Journeying through Botswana is a magical experience. There is so much to see when it comes to the wildlife in Botswana. Still, there are many unexpected surprises too. So you’ll need your camera at your side at all times, ever ready to take a picture of the majestic creatures that may pass you by at a moment’s notice. Here are our top tips for wildlife photography in Botswana to capture that award-winning shot you can boast about for years.
Get to know your camera- well!
You’ll have to get to know the inner workings of your camera very well to avoid missing out when the perfect camera-worthy moment pops up unexpectedly. This is particularly true if your camera has lots of fiddly bits to get the hang of. So please read the instruction manual well. And practice a few test photoshoots to get the proper hang of it beforehand.
Pay attention to the lighting
The proper lighting is a huge component of what makes a photo a success or not. But, while the golden hours are considered the prime time to get that camera out to start snapping away, you can also learn the tricks and tips of taking photos at any other time of the day too. The secret lies in the different filters you decide to use, transforming less than ideal weather lighting into something quite eye-catching.
Focus on the bigger picture
Or not. The point is, don’t get stuck on one way of doing things. For example, while portrait pictures make for excellent statement pieces, wide-angled shots paint a bigger (and sometimes better) picture of your wildlife escapades while on safari in the beautiful Chobe National Park. Plus, it usually makes for a more dramatic story as you relive your Botswana memories to family and friends.
Aim for the eyes
Getting a picture at the exact moment an animal looks straight at you is challenging to do. But boy, is it rewarding. There’s nothing quite like the feeling of an animal you’ve been staring at for the longest time acknowledging your presence and staring you back in the eye. It’s that locking eyes moment, if only for a short period of time, that you’ll want to capture for a lifetime.
Go wild
If you think that taking 100s of pictures will increase your odds of perfecting your wildlife photography in Botswana, then, by all means, you should go for it. However, in this case, practice does make perfect, and once you’ve gotten the hang of your camera, you’ll probably need to learn on the fly what works and what doesn’t.
Don’t rush it
And lastly, patience is a virtue when it comes to waiting for the perfect time to snap away. Sometimes, like us, animals just want to be shy. And it’s in these slower times when your patience will indeed be tested. However, if you happen to be in the Chobe National Park, you won’t have to wait around for long. So just take it easy in the quiet times. And savor the tranquility of your surroundings while you wait, knowing that the best memories are yet to come.
Want to know more about where to capture the best sights and sounds in Botswana. We’ve got our own little piece of heaven right here in Kasane.
Contact us today for more information.
