P ROFESSIONAL C AMERA T IPS:

Whether you are an experienced professional photographer or just a hobbyist, here are a few essential tips to ensure your safari expedition is a success:

• Telephoto lens is a must. This is the key to having one-of-a-kind shots in the wild, where the animal won’t let you get close.

• Have at least 2 cameras geared up and ready to go if you are using zoom lenses. At least 3 ( better 4) if you shoot with primes. Time is everything. In 99% of cases you simply don’t have the luxury of changing the lens.

• Learn to adjust settings without looking at the display. Make it instinctual. The light can change rapidly, and ability to quickly adjust is the key to saving the shot.

• Figure out if there is a “kick” in your camera + lens combination and what the margin is ( a “kick” is when your frame is slightly different between what you see and the final image capture. A common occurrence when using a heavy lens) Fine tune your focus to adjust for a kick. It will ensure that your frames are always perfect and in focus.

• Bring a tripod & monopod. Monopod will save you when trying to get the right shot from the car.

• Make use of the lens hood, polarized filters and a graduated ND filter. A graduated ND filter will help to reduce the amount of light that reaches your camera, which can be helpful for taking photos in bright conditions. Find some of our favorites here .

• Make friends with rangers. This is the most important tip that will allow you to get the images you dream about. Many places where you capture a unique shot are away from regular tourist routes but often rangers have some options for professional photographers.

• Above all, be patient and HAVE FUN!

It can take time to get the perfect shot. Be patient and do not be afraid to experiment. Have fun with it.

Want to learn or experience what it’s like to be a NatGeo professional photographer, or expand your photography skills , but don’t know where to start?

Join one of our Photo Safari trips, offered for hobbyists and professionals, as groups or small private parties . You will have all the professional equipment that you need as well as our professional photographer, guiding you every step of the way to ensure that not only you learn how to use the equipment in a unique-toa-setting way, but also come home with a gallery-worthy fine art print. There is no better trophy than that.

If you are a professional photographer, then join our group or inquire about a private expedition where we will lead you to unique & unknown-to-public locations to enable you to capture “THE” shot of your dreams. Photo Safaris are designed specifically to cater to the needs of professionals photographers without limitations such as time, location, etc.

There is no better place to perfect and expand your skills and find new networking opportunities than being surrounded by like-minded & successful professionals.