Beginner Tips for a safari

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CalvinB1990

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Calvin
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Hi Everyone,

I am going on my first safari holiday next week and i am just after any tips people might have when it comes to settings. I would class myself as an enthusiast and have been known to take a good picture or 2! I have been practicing quite a lot recently but can't seem to get consistent photos in high sunlight conditions. I know a lot comes with practice but any tips would appreciated! I have a Canon 70d with a Sigma 150-500 lens and a Canon 70-200 F4L lens. I am there for 8 days so will have plenty of time to try different things.

Thanks in advance

PS sorry if this is in the wrong section...
 
Hi Calvin, What sort of safari are you going and whereabouts? A self drive or a camp safari which drives you about?.
I've been on a couple which were with a professional ranger and in a landrover type vehicle with different levels of seating. I would suggest 2 camera bodies if possible, just to eliminate changing lens and getting dust in the camera / lenses. It may be worth e-mailing the company if you have booked that sort and make them aware your there for photography as well as watching the animals. I found on my last safari in Zim the ranger was very knowledgeable and happy to assist in the right place and position for photography (some are photographers themselves).
You could also look at a forum called safaritalk, which I found on behalf of Big Andy. Very knowledgeable folk and all likeminded.
 
Hi Calvin, welcome to Talk Photography. Agree with what Paul has posted above about talking to your guide if you have one, they will have a lot of experience with photographers and know how to put you in the best light. Are you going to be sharing a vehicle with other people or just your own party as this can make a big difference. Some people want to see nothing but lion and wont stay in one place for more than ten mins before badgering the guide to move on. When I went to Mana Pools Zimbabwe last year we would sit for hours if required until the action kicked off. Sometimes nothing happened but you have to try, patience is the way to great shots.
Paul also mentioned http://safaritalk.net/ a great place for all things about watching wildlife and worth taking a look. Where are you going and what's your itinerary? For images of my trip just follow the link to Natural world imaging below in my sig.
 
Experience the safari not just the back of your camera, the best ones by far are walking safaris. You can get so close to the action. We paid some locals to take us into the Okovango in canoes and spent 3 nights camping out. Saw lions, zebras, crocs and a lifetime's supply of birds. Great view of the Southern Cross at night.

My 3 tips:
1) good shoes and kakhi
2) back up as you go
3) cheap Alpkit drybags to keep cameras and lenses in.
 
Hi Guys,

Thank for the replies. I am going for 8 days to 2 private reserves around the Masai Mara with 1 planned full day in the Mara National Park itself. I am going with a company and will meet my guide when i get there. I am told there will not be too many other people staying at the camps so hoping that i will find like minded people who are there to appreciate what is in front of them, not just take as many pictures as possible... One thing i have learnt over the few years i have been taking pictures is sometimes you just have to put the camera down and enjoy the moment.

Unfortunately i just have the 1 camera body so may need to risk it and swap lenses, i couldn't justify another camera body! Weight is also a factor as i only have 15kgs total and i am pushing 5kgs on the camera equipment already.

I will definitely check out Safaritalk.

I think i am just having a bit of a confidence crises and being over critical of the photos i am currently taking vs what i want to take!
 
paul100 said:
I would suggest 2 camera bodies if possible, just to eliminate changing lens and getting dust in the camera / lenses.
Click to expand...
CalvinB1990 said:
Unfortunately i just have the 1 camera body so may need to risk it and swap lenses, i couldn't justify another camera body!
Click to expand...
Obviously that's your call, but don't under-estimate the dust. It will be much dustier than you expect, even after you've been told it will be much dustier than you expect! Just be very very careful.
 
I agree about the dust, and you really should try to organise a backup body for a trip like this. Not the best time to have a camera failure! Why don't you ask the tour operator if they can assist or recommend a local (Nairobi) hire outlet?
 
Just a thought, but if you bought a second-hand back-up body you could sell it on your return at barely any loss.
 
Probably a bit late to look at buying a second hand body, i fly on Tuesday! I will put some feelers out and see if i know anyone with a body i could borrow....
 
I guess you're there now or just got back ... but some simple tips are as follows:

Focus time during the so called golden hours. This means you get up early, make a flask of coffee or tea, be ready to go around 6am. Stay out until the light starts to get harsh, then go back, do chores, sort images, relax. When out you can pretty much stay in f8 and AV. Pay attention to the animals and the light rather than the gear. Go out again as the light improves say 3-5.30ish. Study the light. That's what it's about in Africa. Yes, a second body is way better. I've used the 70-200 in Africa and it's awesome for closer shots. The 150-500 variations I have also used out there. It can soften at 500mm so stay a tad shorter. It is better stopped down. Early mornings take a fleece and long trousers as it can be very cold. Try and be patient. I avoid organised tours for that reason. I like to work to my time not a bunch of 8 other peoples and a driver and spotter. Too late for that for you ;-) A self drive/organise photo safari and a general one are SO different and SO different in price. BAck up each morning after breakfast and before you have a nice snooze. Safari routine is fantastic. Following the light, trying new tracks/roads, trying to eat well, staying hydrated are all important. Keep your hands clean and watch your food and drink. Spending 3-4 days ill isn't great when you've splashed the cash!
 
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