| Exploring wilderness areas on safari and viewing | | | | (birds flying, zebras running, lions hunting). |
| wildlife in its natural habitat is a breathtaking | | | | Be patient and wait for things to happen - you'll be |
| experience and to capture this experience | | | | rewarded with spectacular opportunities. Also, when |
| photographically is especially gratifying. | | | | you get to a location, really take time to listen and |
| When you're on safari in Africa, you can expect to | | | | observe- most of my best sightings have come |
| take most of your photos from within a Land Rover, | | | | when the vehicle is turned off and listening for clues. |
| car or boat since the vehicle allows a safe approach | | | | Constantly driving around will not yield good results. |
| to getting close to wild animals. Some areas offer | | | | Try to include something in the foreground to |
| walking safaris with a guide, but photographing wild | | | | enhance the sense of depth when photographing |
| animals on foot is more dangerous and does not | | | | landscapes. Something as simple as a rock, a termite |
| permit the close proximity of a vehicle or boat. | | | | mound or a person will effectively add scale and |
| Remember that stalking and approaching wild animals | | | | interest to your composition. |
| is potentially dangerous. Although most animals do not | | | | Always be sure to focus on an animal's eyes |
| view a vehicle as a threat, almost all will run away | | | | whenever possible. Having the eyes in sharp focus will |
| from humans on foot. As a result, photographing wild | | | | make the difference between an image which works |
| animals on foot is far more challenging - plus, you | | | | and one which is a throw-away. |
| have to carry all your equipment. For walking safaris, | | | | Animals don't stay in one place for very long, so be |
| I recommend bringing only your best zoom lens as it | | | | prepared. Always move cautiously, slowly and |
| offers the most versatility. | | | | smoothly and stay the recommended distance when |
| When photographing from a vehicle, it is best to turn | | | | photographing or observing wildlife. ALWAYS be |
| off the engine before attempting to take any | | | | respectful of wild animals and never pressure or |
| photographs. Although the vibrations from the | | | | stress them. |
| vehicle's engine may seem inconsequential, they will | | | | Don't hesitate to go out on "bad" weather |
| ultimately be noticeable in your pictures, especially if | | | | days--some of the most striking images are captured |
| you are using a telephoto lens. Using a tripod from an | | | | during inclement weather. |
| open-air vehicle or boat is quite possible if you have a | | | | In summary, for many people photography is one of |
| private vehicle or have only one or two passengers | | | | the most essential parts of an African safari. |
| per row of seats. If you don't have a tripod, be sure | | | | Photographs are much more than just a record of |
| to use whatever support is available (bean bag, | | | | where you have been and what you have seen-they |
| monopod, roof-top) to avoid camera shake. | | | | are something to look back on in later years or a |
| Tips for Getting Started | | | | way of sharing your experience with friends and |
| The following are some tips to get you started on | | | | family back at home. In addition, many people get as |
| your safari photo adventure: | | | | much enjoyment out of taking the photos |
| If you plan to be on safari for many days, be sure to | | | | themselves as they do in seeing the animals and |
| bring enough digital storage. You never want to be | | | | sights and they will take great satisfaction in their |
| faced with passing up an excellent photo opportunity | | | | photos for years to come. |
| or having to delete good images. | | | | Eyes on Africa, an African safari company, boasts an |
| Know your camera - you don't want to miss a shot! | | | | extremely knowledgeable team of staff members, |
| Because many scenes, especially those with a high | | | | who are passionate about every aspect of travel to |
| degree of contrast, can fool your camera's automatic | | | | Southern Africa, including its wildlife and safari |
| metering, practice using your camera's exposure | | | | destinations. When you're ready to plan your African |
| compensation and also the different metering options | | | | safari, a holiday in Africa, or if you just have |
| (spot, center-weighted and evaluative). | | | | questions, please feel free to contact us toll free at |
| Experiment with shooting moving objects and | | | | 800-457-9575 or visit our web site at and complete |
| anticipating the action. Some of your best images will | | | | an information request form. |
| be of animal interactions and animals on the move | | | | |