Photography
Many people, like myself, have dreamt of capturing that one special picture on their safari. On my first safari I could
think of nothing else. I was always angling for the best shot, in the best location, from the most favorable angle. But,
contrary to popular opinion, accomplishing this goal is not a simple feat. With a little luck, most safari travellers can
snap some pretty good shots but on a run-of-the–mill safari their shots will always have that from-the-hatch look
or through
the window feeling. Angling for that special shot in a full minivan was never
my idea of fun. And the only thing worse is twitchy companions, who always manage to move when your hand
is on the shutter.
A serious photographer should carry serious equipment, but that calls for a lot of space in which to spread out. One camera body won’t cut it. And if you are travelling with strangers who do not share your passion, forgeddaboutit.
So what’s the solution? A photographic safari with a custom-designed private itinerary, and with a guide who will seek out and recognize photographic opportunities, placing your vehicle in the best position to frame your subject.
A
custom-designed private itinerary for the serious photographer allows for ample time at the water hole; good light at
sunset; elephants at sunrise; giraffes backlit on a distant horizon. With binoculars in one hand and your camera in the
other, you have the luxury to wait for hours stretched out under a shady tree waiting for the action to unfold. Or to wait
for the moon to rise over the distant hill, while the sun sets behind the
baobab
tree. And if you have a passion to just
photograph lion prides or mountain gorillas, or herds of giraffe or just one sunset after another, I can make it happen.
A photographer's paradise should offer viewing and photographing Africa's abundant animal and bird life in the most unobstructed way possible, off-the-beaten track, in a custom fitted four wheel drive vehicle, far from the hoards of mini-buses. Like my itineraries, proper safari vehicles should be custom designed, and outfitted with three roof hatches along with lots of inside comforts that allow for unobstructed viewing. In some locations, for local game drives, many vehicles have gone "topless".
I know the guides who know the views, and I will choose one who will find you yours.
For your equipment, we will have plenty of opportunity to discuss the latest technology and the tried and tested choices of lens, but whatever you select, do as I say, and not as I did. Never go with a brand new camera which is still fresh out of the box. What did I do? I had to rely on the ranger to show me how to turn off the flash whilst sitting with the gorillas. Make sure you are comfortable with your equipment before you set off.
All you need to do is show up with the right equipment and a lot of time.
photo credits: Paul Oliver, Mackey Arnstein
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