How To Make Your Wildlife Africa Photography Stand Out
There are a million things to do when preparing for your wildlife Africa dream vacation. The last thing you’re thinking about is that your wildlife pictures may not deliver. You see yourself face to face with a cheetah, the dust of the Savannah shimmering in the African sun, mesmerized by its unblinking eyes as you snap feverishly away. What you don’t see is that you probably wont be allowed to even get out of the tour guides jeep to take that breathtaking close-up.
There’s no alternative but long-distance shots ” but don’t even think of using your zoom. Its mostly likely not nearly powerful enough. However, if you really want to get that extra-special close-up, there is a solution ” a telephoto lens. 300 mm. is the place to start: 600 mm. would set you alongside the big guns.
Start Small ” Stalk A Squirrel
Carrying out a few simple photography exercises and making some modifications before you ever step on the plane can improve your wildlife Africa photography results 100%.
# Get in the habit of looking for photography opportunities everywhere. Shoot from the car, your kitchen window, your office ” anywhere a pigeon perches or a seagull swoops. You’ll be surprised at how quickly you notice shots you wouldn’t have seen before.
# Get to know those camera buttons the way a blind man can read a book ” by finding them with your fingers, not your eyes. Fumbling with buttons is not an option when a herd of wildebeest is thundering by.
* Listen to the sounds your camera makes. Its astonishing how loudly a zoom lens can whir. If that doesn’t convince you to buy a telephoto lens, nothing will. Be aware of what may startle wildlife and correct it before your trip.
* Invest in research ahead of time. Read up on your subjects and their habits. Photograph a lion in the safety of your neighborhood zoo.
The Big Day: Tricks Of The Trade
# Take a small bean bag, the day of your African big game shoot. (HINT: If you cant find one at your local drug store, try borrowing your granddaughters Beanie Baby.) Bean bags can be real life-savers on safari, helping your camera absorb motion when you are shooting from a jolting vehicle.
# Include panoramic long shots with landmarks and scenery, as well as zooming in for those spectacular close-ups. A single twisted tree or the sweeping plain dwarfing a herd will create atmosphere. This is what will distinguish your photographs with the unmistakable hallmark of wildlife Africa.
* Remember that malaria is still something to be cautious about. Use repellent, and long, tight clothing buttoned at wrists or ankles.
Learning to photograph wildlife takes practice and patience, but the results will be well worth it. Your wildlife pictures will sparkle. And remember ” the squirrel you shoot today may be the cheetah you capture tomorrow!
And don’t forget to bring a good supply of memory cards!