PHOTOGRAPHY WORKSHOP

An African safari is an experience of a lifetime. We would like to introduce you to Topguides Safaris Photographic Workshop. With professional wildlife photographers as leaders, you will be given unique instruction and personalized assistance to help you capture exceptional images to remember your safari by (or to enlarge and hang on your wall when you get home).  

 

Intro:

Are you a novice nature photographer interested in deepening your photographic knowledge and skills to repeatedly capture exceptional images?

 

Or, perhaps you take your photography more seriously and you would like to elevate your imagery to the next level with the mentorship of a leading professional wildlife photographer?

 

Are there aspects of digital photography that you would like to learn more about, for example the use of
fill-flash?

 

Perhaps you are a relative newcomer to this age of digital photography and are interested in getting to know your own camera better; like understanding acronyms such as ‘ISO’ and words like ‘White Balance’?

If you want to make the most of every photographic opportunity on safari and improve your images then a Topguides Safaris Photographic Workshop with top leading wildlife photographers as your hosts is a must. No matter what your experience or level of expertise.

 

While this safari workshop is primarily aimed at photographers of all levels, non-photographing spouses/partners are encouraged to come along and enjoy a sublime wildlife experience. All are welcome to accompany the photographers on game drives, and share in the exceptional wildlife viewing. Once back in camp, while your partner is otherwise photographically occupied, you can enjoy your accommodations, stunning scenery or have a safari siesta.

 

A typical day on a workshop safari with a Topguides professional wildlife photography leader goes something like this:

 

The days begins with an early morning safari (to make the best use of the golden light). Your leader is close at hand in the front of the vehicle, there to make sure that you are best positioned for the wildlife sightings and that your camera settings are optimized. Some of you might prefer

instructions pertaining to exact camera settings, which Greg will gladly provide. Others might prefer general hints and tips relevant to each sighting. Still others might enjoy being left to photograph in their own creative space, raising questions along the way. Whatever your preference, the aim is to not only facilitate a practical learning experience but to ensure that every photographic opportunity is maximized - so that by the end of your safari, you leave with a stunning collection of images.

 

Once back in camp after your morning safari, a delicious breakfast awaits. Thereafter, your leader will present a short practical module relevant to your photographic topics. All our Topguides leaders have designed modules that are specifically aimed at nature photographers of various levels. This unique course cuts straight to the most important aspects of nature and wildlife photography, improved images are guaranteed!

 

Following this, you will have a group critique where you will receive direct, constructive and gentle feedback on a few of your own selected photographs. Everyone’s pictures are placed in one folder so no one will know whose picture is whose unless you put your hand up (this is to help the more self-conscious photographers).

After this feedback session, your leader will give a presentation on topics discussed throughout the course of the workshop using a data projector and large screen with the leader’s images and camera settings as examples. The topics include:

 

Light: Review different types of light and the pros and cons of each. Only once light is understood can a photographer begin their journey in earnest!

 

Apertures & Shutter Speeds: Examine the different modes on your camera and the effect your aperture setting has on your images.

 

Composition: Consider how to improve your photography by applying simple ‘rules’ of composition.

 

Autofocus & Technique: Discuss how to keep the focus on your subject whether taking a portrait or photographing action!

 

Histograms & Exposure Compensation: Learn to expose correctly using your histogram as a faithful guide.

 

Photoshop Simplified: Your leader will show you a few simple techniques to enhance your images.

 

Equipment: What equipment is essential for the wildlife photographer and what piece of equipment should you purchase next?

 

The presentations are informal and questions can be asked both during and after.

 

Once the feedback and presentation sessions have concluded, there will be some downtime and a scrumptious lunch before an afternoon drive with more wildlife viewing and practical photographic tutoring.

The evenings bring about splendid dinners and for those whose photographic appetites are not yet saturated, a more informal opportunity to discuss any photographic topic, whether relating to the day’s experiences and lessons, or completely unrelated.

 

What to Bring:

 

• SLR Digital Camera of any sort. Our leaders are well versed in both the Canon and Nikon systems. Two camera bodies will avoid you having to change lenses and potentially missing out action.

 

• Preferably a 300mm lens or longer for wildlife photography. A lens of at least 200mm is mandatory if you want to photograph larger mammals. But birds and smaller mammals will most times be out of your reach with less than a 300mm lens.

 

• For Nikon users, the ultimate lens for a wildlife safari is Nikon’s 200-400 F4 VR lens. This lens is relatively light, pin sharp and combined with a 1.4 converter you will seldom need anything else. The zoom capability will also allow you to compose efficiently meaning that you will seldom miss an opportunity.

 

• For Canon users, we recommend a 70 -200mm F2.8 or F4, combined with a longer prime lens. The compact 400mm F5.6, which although lacks IS, is still sharp and incredibly light and maneuverable. Alternatively, the 500mm F4 with a 1.4 converter will be a prime choice. A 600mm F4 is also a fine option but remember that maneuverability is essential in wildlife photography and this lens is big and heavy.

 

• Any other lenses that you might have (i.e. wide angle, portrait or macro) should be brought along. These are small and light so why not pack them? We recommend at least bringing a wide-angle lens of sorts to capture the expansive freedom of Africa!

 

• Your own camera support is a must. This is an all too often neglected element of wildlife photography. The best support when working in a safari vehicle with a heavy lens is a good old fashioned bean bag. Bring an empty one along and we can fill it for you! This allows great support and easy panning for those all too often moving subjects!

 

• A flash and an off-camera flash cord are very beneficial to bring on safari. A Wimberley off-camera flash bracket is highly recommended to set the flash away from the camera. This will prevent our subjects from acquiring the dreaded green eye!

 

• Spare Batteries and charging equipment are highly important. But you can buy batteries in Tanzania and electricity is available all the time.

 

• Memory Card & Card Reader plus a storage device to download your images onto are ALL important. In this day and age memory cards are stable and we recommend a 8G–16G Sandisk card.

 

Why should you book a Topguides Safaris Photo Workshop?

 

• The workshop is designed to maximize photographic opportunities. We all have the same goal, to take great pictures and to learn more about photography.

 

• The workshop is allocated exclusively with specially designed photography vehicles. These vehicles have been extended and have the middle seats removed. With only 2-4 people per vehicle, you have space and freedom to work. The vehicles also have a charging facility.

 

• On a workshop, the goal is not just to fine phenomenal wildlife, but doing so in the best light, with the best background, ideal angles, and the most unique behaviours. Our guides understand a photographer’s needs and exercise the skill and patience that may be lacking on regular photographic safaris.

 

• What better way to learn more about wildlife photography than in the field receiving direct feedback on your own work?

 

• We can customize an itinerary for you, please let us know when you would like to go, for how long, and where would you like to stay.

 

• It can be a private guided safari or you can join a group.