Though I’ve been traveling to Africa for almost 40 years, I’ve never paid much attention to how to take a good safari photo. Point, shoot, and pray has been my photographic motto. But, along the way I received tips and advice on how to take great safari photos from famous wildlife photographers like Tom Mangelson, Henry Holdsworth, Chris Martin and more.

Although I’m still an amateur, my photos have gone from blah to wow. From something I would eventually delete to something I’m proud of.

I’ve compiled the top easy to do tips here so that you can capture better memories from your safari. 

Chris Martin Photo

 

 6 Tips on How to Take Great Safari Photos:

1. Get familiar with the workings of your camera

This first suggestion is probably obvious, but half the people on the safaris I lead (including me) have not taken the time to know their camera.

Great photographers understand how to switch between functions almost blindfolded. Often you will need to make adjustments to your shooting settings while the animal is in the frame. That’s impossible to do unless you know the location of all the function buttons. This advice applies even if your main camera is your smartphone – get to know its camera functions. 

Chris Martin Photo

2. An image is nothing if it isn’t razor sharp

Forget post-processing and the sharpening tool. If you are sloppy with your focusing, your image will suffer. “This is probably the most common fault in most images I review,” Chris Martin told me. He suggests using a camera support: either a tripod, monopod or a bean bag (if shooting from a vehicle). “I rarely hand-hold a camera when working from my safari vehicle. When you settle into position on your sighting and are getting ready to shoot, turn off the engine, as even the vibrations of the vehicle can potentially ruin a great shot,” he cautions. Remembering only this one tip will help you take good safari photos. FYI, most good safari vehicles offer bean bags for photographers. 

 

3. Get dirty – shoot from low down 

If you have studied great wildlife photos you will notice they seem to have a unique perspective.

We are accustomed  to shooting from above – a position that is generally unflattering. But paying attention to perspective will drastically change your photo. When you can, shoot from below the eye level of your subject. Try it, and you will see the difference.

 

Chris Martin Photo

4. Consider all three of these things : foreground, background, and horizon

Always look at the space behind your subject to see what else is in the image (do the same for the foreground). Consider whether you want the background to be in focus, or blurry. Be careful of sticks, branches, etc in your foreground that could “grow out” of your image and potentially ruin your shot. Finally, if there is a horizon in your composition, make sure it’s straight. 

Chris Martin Photo

5. Grab your first shot … and compose your second 

Wildlife is unpredictable so most professional photographers I talked to suggest we immediately take a photo of what is in front of us without worrying about how to take a great safari photo. (Even if the animal flees or turns, you have at least one photo of it).  Once you have captured the image, THEN begin consider composing your photo more creatively, using as many pf these tips as you can.

This next tip is a game changer for taking a great safari photo

6. Make the animal’s eye your focal point: 

The expression from an animal’s eye can make or break a safari photo. You should not only have the eye as your primary focal point, but you should also try to use the available light to highlight their eye or eys. This tip will ensure your  image stands out. Now that you know this tip, you will begin noticing the eye is always the sharpest point of any world-class wildlife image.

I design the photo safari workshop itineraries for Jackson, Wyoming wildlife photographer Henry Holdsworth.  If you want to practice all these tips and learn from one of the best on how to take great safari photos you can join him on a safari photography workshop. 

To learn more about his next photographic safari in Africa, contact me, LoriSavingWild@gmail.com

 

 

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