I discovered my first lesson about safari images the onerous approach. There I used to be, at a small airstrip in Botswana, shopping for an additional airplane ticket for my digicam bag. I’d uncared for to think about the strict baggage weight restrictions on most bush planes, and I used to be over the restrict. (It was fortunate that the airplane might accommodate the additional bag in any respect.)
By the top of the journey, I hadn’t touched the wide-angle lens I packed; the tripod in my bag was unused. Over 10 days, I additionally obtained a real-world schooling in digicam settings, working in dusty situations, and with the very actual risk of working out of area on my reminiscence playing cards. And to assume that I had already been doing this for a dwelling for a number of years.
Since that fateful first journey, I’ve gone on a number of different, extra profitable safaris—throughout which I’ve honed the next methods for maximizing my time within the discipline.
Lauren Breedlove
Select correctly.
Whereas I’m cautious about overpacking, one factor I gained’t compromise on is touring with two digicam our bodies. I carry two Sony full-frame mirrorless cameras, an Alpha 7R III and an Alpha 7R V. I match every one with a unique lens so I don’t should swap lenses in the course of no matter motion I’m making an attempt to seize. I usually use a 24-70 mm for wider photographs of the panorama, animal herds, and creatures that come shut, and a 200-600 mm tremendous telephoto for tighter photographs. I additionally convey alongside a 70-200 mm, simply in case.
Be ready.
On the subject of uncommon sightings—a cheetah feasting on a contemporary kill, a hyena, a sable antelope—you may solely have a break up second to seize the second. “Too usually, company arrive in Africa with brand-new digicam tools they’ve by no means used,” says Shaun Stanley, the founding father of Stanley Safaris. “Observe previous to your arrival and take into account investing in a images course.”
Preserve it clear.
I at all times carry Zeiss lens wipes, microfiber cleansing cloths, and a rocket air blaster for eradicating mud with out the chance of scratches. My lenses are additionally fitted with UV filters, which defend them from scratches and harsh sunshine.
Keep regular.
For sharp photos, stability is vital—however a conventional tripod is cumbersome contained in the confines of a safari car. I’ve discovered to like the Kinesis SafariSack, a beanbag-style pouch you may relaxation on the facet of a Land Rover or over a seat. “Many lodges and camps have them, however you may by no means make sure, so I at all times convey my very own,” says Ian Proctor, a member of the T+L A-Record and president of Final Africa Safaris. “I pack it empty after which ask the lodge for some beans to fill it after I arrive.”
Convey additional reminiscence.
I’ve gotten the dreaded “SD card full” message many occasions, and it at all times appears to occur after I’m capturing some thrilling second. “It isn’t out of the norm to shoot upwards of a thousand photos per day,” says Julian Harrison, one other A-Record advisor and the CEO of Premier Excursions. Many lodges inventory additional reminiscence playing cards, however I’ve but to discover a stable digicam store within the bush—and also you don’t wish to run wanting area mid-game drive.
Know your settings.
Each safari is completely different, however I are likely to depend on a couple of widespread settings. To seize fast-moving wildlife, I take advantage of fast shutter speeds, usually 1/1000 or sooner. Burst mode, which takes a collection of rapid-fire photographs, can also be important. Quick shutter speeds usually name for increased ISO settings, however an excessive amount of sensitivity can create “noise,” so I attempt to keep at 1600 or decrease. When taking close-up or zoomed-in photographs, I at all times give attention to the animal’s eyes, utilizing an f-stop between f/2.8 and f/6.3 to provide a shallow depth of discipline that makes for a good looking blurred background.
Insure your rig.
Whether or not your tools value $2,000 or $20,000, you’ll wish to defend that funding: camera-specific plans from Lemonade, Progressive, and State Farm cowl your gear virtually wherever on this planet. Some home-owner’s insurance policies additionally embrace protection.
Go it alone.
“For those who’re severe about images, I recommend paying additional for a personal safari car,” Stanley says. “That approach you may convey all of your tools with out imposing on different company.”
Choose the proper vacation spot.
With their plentiful sport and spectacular surroundings, big-name nationwide parks are well-known for a purpose—but in addition draw bigger crowds. “Photographers ought to hunt down personal concessions, the place not more than three automobiles can collect round a specific animal sighting,” Stanley says. These additionally are likely to have fewer restrictions on entry, which means you may arrive earlier than dawn or keep out after sundown to seize wildlife within the dreamy gentle of daybreak or nightfall.
Be current.
I’m definitely responsible of spending an excessive amount of time behind the lens, so I’ve made some extent of, every so often, merely placing down my digicam and soaking all of it in.
A model of this story first appeared within the July 2025 concern of Journey + Leisure below the headline “Animal Magic.”