If you find yourself at Londolozi, it would be a missed opportunity not to venture into the captivating world of photography. Each day presents breathtaking moments, and capturing them is an immense privilege. Whether you have a simple phone or a sophisticated camera setup, I strongly urge you to seize the chance and immortalize some of the memorable scenes at Londolozi. In this blog, I will delve into five indispensable techniques for everybody, no matter the experience level, that will enable you to unlock the genuine essence of Londolozi’s wildlife through the lens of photography.
1. Composition
Play around with the Rule of Thirds. With the rule of thirds, you can create a sense of wonder by allowing the viewer to see what and where the animal in focus is looking/moving. Instead of placing your wildlife subject in the centre of the frame, compose your shot so that the animal’s face aligns with the intersecting lines. By doing so, you invite viewers to explore the vibrant tapestry of Londolozi’s wilderness, creating captivating images that evoke a sense of wonder and discovery.
In this image Sean captures one of the Ndzhenga Males striding across the airstrip, you can see his gaze fixated on something off to the left of the image. The positioning of the male lion on the right of the frame causes this sense of wonder as to what it is that he is looking at.
2. Try to get Eye Level with the Subject
By getting eye level one can connect intimately with the animals we view. To truly capture the essence of our resident wildlife, get down to eye level whenever possible. By entering their world, you can preserve enchanting moments from the perspective of a wild inhabitant. Whether it’s crouching low in the vehicle to photograph a majestic leopard or capturing an elephant’s gentle gaze, shooting at eye level brings viewers into the very heart of the wildlife.
The Ntomi Male Leopard walking down this particular section of road allowed us to loop up ahead and position the vehicle down the slope where he would then be at the perfect eye-level as he crests this small rise in the road.
3. Mind the Background
Unveiling pure wilderness in the realm of wildlife photography, backgrounds can make or break an image. When photographing Londolozi’s charismatic fauna, be mindful of distractions that may detract from the subject, or in some cases enhance the image. Seek out unspoiled vistas and natural elements that harmonize with the animal’s presence. By carefully positioning yourself, you can create a visual tapestry where Londolozi’s wildlife takes centre stage, framed by breathtaking landscapes and uninterrupted tranquillity.
The open sky make creates a sense of space in this image. Impala in the foreground and an elephant beyond.
A lovely lush view of the rolling hills has a large male giraffe standing in from of one of the large granite outcrops we can see when driving around the eastern parts of the reserve.
4. Focus on the Eyes
Windows to their soul, the eyes hold a profound connection to the soul of the wildlife. As you capture images of many magnificent animals, remember to focus on their eyes. From the regal gaze of a lion to the piercing stare of a leopard, sharp focus on the eyes adds depth, emotion, and storytelling power to your photographs. Let the eyes of the animals guide viewers into a realm of untamed fascination.
![Xhinkova Stonedrift Female Portrait In Marula [rcb]](https://media.londolozi.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/23162830/Xhinkova-Stonedrift-female-portrait-in-marula-RCB-scaled.jpg)
The Stone-drift Female rests in the bough of a large tree allowing a chance at gazing deep into her eyes.
5. Embrace Negative Space
In telling the tale, negative space plays a pivotal role in storytelling. Embrace the vastness of Londolozi’s landscapes and the art of capturing animals within their environment. Incorporate sweeping vistas and expansive skies to convey the untamed spirit of Londolozi. Within these images, viewers will discover not only the magnificence of the subject but also the interconnectedness between Londolozi’s wildlife and its captivating surroundings.
An elephant bull stands feeding in the open with a cloudy moody sky beyond.
A herd of elephants amble their way across the Sand River.
Londolozi beckons you to embark on a remarkable journey into the heart of the African wilderness through the lens of your camera. By applying these five essential techniques, you will capture the very essence of Londolozi’s wild inhabitants, immortalizing their beauty, grace, and untamed spirit. Let the Rule of Thirds guide your compositions, shoot at eye level to connect intimately, mind the background to reveal pure wilderness, focus on the eyes to unlock their soul, and embrace negative space to tell the captivating tale of Londolozi. So, step into the wild, let your creativity soar, and allow Londolozi’s wildlife to ignite your passion for capturing extraordinary moments in this extraordinary place.
Excellent reminders Patrick on the essential photography tips to use on safari, but they are also the cornerstones for creating images that tell a story or evoke feelings. Oftentimes, one finds there are so many opportunities to press the shutter, the excitement in the moment can overshadow the basics of composition.
Thanks for the Tipps, Patrck. I love these wide skies, whether they are blue or grey and that really attractive hill in the background
Patrick, Your tips are right on the money – especially the rule of thirds and embracing negative space. Of course you can always go super tight like the ones you showed of the leopard’s eye! We have just returned from an awesome visit to Londolozi and are just beginning the editing of the over 5000 images we shot while we were there. Our motto is “pixels are free” but we all know editing time is not! Hope to see you on our next visit!
Great blog. I’d add to remember to look up and down – there are Birds, Dung Beetles, Insects and more just waiting to be photographed.
all fantastic photos!
Patrick thank you for your tips on photography. I am still learning day by day how to shoot in Manuel mode and experimenting with it. Also you tips will help me to position my subject better and use the rule of the thirds. Focusing on the animals eyes will also help with good focus on the animal, background is so important on a photograph. Loved all the images you showed us, especially the two images wilth the giraffe showing the beautiful Londolozi scenery and the leopard showing the eyes. How do you get the details on the foto, like your lense, f/stop, Iso,and shutter information that you put underneath the foto’s.
Patrick, thank you for the advice about photography. Good composition can make an image as well as focus.
Nice reminder Patrick that I don’t Always have to zoom in. I get SO thrilled with focusing on the eyes, I can hardly help myself. Zooming Out will be on the agenda next trip! And, perhaps visiting sometime other than Winter for a change in scenery.
These photos are ALL STUNNING! I am in awe of the sublime capture of these animals in the photos. On earlier safaris I carried the lens, cameras and beanbags. I loved my images to blow up and frame. In 2017 my husband was run over in the US while bicycling. Londolozi helped postpone our travels for a year. I am now using an iPhone. Seeing this pics makes me think that my return to Londolozi will be with YOUR cameras and expertise. Thank you for finding the wildlife without telephoto lens…and thank you for thinking that might be in our future!!!
Wildlife photography becomes an obsession the more time you spend on safari!