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

I realized my first lesson about safari pictures the laborious approach. There I used to be, at a small airstrip in Botswana, shopping for an additional airplane ticket for my digital camera 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 airplane may accommodate the additional bag in any respect.) 

By the top 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 received a real-world training in digital camera settings, working in dusty situations, and with the very actual risk of operating out of house on my reminiscence playing cards. And to assume 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 subject.

Select properly. 

Whereas I’m cautious about overpacking, one factor I received’t compromise on is touring with two digital camera our bodies. I carry two Sony full-frame mirrorless cameras, an Alpha 7R III and an Alpha 7R V. I match every one with a unique lens so I don’t should 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 photographs of the panorama, animal herds, and creatures that come shut, and a 200-600 mm tremendous telephoto for tighter photographs. I additionally convey alongside a 70-200 mm, simply in case. 

Be ready.

In the case of uncommon sightings—a cheetah feasting on a recent kill, a hyena, a sable antelope—you would possibly solely have a cut up second to seize the second. “Too typically, company arrive in Africa with brand-new digital camera tools they’ve by no means used,” says Shaun Stanley, the founding father of Stanley Safaris. “Apply previous to your arrival and contemplate 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 shield them from scratches and harsh sunshine.

Keep regular.

For sharp photos, stability is essential—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’ll be able to relaxation on the facet of a Land Rover or over a seat. “Many lodges and camps have them, however you’ll be able to by no means be sure, so I at all times convey my very own,” says Ian Proctor, a member of the T+L A-Listing and president of Final Africa Safaris. “I pack it empty after which ask the lodge for some beans to fill it once I arrive.”

Carry additional reminiscence.

I’ve gotten the dreaded “SD card full” message many occasions, and it at all times appears to occur once 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-Listing advisor and the CEO of Premier Excursions. Many lodges inventory additional reminiscence playing cards, however I’ve but to discover a strong digital camera store within the bush—and also you don’t wish to run wanting house mid-game drive. 

Know your settings.

Each safari is completely different, however I are likely to depend on just a few frequent settings. To seize fast-moving wildlife, I exploit fast shutter speeds, usually 1/1000 or quicker. Burst mode, which takes a collection of rapid-fire photographs, can also be important. Quick shutter speeds typically name for greater 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 present a shallow depth of subject that makes for a phenomenal blurred background. 

Insure your rig.

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

Go it alone.

“If you happen to’re severe about pictures, I recommend paying additional for a personal safari car,” Stanley says. “That approach you’ll be able to convey all of your tools with out imposing on different company.” 

Choose the suitable 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 non-public concessions, the place not more than three automobiles can collect round a explicit animal sighting,” Stanley says. These additionally are likely to have fewer restrictions on entry, that means you’ll be able to arrive earlier than dawn or keep out after sundown to seize wildlife within the dreamy mild 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 digital camera and soaking all of it in.

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