Wildlife photography has become very popular over the last few years, basically since digital SLR photography has become more readily available. More and more wildlife enthusiasts have started venturing into nature photography. The African Wilderness is a paradise for keen photographers both for beginners and professionals.
I started photography when I got introduced to ‘Wild Africa’ . Being a Dutchman and growing up with relatively little wildlife in my surrounding, I have always been fascinated by African Wildlife, mostly seen from programs on television, before I could afford to experience Africa in real life. Now, more than 10 years later, I ‘m a professional guide and owner of my lodge ,Track and Trail River Camp in South Luangwa – Zambia
Getting more out of your safari pictures.
Beautiful nature images rarely happen by chance. Leaving it to luck will only lead to disappointments. To become a good wildlife photographer, you must have the mind of an ecologist, the spirit of a fighter and the senses of a wild animal. 80% is about ecology and 20% about photography. Of course not everybody wants to become a wildlife photographer but most of you wouldn’t mind coming home with better wildlife shots.
Know your subject and the environment:
If you have enough time, you can explore the habitat of your subject(s). In case you are on a 2 to 3 week holiday I would suggest to go out with a professional guide that knows the area. It will save you a lot of time and increase the success rate considerably.
Knowledge of animal behaviour is also a very important skill that will help you get the right picture. Knowing when the bird is about to fly off, which direction and at what speed can be very helpful for adjusting your camera settings and composition and in the end get the result that you had in mind.
Safari & Photography
I can’t think of a better combination than nature and photography while on safari. Some safari destinations are better than others. At some destinations you are only allowed to do safaris from a closed vehicle which has the disadvantage of taking pictures from high up (roof level). In my opinion, an open game viewer is much better so you don’t miss out on anything and you are able to take pictures from a lower angle. Some safari destinations are very busy and sightings are often crowned with vehicles so it’s hard to get your subject in your viewer without the car tyres of another vehicle.
Wildlife photography needs practise and even that’s no recipe for success. Starters will soon realize that if you keep on practising, photography on its own will make you hungry for more. Your photographic vision will evolve and you will make more creative images over the years to come.
This is a journey without destination. We keep learning not to ‘get there’ but for the joy of being wherever we are…
South Luangwa & Photography
Near the north-eastern border of Zambia lies the Luangwa Valley – it supports one of the greatest concentrations of wildlife to be found anywhere in the world.
South Luangwa is one of the greatest wildlife sanctuaries in the world. The park’s 9050km2 is host to a wide variety of wildlife, birds and vegetation. The quality of guiding is of a very high standard and all driving and walking guides have to pass an examination and many hours of practical in the field.
The changing seasons add to the Park’s richness ranging from dry, bare bushveld in the winter to a lush green wonderland in the summer months. There are 60 different animal species, the only notable exception is the rhino, sadly poached to extinction.