You've dreamed of a wildlife Africa safari for years " and now its finally going to happen. You see yourself taking National Geographic camera shots. You wonder how to get a close-up of a lion, the way the professionals do. But did you know that if you visit a game reserve such as Amboseli or Kenya Mara, you most likely wont even get the chance? Its strictly the rule in such places nowadays that no vehicle shall stray from the beaten track.
There's no alternative but long-distance shots " but don't even think of using your zoom. Its mostly likely not nearly powerful enough. However, if you really want to get that extra-special close-up, there is a solution " a telephoto lens. 300 mm. is the place to start: 600 mm. would set you alongside the big guns.
Before You Leave For Your Trip
Carrying out a few simple photography exercises and making some modifications before you ever step on the plane can improve your wildlife Africa photography results 100%.
# Get in the habit of looking for photography opportunities everywhere. Shoot from the car, your kitchen window, your office " anywhere a pigeon perches or a seagull swoops. You'll be surprised at how quickly you notice shots you wouldn't have seen before.
* Practice so much that you could find your controls in the dark. It would be heartbreaking to miss a once-in-a-lifetime shot, all because you cant find your power button.
* Listen to the sounds your camera makes. Its astonishing how loudly a zoom lens can whir. If that doesn't convince you to buy a telephoto lens, nothing will. Be aware of what may startle wildlife and correct it before your trip.
* Study the habits of your African prey now. Check the internet and find out what parks offer more chance of seeing specific animals. Visit a game park, if there's one in your area.
When You're Going For The Real Thing
# Buy a bean bag. They do a wonderful job of cushioning your camera when you're trying to shoot from a bouncing jeep.
* Don't just fill your camera screen with your animal subject - include natural objects unique to each park to give a sense of place.
* Whats the one animal you want to avoid? You guessed it " the malaria-carrying mosquito. Be sure to wear protective clothing and wield that bug spray. At the very least, don't let a bite from the pesky critters wreck your shot.
Learning to photograph wildlife takes practice and patience, but the results will be well worth it. Your wildlife pictures will sparkle. And remember " the squirrel you shoot today may be the cheetah you capture tomorrow!
And whatever you do in wildlife Africa " don't leave your camera at home! - 16492
There's no alternative but long-distance shots " but don't even think of using your zoom. Its mostly likely not nearly powerful enough. However, if you really want to get that extra-special close-up, there is a solution " a telephoto lens. 300 mm. is the place to start: 600 mm. would set you alongside the big guns.
Before You Leave For Your Trip
Carrying out a few simple photography exercises and making some modifications before you ever step on the plane can improve your wildlife Africa photography results 100%.
# Get in the habit of looking for photography opportunities everywhere. Shoot from the car, your kitchen window, your office " anywhere a pigeon perches or a seagull swoops. You'll be surprised at how quickly you notice shots you wouldn't have seen before.
* Practice so much that you could find your controls in the dark. It would be heartbreaking to miss a once-in-a-lifetime shot, all because you cant find your power button.
* Listen to the sounds your camera makes. Its astonishing how loudly a zoom lens can whir. If that doesn't convince you to buy a telephoto lens, nothing will. Be aware of what may startle wildlife and correct it before your trip.
* Study the habits of your African prey now. Check the internet and find out what parks offer more chance of seeing specific animals. Visit a game park, if there's one in your area.
When You're Going For The Real Thing
# Buy a bean bag. They do a wonderful job of cushioning your camera when you're trying to shoot from a bouncing jeep.
* Don't just fill your camera screen with your animal subject - include natural objects unique to each park to give a sense of place.
* Whats the one animal you want to avoid? You guessed it " the malaria-carrying mosquito. Be sure to wear protective clothing and wield that bug spray. At the very least, don't let a bite from the pesky critters wreck your shot.
Learning to photograph wildlife takes practice and patience, but the results will be well worth it. Your wildlife pictures will sparkle. And remember " the squirrel you shoot today may be the cheetah you capture tomorrow!
And whatever you do in wildlife Africa " don't leave your camera at home! - 16492
About the Author:
If you are planning a safari vacation, check Travel Kenya for their excellent articles to make sure you have a worry free enjoyable wildlife Africa safari, and good shots of wildlife pictures.
