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