If you’re looking to capture unforgettable memories, and an envy-inducing Instagram post or two, then look no further than Ulusaba Private Game Reserve. The team of Rangers and Trackers are trained to help guests spot Africa’s incredible wildlife as well as sharing their own photographic expertise. Ulusaba’s Conservation Manager, Trevor Savage, has rounded up his tips for superior safari shots:
1. First, observe!
Your guides will be experts in animal behaviour so spend the first day of your trip listening to their tips and observing the animals. Soon, you’ll start to recognise the tell-tale signs of a yawn or roar and be ready to snap the local wildlife in all their natural glory.
2. Framing
The endless plains are perfect for capturing photographs of sunrises and sunsets. If you’re using your iPhone the best way to truly illustrate the extraordinary colours and shapes in the sky is to frame your photograph to show one third ground and two thirds sky. When using a camera the settings I recommend at these times of day are a low ISO and a F stop of F8.
3. Details vs. Wide Angles
Think about the animals you’re photographing; bigger animals like elephants can be challenging – you simply need to decide if you want to capture the detail using a very tight crop or a wide angle so that you can capture natural behaviour like drinking at a waterhole.
4. Lighting
Make the most of your game drives during the soft morning and evening light as at this time of day, the light falls directly on your subject and backgrounds are softer. Beginners can create amazing quality photographs at this time of day as the neutral back round makes the animals appear even more vibrant and alert in their natural habitat. During the daytime, the sun creates shadows and bright backgrounds which can lead to images being over exposed.
5. For the professionals!
If you’re looking to capture the night sky then I recommend visiting in the winter months; the clear skies offer unrivalled opportunities for some stunning photography. I recommend using a wide angle lens on a tripod; set your focus to infinity and leave your shutter open for approximately 25-30 seconds. Be prepared though as this really requires patience!
Ulusaba is approximately a 1 hour and 20 minute flight from the international airport in Johannesburg (OR Tambo International) flying by twin-engine aircraft, or 30 minutes from Kruger Mpumalanga International Airport (KMIA). Get a window seat – the view’s terrific! You can also go by road from KMIA, which will take about 2 hours.
Any Questions or Tips to add?