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Kruger Park Safaris

When it comes to photography of any kind, there are many elements that are considered by the experts to be necessary in order to call any photo a great shot. The lighting has to be right, the subject has to be well composed and some will say there needs to be a good amount of bokeh while others will disagree and say that having some sort of background is the ultimate goal.

And even if you get every aspect of it just right, you will end up having some people still unimpressed, because that is the thing about photography; greatness is a matter of perspective.

There was once a time when photography was a serious skill that would take years to hone. Because just a few short years ago most photographers, the pros and amateurs alike, would shoot on film. This meant you wouldn’t know if you had managed to get the perfect shot until after the film had been processed.

These days we have the luxury of digital cameras and all of the advancements that have come with them, which makes them quite perfect for practicing as well as for helping to fine-tune the various elements that make a good photo because you will actually be able to preview what the image will look like before you take the shot.

Kruger Park Safaris

As for the elements, here is what you should think about the next time you do wildlife photography, if your goal is a great shot:

  1. The Rule of Thirds

You will hear this term a lot when learning photography because it is a common principle which is used to compose a memorable image. With the rule of thirds your goal is to not have the subject in the centre of your image, but instead you are going to place the subject to one side or the other, usually in a top or bottom corner. The best way to line up your subject using the rule of thirds is to make use of the camera grid.

  1. Make the most of the lighting

Lighting can absolutely set the mood for the entire photo. And it can also be that one element that turns a photo from good to great. Lighting in the wild is pretty magical just as it is, but you need to know when the light is good and how to set your exposure just right so that you take full advantage of it. And forget about the golden hour, with wildlife photography the blue hour is going to make your image a lot more impressive.

  1. Perspective matters

Anyone can see something amazing in the bush and click the shutter. But not everyone has the ability to see a story in the bush and capture the image in such a way that it conveys something special. This is a skill, one that takes a lot of practice to perfect but once you get the hang of it you will never look at photography the same way again, and you will also see that your photos begin to show more than just the subject.

If you’d like to enjoy a wildlife photography safari in the company of a professional, we have a variety of options you can consider. For more information, you can have a look at our website or contact us.