About the Author

Paul Danckwerts

Alumni Ranger

Zambian-born, Paul grew up a fisherman, a birder and a lover of all things outdoors. Following his passion for wildlife he graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree from Rhodes University before heading for the lowveld. Paul boasts a number of years guiding ...

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14 Comments

on Missing the Perfect Shot Because of Low Light – Sound Familiar?

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Marinda Drake
Master Tracker

Stunning images Paul.

Lyanne Millhouse
Explorer

Paul this was a really interesting post. Your pictures are incredible. I actually like the blurry one, to my mind it’s very ‘authentic!’ Sebi and I are amateurs, so we like all your advice. We are currently experimenting with Lomography. We wonder what your action shots would look like if ‘shot from the hip!’

Paul Danckwerts
Alumni Ranger

Thank you Lyanne

Ian Hall
Master Tracker

Ah, blur adds movement, but the rest of it has to be sharp to contrast the blur. I set my shutter speed to be in relation to the length of lens and then set the iso to automatic. But very nice photos with at least one being very serious wall candy.

Andrew and Daniel Bolnick
Digital Tracker

Excellent shots. Loved this

Joanne Wadsworth Kelley
Master Tracker

Masterful low light images. Well done!

Denise Vouri
Guest contributor

This is a well written article that will assist many visitors on African safaris. Aiming to capture the perfect shot can be daunting- excited guests rocking the Rover making shooting even more difficult, trying to get good focus when animals are in the grass or in tree branches or when they’re submerged in the large pans or rivers, not willing to come up for a photo. I find early morning and dusk the most challenging for settings as I normally shoot in manual, using auto focus.
It seems you don’t use auto iso…. is this true? I find sometimes the auto function doesn’t always read the light correctly. I’d travel in your Rover anytime as you understand the desires of the serious amateur photographer and are willing to share your knowledge.

Paul Danckwerts
Alumni Ranger

Hi Denise. That is true. I would rather have control over the ISO and then work around it. Photographs often mean everything especially if it’s a once in a lifetime safari. I’m glad you enjoyed the article!

Randy Tyler
Explorer

Good advice Paul — and particularly LOVE that last shot!

Paul Danckwerts
Alumni Ranger

Thank you Randy

Al Kaiser
Guest contributor

Very cool Paul. Glad t hear Shadrake still has his A game. See you soon.

Katie Cole
Explorer

Wonderful insight and what a freeing feeling to know one can capture amazing pictures with the sun in the background!

Marianna Gdanis
Explorer

Very informative indeed – absolutely love the B&W (just goes to show)!

Mary Beth Wheeler
Guest contributor

I saved your blog to savor upon my return from a trip, Paul! Excellent advice and great pictures of my favorite leopard!

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