How to take safari photos.
I get frustrated on safari not being able to take decent photos apart from when the light is good at dawn and dusk. Is there anyway of taking decent shots during the rest of the day?
Our expert answers:
Great question and to be frank, you have to cut your photographic cloth accordingly. Firstly make the most of those special moments, make sure you are up and away whilst it is still dark and in position for the sunrise not after it; likewise for late afternoon and sunset.
Secondly do your homework on times of year, certain areas benefit from longer sunshine hours at certain times than others, also do not be put off by light rains or even heavy as it often means the spells afterwards are intense.
For the other times of day concentrate on two things; action or birds. Iridescent birds can stand being photographed at all hours and species like wildebeest crossings or cheetahs hunting will only happen in the middle of the day. An action shot of a Roller landing with a dragon fly in its bill or a cheetah downing a gazelle are far harder currency than yet another dreamy lion portrait in great light. Most importantly decide early in the day what you are after, if you are crammed in a little minibus with loads of other people wanting to tick off species you will never have any luck, but if you have done your homework and are with a driver that understands your needs you will get some good results. Hope this helps