Photographically we are very fortunate out here in the bush.
We are privileged to live in an amazing wilderness area with some of the highest predator densities on the continent, and as guides we are lucky enough to be out there capturing as much of it as we can on camera.
Sometimes it all goes to plan and we get to bring home an amazing shot. More often than not it doesn’t, and we are left with the thought of what might have been. I can guarantee that all the top wildlife photographers out there are at the top of their game now because of the thousands of shots that they didn’t get. Their settings weren’t right or they didn’t predict the animal’s behaviour accurately, or the cardinal sin – they left their camera at home! This last one is unforgivable by the way.
Trevor McCall-Peat NEVER forgets his camera! Here he lines up a shot of the Ndzanzeni female high in a Weeping-Wattle tree.
When out on drive we try to put our guests in the right position to get the shot, by parking in the appropriate spot, by letting them know what the animal is likely to be doing next, and by running through various camera settings and what they mean.
Having said all that, it can certainly be a lot easier if people have a base knowledge of photography, and for that reason we are going to be running a series of blog posts over the next few months, detailing a number of useful hints and techniques that will help you capture some amazing images on your next safari.
The Tutlwa female in the Sand River. We had anticipated her jumping across this bit of water and waited tensely with fingers on shutter buttons, but she turned around and walked back up the hill…
What we want to know from you, is what you would like those posts to be on…
Time-lapse? Panoramas? Panning techniques? There are so many options, but instead of just presenting them at random, we’d like a feel for what our readers would like to know more about when it comes to wildlife photography.
Amy Attenborough filming giraffes as evening approaches.
Low light made for challenging conditions, and one of the only options available was a slow shutter speed to blur the movement.
We can’t guarantee we have all the answers, but based on what you indicate what you want to read about below, we will be field-testing like crazy over the forthcoming weeks, and presenting our conclusions to you. Star photography, bird photography, whatever it might be.
Lets us know in the comments section, and we’ll get right on it…
I especially love the image of the giraffe showing movement and would like to learn how to master that skill, but will enjoy all that you are going to share with us!
Hi James,
As a fairly new photographer, I need tips in a lot of areas. I’m always awed by the stunning photographs that are presented on the Londolozi blog every day and would love to be able to capture images like those one day! I especially would like to know how you capture the beautiful starry sky shots and spectacular sunsets and what camera equipment is ideally needed for this (and ability of course). I also have difficulty with fast-moving subjects, so any tips there would be great as well. I love Amy’s picture of the running Giraffes!
Hmmm…time lapse, I think. I know nothing about it and would like to try my hand at some night shots too.
One of the stand out features that differentiates Londolozi from every other lodge I have stayed with on 18 trips to Africa is that the rangers understand and enjoy photography. They are amazingly skilled at getting the right shots for their customers.
I am not an employee or shareholder in Londolozi by the way
I’d like to read about how to photograph nicely blurred animals while they moving, also animal portraits during night, when only the fine lines are visible on the images. Thx
Thanks so much! This will really be helpful. I am going to Londolozi in May, so it’s a great way to prepare myself (and my gear)
Hi James – hope all well. When we were out at New Year, Shaun D and I perfected the art of night photography! What I would like to do next time is leave the camera on a time lapse to get the movement of the stars (in a circle). I also think a guide to suggested ISO settings for different light situations. I know I’ll think of more ? See you at New Year but hopefully before if Mike and I can sneak in a short trip! Kind regards Nicki
PS how are the Matimbas?
Hi Nicki,
We saw the Matimbas this morning and they both seemed perfectly healthy, although they weren’t doing much so it was hard to establish how badly the lighter maned male’s recent injuries have affected his movement. I have been on leave for a couple of weeks so wasn’t here when his wounds were fresh, but from what I could see he was very lucky to have survived, as he had multiple scars and scabs around the base of his spine, indicating he was almost certainly attacked by more than one male. One cut in particular was right above his spinal column, and could have been disastrous had whoever inflicted it managed to bite down properly!
Perhaps a post on low light / nighttime / spotlight photography? Many gorgeous portaits or side lit silhouettes of animals often occur in The weeks in pictures yet don’t seem very easy to pull off!
Enjoy all the great photos and the photography blogs. Looking forward to more Lightroom blogs/hints.
shooting at night please
Dusk photography…as the sun is setting.
I would like to know what part of Lightroom and techniques you use to isolate the elephants, big cats etc. in a field of
black for those super dramatic shots. I would like to try that with my photos from Londolozi. Also, what is the technique of removing all the color and having the outline of a leopard just using the spots while on a white background. Finally, how do you do the white background in Lightroom. I don’t need all the steps but would like to
understand where the sections are and basic techniques names so I can begin using that program. Up till now I have been using aperture on my Mac but this seems like something aperture doesn’t do….Many thanks.
I would like to know about time lapse and slowing the shutter speed.
Hi Everyone,
Thanks very much for your input and suggestions. All the requests have been noted and will be covered in upcoming blogs in the more in-depth photography series in the next couple of weeks, so watch this space…
We are visiting Londolozi in April (6 weeks ???). I am looking forward to trying some star photography so any hints & tips would be welcome . Also the giraffe shot is great- the use of black & white can be stunning when light is less than good.
Some general camera craft tips would be helpful- looking after kit – cleaning etc.
HELLO JAMES
I’M A REAL AMATEUR. I DO EVEN OWN A CAMERA. SO…WHAT WOULD YOU ADVISE FOR A BEGINNER.
THANKS THERESIA
So sorry that is ‘do not’ not ‘do’.
Theresia
Leaving your camera at home is 100% THE cardinal sin!! I’m keen to try and get more interested in filming wildlife with my camera if possible and I still need to try panning (something I don’t get to practise in Cape Town)!