AlienShots, A Photographer’s Blog

Open Sesame

Posted by iShoot - 11/05/08

Going on a Safari with the intent to photograph predators needs planning. A spare or even two spare batteries, two spare memory cards ( remember use smaller memory cards, in GB terms) and even if you don’t use one, just in case add an extender, a flash light, and some other obvious things you would carry when going on an addictive trip as this.

f/5.6, 1/125, ISO 100, at 300mm, Canon EOS D30, Southern Africa 2002

The easiest way is to use a vehicle as a mobile hideout, most people prefer an open vehicle as that gives them freedom of movement and open view of the surroundings. If I can choose, then I always prefer a closed classic vehicle as then you can hide around the bush without the worry of reptiles dropping on you from the trees etc. if one can handle the heat that is.. In any case if you are after lions , then don’t push too far, because that may irritate the lions and they may charge at you. Usually they don’t attack vehicles unless they feel they are being provoked in one way or another.
If you are going on a classical safari you will probably have a guide and be with other tourists, the best way is to go with a max of four photographers per veichle or three plus a local driver as they know the way around and where the great spots are. If you have limited time on your disposal, then by all means take a local guide. If you can then avoid crowds, more people means more noise, and more noise means less photos, the good ones at least.

Close and personal

Posted by iShoot - 06/05/08

Before starting to shoot wild life I was mainly focused on landscapes, portraits and street photography. When I started shooting Lions I wanted to try and take the same approach as I used to with portraits. Meaning close and personal.

A Young Female

f/5.6, 1/320, ISO 100 at 230mm

This was in theory applicable just fine, but it proved to be more difficult in practice. First, wild animals are not controllable. Second, you are risking your life for a photograph, thirdly, you simply cannot position the animal the way you want it. Its their territory after all and we are intruders one way or another. I remember the first time I saw a Lion in the wild close enough to be afraid I thought… “God, they are huge! “.

On the ground

Posted by iShoot - 06/05/08

It was getting late in the afternoon, not so late as I would have liked but the high noon passed so the light got softer. It was hot.

f/7, 1/200, ISO 100 at 95mm

I didn’t even look at the camera, so the settings where set to auto, I was scared and excited. The females where a little above my eye level and the entire scene was close enough for a shot at only 95mm range.

Cheetah

Posted by iShoot - 06/05/08

Did you know that the name “Cheetah” (Acinonyx jubatus) is derived from from Hindi Cita, according to some linguists it derives from Sanskrit Citraka which actually means “leopard.”? I didn’t.

f/5, 1/400, ISO 100 at 200mm

Perhaps the major difficulty in photographing Cheetahs is first in spotting them, especially in the tall grass. As they hunt by vision and not by scent, following a cheetah may prove to be productive in photographic terms. Although being in Africa in the rainy season can be a lot of fun, as the entire environment changes as if life is reborn somehow, but the best time to go to Africa is just before the rainy season. It is much more easier to spot some animals before the grass gets tall. In addition, if you can stay longer somewhere near a water hole then thats where the real action is. Make sure you are safe if camping and don’t ever leave food uncovered. Your food should be stored in well sealed cans. We usually tend to forget to do some obvious things because we are excited and all we can think of is getting great shots. I will be adding pages dedicated to cheetahs soon. see Cheetah’s Kill

WildLife Photography

Posted by iShoot - 05/05/08

Photographing wild animals from a close distance is a risky and dangerous business that requires skill, patience and understanding of animal behavior. And because one can never predict how an animal will respond every time you approach a wild animal you should know that you are exposing yourself to a life threatening risk.

f/4, 1/400, ISO 100, at 75.0 mm

Never the less it is that great passion and love for wildlife and photography alike that constantly drives us towards unconsciously taking those risks.

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