5 easy tips for taking wildlife pictures
There is no denying that the Kruger National Park is a photographer’s paradise… With its abundant and diverse fauna and flora, each photo captures a snapshot in time, with no two photos being the same.
Our idyllic location, a mere 200m from the Phalaborwa gate into the Northern Kruger, makes us the perfect base for you to launch your wildlife journey from! Whether you are grabbing a few pics for Instagram or looking for that talking point frame on the wall, getting those breath-taking shots while on a guided game drive or self-drive through the Kruger requires some forward thinking. We have put together five easy tips on making the most out of your Kruger experience with a camera in hand!
1. Know your gear ????
The key to getting some phenomenal shots is to know your camera like the back of your hand! Whether you are using a cell phone, digital or point and shoot camera, it’s important to be well-versed in its capabilities. Pull out the manual, open YouTube, do some learning and practise; know what each setting means and how they work, the different modes, shutter speeds and apertures. It will allow you to make quick and effective changes to the settings without taking your eye off the animal; preventing a missed opportunity.
2. Capture the animal from different angles/ parts of its body ????
There is no concrete rule when it comes to taking pictures of an animal itself, but one easy tip to remember is that you don’t always have to show the entire animal. You can still take striking photos without getting too close to the wildlife by using different angles and focusing on different parts of its body. For example, it is always a great idea to try and get a picture of the animal’s eye(s), the window to their soul, this results in some captivating and truly breath-taking images.
3. Understand the different lighting and know the importance of each ☀️
The light of a photograph can make or break it, so you need to know how to use the light to your advantage; how to position it, choose the right direction and the right time of day. When shooting on clear days it’s best to stick to the golden hours, the couple of hours after dawn and just before dusk as these are softer forms of light and often gives the picture that extra glow. On days that are overcast the best time to shoot is mid-morning and mid-afternoon, your camera flash also comes into play on days like these as it often brings out the animal from its background.
4. Show the wildlife in its environment ????
Most Kruger newbies get really excited when they see an animal, especially one they haven’t seen before, and automatically click the zoom in button… Don’t fall into this trap! Stop and look around, take in the animal AND its surroundings; this helps you better understand the environment it is in, before taking a picture. Another tip here is to not just centre the animal to the frame, but place it in difference sections on your screen based on its surroundings; place it in a corner if it’s near a hill, slightly to left for that wildlife selfie or lower in the frame if it’s in a veld. This helps you capture the bigger picture and tell a story!
5. Respect the wildlife ????
This is a top tip that you should always remember!
Most animals in the Kruger are familiar with vehicles, allowing you to get that little bit closer, but it is vitally important to remember that the animal itself is more important than the image, always respect it, give it the right of way and never get in its space! Thinking of exploring the Kruger and capturing some breath-taking photos? Staying at Bushveld Terrace will give you direct access into the Kruger for those stunning wildlife pics, fill your senses with the sights and smells of the bushveld, tantalise those taste buds with divine food, provide the modern comforts and a good night’s rest for your adventures.
Book your stay with us in**@bu*************.za
