Category: Photography tips & training

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 [...]

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 [...]

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 [...]

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 [...]

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 [...]

As I have mentioned in blogs before, I often find it difficult to photograph animals such as rhinos, buffaloes and elephants. In this blog I am going to focus on three of the best ways to photograph an elephant. When it comes to photography, many of us tend to get caught up in the technical [...]

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 [...]

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 [...]

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 [...]

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 [...]

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 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 [...]

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 [...]

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. 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 [...]

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 [...]

What makes a good wildlife portrait? The most important thing in wildlife photography is to shoot what you feel. It's about more than just capturing a slice of time and sharing what a scene or subject looked like at the time.  It's about inviting the viewer of your image to get lost in the frame [...]

How many hours have you sat waiting for a “FLAT” cat like this? The question is, what to do while waiting for a sleeping cat to wake up? I am a firm believer in that if you put the time in, your patience with nature will reward you in one way or another. I know [...]

When a plan comes together. Being guides, when we are out in the field we are always looking for great photographic opportunities, ones that are unique or different to the normal images that you see. I normally go against this when I am out in the field, why? Because I am a firm believer that [...]

My Top 10 Images of the Year. As the year winds to a close, I thought I would share my top 10 images from the year. It has been very difficult to choose just 10 images, but I have tried to include 10 images from a couple of different destinations. I love going through past [...]

Photographing in the rain. On safari, rainy weather is often seen as a "sleep in" or "stay at camp" time, however, this could be when you produce your most dramatic and rewarding images. On a recent safari to the Masai Mara, we had THAT moment... We were having a number of afternoon thunderstorms that built [...]