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