The dry season in the Kruger National Park is now upon us, and while the conditions make for some memorable photos, travelling with dust-sensitive photography equipment means you need to take a few extra precautions.
As the lush landscapes give way to golden hues, the skies become a vibrant blue, and wildlife congregates around waterholes.
Winter in Africa is the perfect time for a Kruger Park photo safari, as it offers near-perfect conditions as well as excellent conditions to take some stunning photos.
But this dry season also brings another element – dust.
Dust can do some harm to your camera and it will definitely blur your images if it gets into a lens. In this blog, we’re going to share some tips that you can use to keep your equipment dust-free.
Although we photographers are gear geeks, we sometimes overlook the essentials when it comes to protecting our most expensive and beloved possessions. When travelling in a dusty setting, we recommend buying the following:
Invest in a weather-sealed camera bag. This will be your camera’s first line of defence against dust while travelling between sightings. Look for a bag with a built-in rain cover for added protection from the elements.
A lens hood not only reduces lens flare but it also creates a physical barrier, minimising dust particles from settling on your front element.
A circular polarizing filter (CPL) not only reduces glare and enhances colour saturation but can also help mitigate the effects of dust haze in your photos.
Pack a blower, cleaning cloths (microfiber is ideal), and sensor cleaning swabs. A blower is the safest way to remove dust from your lens and camera body. Use cleaning cloths and swabs with caution, following your camera manufacturer’s instructions for sensor cleaning.
When conditions are extra dusty, you need to know how to use the conditions to your advantage. Seasoned photographers can generally do this quite well, but if you are still a novice, here’s what you can do:
Dust can appear and disappear in an instant. When that perfect photo opportunity arises, don’t fumble with your bag. Have your camera readily accessible and set to pre-determined shooting modes for quicker adjustments.
With animals in motion and dust swirling, capturing that perfect single frame can be challenging. Burst mode increases your chances of getting a sharp, dust-free image and you can always delete unwanted snaps later.
Dust can soften details, so prioritise getting the animal’s eyes sharp. This will add life and focus to your photos even if some dust particles intrude.
A strong composition can help distract from the presence of dust. Use leading lines, negative space, and the rule of thirds to create visually appealing images.
Sometimes, dust can add a unique atmosphere to your photos. Use it to your advantage to create a sense of mystery or drama, especially during golden hour when the dust catches the warm light.
Dust removal software can be your best friend after your safari. Most photo editing programmes have easy to use tools for dust removal. You should use this with a light touch to avoid affecting the overall quality of your image.
With these nifty tips in mind, you can take the challenges of a dusty African photo safari in your stride and capture some stunning images that will forever remind you of your Kruger Park photo safari.