Wildlife Photo Tips

Copyright Karen Schaler All Rights Reserved

On a recent trip to South Africa I was able to go on about a dozen different safaris in the Kruger National Park and in just the first few days I was lucky enough to spot the elusive “Big Five”, the elephant, rhino, buffalo, lion and the leopard. I had my professional camera gear with me but quickly learned to get the best shots you better know what you’re doing!

Every year people are killed in the park because they don’t follow the rules and get too close to the animals. I’ll admit when you’re right in the middle of herd of elephants it’s so amazing you can quickly forget that you’re not suppose to standup or lean outside the vehicle when taking your pictures.

That’s because elephant doesn’t have very good eyesight only sees the outline of a large vehicle that it leaves alone, but if you lean outside the vehicle or stand up you’re instantly a target because you catch the elephants attention. NOT what you want to do. We ran into elephants all over the park.

We found them at Skukuza, just east of the Paul Kruger Gate into the park and we spotted a lot herds on the private Sabi Sand reserve.Coming up on this TRAVEL THERAPY blog we’ll have more about the different safari camps in the area but first here are some simple photography tips you need to know before you go so you can be sure to stay safe and get the best shots! 

·         Never approach a wild animal

·         Photograph wildlife from the safety of your vehicle

·         Make sure you have a way out in case the animal charges

·         Use telephoto lenses

·         The more you’re zoomed in the steadier you have to be

·         Make sure the sun is behind you when shooting

·         Observe animals quietly

 Coming up an affordable place to safari in the Kruger National Park where many of the private game reserves charge hundreds, if not thousands of dollars a night.