungle presents a | | | | when entering the jungle. Respect every slope, |
| challenge not only to your physical and mental state, | | | | every river and every hill you encounter. |
| but also on the aspects of your photography. In this | | | | Avoid provocation |
| article, I will highlight several things that you should | | | | When shooting photographs in the jungle, take extra |
| keep in mind when shooting in the jungle. | | | | precautions not to provoke the animals within the |
| Be well-prepared | | | | area. Animals can be very protective of their |
| In the jungle, you obviously don't have the | | | | territory, and any signs of danger will make them |
| convenience of stopping at a supermarket or a mall | | | | become agitated and defensive. As such, be |
| to get supplies. Therefore, be sure to be fully | | | | prepared for low-light conditions by avoiding flashes |
| equipped before venturing out. Make sure you have | | | | and using a fast lens instead. Also, turn off the sound |
| everything you need: rations, first aid kit, compass or | | | | of your camera. |
| GPS system, spare batteries, memory cards, portable | | | | If you are visiting a tribe, do not barge immediately in |
| storage devices etc. Consult a well-experienced | | | | their settlement with your camera. This might upset |
| outdoorsman for a complete list and advice. | | | | some people, especially the children, as there is a |
| Plan meticulously | | | | possibility they don't encounter outsiders very often. |
| Be sure you know where you are headed when | | | | Observe their customs and respect them. |
| going on your jungle adventure. Know when and | | | | Researching about the tribe beforehand can help you |
| where you want to take your photographs and get | | | | to understand their culture. Getting a local guide who |
| an experienced guide who knows the area well. It | | | | is able to act as translator helps a lot. But most |
| helps to hire a person who has good knowledge of | | | | importantly, nothing breaks the ice better than a |
| the terrain and the animals that are present within | | | | huge friendly smile. When the tribe is comfortable |
| the vicinity. Also, devise a contingency plan in case | | | | with your presence, then you may introduce your |
| something should go wrong. | | | | camera and start photographing them gradually. |
| Keep your carry-on weight in check | | | | Protect your gear |
| We as photographers tend to carry everything in our | | | | The jungle is a very humid environment which can |
| equipment arsenal except for the kitchen sink. | | | | cause damage to your equipment. To protect your |
| However, while initially you are able to carry a heavy | | | | gear from moisture, be sure to bring along these |
| load, that weight will take its toll as the trek | | | | items: waterproof sacks, a nylon poncho and |
| progresses. The last thing you want to do is to | | | | anti-humidity packets. Waterproof sacks are simply |
| straggle behind others (if you are travelling in a | | | | tightly-knit nylon pouches, that when properly sealed, |
| group) and become the sole reason of slowing the | | | | will prevent its contents from getting wet when |
| others down. It is very important to always be in | | | | submerged in water. Every reputable outdoor shop |
| control of your own situation, because when it | | | | should have these in stock. When it is raining, a nylon |
| comes to entering the jungle, you are dealing with | | | | poncho is a better alternative than an umbrella. Wear |
| your own survival. | | | | this over yourself and your bags to guard from |
| To keep your carry-on weight to a minimum, here | | | | splashes. Anti-humidity packets are designed to |
| you have to make several compromises in terms of | | | | absorb moisture. Place these in your equipment bag |
| your photography gear. Whatever your choice of | | | | and waterproof sacks to protect your gear from |
| lens and accessories are, you have to bear in mind | | | | humidity. |