As a wildlife photographer in the making, you are going to have to hone your wildlife spotting skills as much as you are going to have to learn a couple of nifty new photography tips and tricks.
Photographing animals out in the wild is a completely different experience, when compared to other types of photography. The animals often blends in so seamlessly with the landscape and the vegetation that you really need to know what to look out for when you are looking for that striking subject. And then there is the fact that wildlife tends to move both silently and swiftly, often going completely unnoticed, which means you really have to have your wits about you when you are out on an African photo safari.
At Wild Photo Africa, we are all about helping you to learn more about your wildlife photography passion so that you can get the most out of the overall experience. Part of the process means learning how to see the wildlife in even the most difficult conditions. Spotting wildlife becomes easier over time, when you know more or less what to look for.
For the most part, animals will prefer to hide away for most of the day. From around just after the sun has fully risen, to just after the sun begins to set, most animals are hidden beneath trees and shrubs, well away from the intense sunshine and the predators. But the moment the air begins to cool, the scene comes alive with animals and so when looking for wildlife, dawn and dusk are your best times.
There is a good reason why most dams and rivers have a place where people can stop and spend some time. Water sources are a haven for wildlife, especially in the early morning and late afternoon. And if you want to increase your chances of seeing a hunt, this is the place to go.
Different animals have different habits. Some are social and like to be visible in large groups while others like to be more discreet and to hide away. By learning some of the habits of the animals you hope to photograph, you will put yourself in a better position to find and capture them on your camera.
Tour guides who go into the wild are pros at spotting wildlife in the most unusual places. When you go on a tour with a guide, they will be able to teach you more about what it is that you should be on the lookout for and in turn you will benefit by not only learning but also by being able to get that epic shot that you have been hoping for.