Think Outside the Box

The purpose of photography can vary depending on the context and the goals of the photographer. Some common purposes of photography include: Capturing memories: Photography is often used to document personal or historical events, such as family vacations, wildlife, weddings, or important moments in history. Artistic expression: Photography can be a form of artistic expression, [...]

The Importance of Focus in Photography

Without focus, there is no photograph. Well, at least not one people want to look at for more than a mere second. So the importance of focus in photography is everything really. In my opinion, it over rules exposure. I say this because you as the photographer will have good room for error on this [...]

Basics Behind Spotlight Photography

This is a topic that always has plenty of discussions around it. On my recent safari my guests and I discussed it, how to use the spotlight to your advantage, what the camera settings should be and how to manipulate your camera in different situations while using a spotlight to get the best results. For [...]

Converting An Image into Black and White

Do you struggle to decide when to convert an image from colour to black and white? Or even struggle with why would you even want to in the first place? In this blog, I'm going to tackle this very topic and walk you through my own way of thinking when I approach each image. What [...]

Your Images Reviewed: The Greatest Maasai Mara Photo Competition

Are you planning on entering The Greatest Maasai Mara photo competition and standing a chance of winning $10 000 AND a 5 night stay at Angama Mara? We would love to help you refine your image selections and edits and perhaps increase your chances of winning this fantastic prize all whilst supporting one of the [...]

Photographing the Western Lowland Gorillas of The Congo Basin

Did you know that there are actually four recognized subspecies of gorilla, all of which are native to Africa? Eastern Gorilla (Gorilla beringei) The Eastern Gorilla is divided into two subspecies: the mountain gorilla and the eastern lowland gorilla. The mountain gorilla (Gorilla beringei beringei) is found in the Virunga Mountains on the border of [...]

Shooting RAW vs JPEG

Raw and JPEG are two common image file formats used in digital photography. Raw: Raw images are unprocessed data directly from the camera's image sensor. They contain more information and provide more flexibility for post-processing. Raw files have larger file sizes and require specialized software for viewing and editing. JPEG: JPEG images are processed and [...]

Challenges New Photographers Will Face

There are many challenges new photographers will face along their journey. This too will be the case for your more seasoned photographers as facing challenges is simply just a part of life. Where is the fun with no challenges right? Challenges are opportunities for growth and development. This too can help build resilience, increase self-awareness [...]

What is the meaning behind your photography?

This is a topic that I often discuss with guests out on safari and I have mentioned it in previous posts as well. What is the meaning behind your photography? My journey started many years ago when I purchased my first camera and the reason I bought it, was to remember moments, freeze moments in [...]

Avoid Messy Lightroom Imports!

One of the biggest problems I encounter on photographic safaris is finding Lightroom catalogues in a mess and very difficult to find images or perhaps the process in which some people use to get images into Lightroom and to start editing can takes ages! I really urge guests to make their download, back up and [...]

Photographic Advice – It’s All About the Eyes

I gave some good hard thought to what I would give as a quality piece of photographic advice. Now there's many aspects to wildlife photography I could share, that could make it easier. We could talk about creating incredible low-angles on the scene, what you include & exclude, composition and even just making sure the [...]

What lens should I take on a photo safari?

Let me answer that question for you. A 70 - 200mm f/2.8. You're welcome. Okay, now on a serious note.  This is one of the most common questions I get asked and one that I think a lot of people overthink. In episode 402 of The Wild Eye Podcast I share some thoughts on this [...]

A different approach to composition

In episode 401 of The Wild Eye Podcast I share a few thoughts on, and a different way you can think about your composition. Yes, the rule of thirds is an okay starting place but it doesn't always leave you with the visual energy, visual mass and balance that your images might need.  In this [...]

Photo Safari vs Photo Workshop – What is the difference?

What is the difference between a Photo Safari and a Photo Workshop you might ask? They sound fairly similar don't they? Well, whilst both types of tours contain the word 'photo', there are indeed a number differences between a standard photo safari and a photography workshop. This blog aims to address these differences, in addition [...]

The use of artificial light

What are your thoughts on the use of artificial light? A lot has been made about photographing with the use of artificial light in wildlife photography, mainly spotlights.  The first thing that jumps to mind is ethics.  One has to be very careful not to overstep the boundaries, and have the approach of the animals [...]

Where to start with your photography

Photography can be a frightening hobby to take on in the beginning... Shutter Speed, Aperture, Iso, Metering modes. These are just a few of the basic terms that one should know in photography and they are intimidating words when you don't know what they mean! Well, to make you feel better we all had to start [...]

3 Golden Nuggets of Wildlife Photography

3 golden nuggets to look out for when shooting on safari. Actually, when shooting anywhere. These are three techniques or clues that you want to be on the lookout for when shooting all styles of photography that will take your pics to a new level. Before I begin I would also like to point out [...]

Wildlife photography with the Olympus mirrorless system

I have always believed that it's not about the gear you use but rather what you do with it.  The reality is that you can create amazing wildlife images with any camera brand and, to me, the more important thing the last is the experience of my photography. For the last 6 years I have [...]

What Should My ISO Be?

This is a question I get asked a lot on photo safaris and there is just no hard and fast answer. For some reason many people get stuck on ISO and the role it plays while out on safari.  If you find yourself asking this question, it might be worth your while to take a few [...]

Do Not Overthink Your Images

Do not overthink your images. Yes, understand and think about the technical basics.  Yes, have an appreciation for the various compositional elements that all work together in the frame.  Yes, think about how you put all of these things together when you click the shutter. But do not overthink your images. You need to feel [...]

Have you ever tried Rim Light Photography?

Night Photography - This is a question that almost always comes up on safari, especially in destinations where night drives are permitted. There have been numerous times when I have been out on safari, the light starts to fade and the photographers start to pack their gear away. In terms of a photographic portfolio, this [...]