I am a Skilled Photographer and These Are My Safari Photograph Secrets and techniques

I realized my first lesson about safari pictures the onerous method. There I used to be, at a small airstrip in Botswana, shopping for an additional aircraft ticket for my digicam bag. I’d uncared for to contemplate the strict baggage weight restrictions on most bush planes, and I used to be over the restrict. (It was fortunate that the aircraft may accommodate the additional bag in any respect.) 

By the tip of the journey, I hadn’t touched the wide-angle lens I packed; the tripod in my bag was unused. Over 10 days, I additionally acquired a real-world training in digicam settings, working in dusty circumstances, and with the very actual risk of operating out of area on my reminiscence playing cards. And to suppose that I had already been doing this for a dwelling for a number of years. 

Since that fateful first journey, I’ve gone on a number of different, extra profitable safaris—throughout which I’ve honed the next methods for maximizing my time within the discipline.

Select correctly. 

Whereas I’m cautious about overpacking, one factor I gained’t compromise on is touring with two digicam our bodies. I carry two Sony full-frame mirrorless cameras, an Alpha 7R III and an Alpha 7R V. I match each with a unique lens so I don’t need to swap lenses in the midst of no matter motion I’m making an attempt to seize. I usually use a 24-70 mm for wider pictures of the panorama, animal herds, and creatures that come shut, and a 200-600 mm tremendous telephoto for tighter pictures. I additionally deliver alongside a 70-200 mm, simply in case. 

Be ready.

With regards to uncommon sightings—a cheetah feasting on a contemporary kill, a hyena, a sable antelope—you may solely have a cut up second to seize the second. “Too typically, company arrive in Africa with brand-new digicam tools they’ve by no means used,” says Shaun Stanley, the founding father of Stanley Safaris. “Follow previous to your arrival and take into account investing in a pictures course.”

Hold it clear.

I at all times carry Zeiss lens wipes, microfiber cleansing cloths, and a rocket air blaster for eradicating mud with out the danger of scratches. My lenses are additionally fitted with UV filters, which defend them from scratches and harsh sunshine.

Keep regular.

For sharp photos, stability is vital—however a conventional tripod is cumbersome contained in the confines of a safari car. I’ve realized to like the Kinesis SafariSack, a beanbag-style pouch you possibly can relaxation on the facet of a Land Rover or over a seat. “Many lodges and camps have them, however you possibly can by no means make certain, so I at all times deliver my very own,” says Ian Proctor, a member of the T+L A-Checklist and president of Final Africa Safaris. “I pack it empty after which ask the lodge for some beans to fill it after I arrive.”

Carry further reminiscence.

I’ve gotten the dreaded “SD card full” message many occasions, and it at all times appears to occur after I’m capturing some thrilling second. “It’s not out of the norm to shoot upwards of a thousand photos per day,” says Julian Harrison, one other A-Checklist advisor and the CEO of Premier Excursions. Many lodges inventory further reminiscence playing cards, however I’ve but to discover a strong digicam store within the bush—and also you don’t wish to run in need of area mid-game drive. 

Know your settings.

Each safari is completely different, however I are inclined to depend on just a few widespread settings. To seize fast-moving wildlife, I exploit fast shutter speeds, usually 1/1000 or sooner. Burst mode, which takes a collection of rapid-fire pictures, can be important. Quick shutter speeds typically name for increased ISO settings, however an excessive amount of sensitivity can create “noise,” so I attempt to keep at 1600 or decrease. When taking close-up or zoomed-in pictures, I at all times give attention to the animal’s eyes, utilizing an f-stop between f/2.8 and f/6.3 to provide a shallow depth of discipline that makes for a lovely blurred background. 

Insure your rig.

Whether or not your tools price $2,000 or $20,000, you’ll wish to defend that funding: camera-specific plans from Lemonade, Progressive, and State Farm cowl your gear nearly anyplace on the planet. Some home-owner’s insurance policies additionally embody protection.

Go it alone.

“Should you’re severe about pictures, I recommend paying further for a non-public safari car,” Stanley says. “That method you possibly can deliver all of your tools with out imposing on different company.” 

Decide the correct vacation spot.

With their plentiful sport and spectacular surroundings, big-name nationwide parks are well-known for a motive—but additionally draw bigger crowds. “Photographers ought to hunt down personal concessions, the place not more than three autos can collect round a specific animal sighting,” Stanley says. These additionally are inclined to have fewer restrictions on entry, that means you possibly can arrive earlier than dawn or keep out after sundown to seize wildlife within the dreamy gentle of daybreak or nightfall.

Be current.

I’m actually responsible of spending an excessive amount of time behind the lens, so I’ve made some extent of, once in a while, merely placing down my digicam and soaking all of it in.

A model of this story first appeared within the July 2025 situation of Journey + Leisure underneath the headline “Animal Magic.”