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.
Now is the time to take a second look at that dinky little camera you've been using for every family vacation. Get that wildlife Africa close-up you've dreamed about without sticking your head in a lions maw or getting trampled by the annual wildebeest migration. A telephoto lens is the perfect answer. (The ideal range for safely shooting wildlife is between 300 mm. to 600 mm.)
Start Small " Stalk A Squirrel
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%.
* Carry your camera with you at all times " starting today! You never know when you'll run into a deer (not literally, we hope!). There are probably more species of wildlife in your neighborhood than you've ever realized.
# Get to know those camera buttons the way a blind man can read a book " by finding them with your fingers, not your eyes. Fumbling with buttons is not an option when a herd of wildebeest is thundering by.
# Make a note of any camera task noises (such as zoom or auto focus) that are likely to disturb your subjects. Decide how you are going to get around that before your trip to wildlife Africa.
* Invest in research ahead of time. Read up on your subjects and their habits. Photograph a lion in the safety of your neighborhood zoo.
When You're Going For The Real Thing
# Take a small bean bag, the day of your African big game shoot. (HINT: If you cant find one at your local drug store, try borrowing your granddaughters Beanie Baby.) Bean bags can be real life-savers on safari, helping your camera absorb motion when you are shooting from a jolting vehicle.
# Include panoramic long shots with landmarks and scenery, as well as zooming in for those spectacular close-ups. A single twisted tree or the sweeping plain dwarfing a herd will create atmosphere. This is what will distinguish your photographs with the unmistakable hallmark of wildlife Africa.
* 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.
Following these few practical tips may set your travel photos miles ahead from the average tourist snapshots. The more practice you get at home in snapping wildlife at a moments notice, the better your chance of getting some truly unique shots of the spectacular and varied wildlife Africa is famous for.
And don't forget to bring a good supply of memory cards!
