Picture Perfect Moments
- Need to know
The perfect picture takes time. ‘Hurry up and wait’ is the order of the day. At the waterhole, you wait for the perfect snapshot; a baby elephant scurrying behind its mother, trunk curled around tail; giraffes, usually graceful, awkward as they bend to drink; a turtle basking in the sun. Silence and the occasional shutter of a lens mark the occasion. These are photographs you will treasure for years to come, perhaps taking a place of pride on the walls of your home.
Wildlife photography is a joy for amateur and professional photographers alike. The Greater Kruger National Park is rife with opportunities to capture the beauty of the wild, from panoramic landscape scenes to majestic predators and humble beetles. With wildlife like no other, from big cats to wild dogs, meerkats to mongooses, elephants to impalas, the area is a dream for photographers. Around every corner is something new and incredible to see; you won’t want to put your camera down for fear of missing something spectacular.
On game drives, your guide will be able to work with you to capture the perfect shot, whether they need to reposition the vehicle for a better view or wait a few extra moments at a waterfall so that you don’t miss the any opportunity or lose your golden light. Understanding animal movements and habits can greatly increase the chances of capturing compelling images. Guides provide valuable insights into this aspect during game drives, with knowledge of the best locations to find animals and understanding their behaviours.
Photographic safaris are a rare opportunity to flex your photography skills and be guided by specially trained photographic guides who will be able to take you to key vantage points and share tips and tricks on how to get the best out of your camera. Further tuition is also possible if needed. Some vehicles are fitted with special camera mounts to ensure a steady hand, while swivel chairs and gimbals help you get the perfect shot and the best light.
Many lodges are also situated close to waterholes. Underground hides, located at these waterholes, allow photographers the safety and pleasure of spending hours within close proximity to animals. Often set at ground level, this offers a unique opportunity to capture low-angled shots. Hides are typically open all day and all night, which means that when you are not out on a game drive, you can still spend your precious hours capturing beautiful images. All-night access offers an incredible opportunity to see nocturnal animals who prefer to drink at night.
Early morning and evening game drives are standard on safari, as these are the optimal times to observe wild animals in motion. Animals are most active during the cooler parts of the day, aligning with the timing of these drives. Equipped with your camera, you’ll be poised to capture magical and unforgettable moments in the bush.
