What to expect on a digital safari

The most important thing about the trip is about having fun -- and taking great pictures. Early wake ups are esssential to catch the best light. During the heat of the day we can spend time indoors learning, sharing, processing our images and cathing up on sleep.

During the workshop each photographer will select a particular theme -- be it people, birds, plants, animals, macro, insects or any combination of pictures -- for a final slide show. This is your opportunity to fine tune your selection process.

 

You are encourged to learn how your camera works before coming on the workshop , but as a refreshers, those who want to find out more about settings, file formats, white balance, ISO, histograms, highlights, shadows, colour profilles and noise can do so on the course.

We will also look at working in RAW andwhy most professionals use this format. We will aslo examine essential Photoshop techniques including colour correction, sharpening, cloning and working in layers.

I try to offer as much one-on-one practical advise as possible. But for the most part we follow the light and the opportunities that the bush presents.

When the game viewing is quiet we will often settle down and practice photographic techniques for landscapes, macro and some of the smaller things.

But at any stage, if eagles fly overhead, wild dogs come into view or other opportunities develop, expect lectures to stop immediately.

 

 

What to bring

It is best to have a digital SLR because this gives you the most creative opportunities and also has quicker response times which is essential with wildlife. You should also bring along a tripod. Computers are recommended, but if you do not wish to bring your own you can also make use of mine. But please be aware that sometimes you will have to stand in line to get to use it.

  1. Create your own luck
  2. Know your subject – and love your subject
  3. Use a tripod or a rest
  4. Get in close
  5. Look for stories in your pictures
  6. Get graphic
  7. Don’t confuse the subject with the photograph
  8. There is no such thing as bad weather
  9. You can always find great pictures.
  10. When you know the rules, start breaking them.

 

David provides detailed lecture notes to all participants