Safari Photography Guide

Base Settings By Focal Range

Wide (24–70mm)

• ISO: 400–800

• Aperture: f/5.6–f/8 (maximize depth)

• Shutter: 1/500s+ (vehicle vibrations, fast scenes)

Mid-Tele (100–400mm)

• ISO: 800–1600

• Aperture: f/5.6–f/6.3

• Shutter: 1/1250s+ (for movement/behavior)

Super-Tele (600–840mm)

• ISO: 1600–3200

• Aperture: f/4–f/7.1

• Shutter: 1/2500s+ (critical sharpness)

Auto ISO + Min. Shutter = your best friend in changing light

Camera & Lens Organization

• 3-Body System:

  • Body A – Wide zoom (24–70mm)

  • Body B – Mid-tele (100–400mm)

  • Body C – Super-tele (600mm + TC)

• Placement Tips:

  • Beanbag-ready: Mid- and super-tele on left/right window ledges

  • Wide: On lap or floor with lens hood reversed

  • Strap Management: Wrap straps around seatbelt bar or tuck inside

  • Lens Changes = last resort – Pre-plan coverage gaps

Composition By Focal Length

24–70mm

• Capture context, weather, scale

• Use for herd scenes, silhouettes, habitat

100–400mm

• Best for animal behavior, portraits, interactions

• Frame action, alertness, body language

600–840mm

• Tight eye contact, detail shots

• Perfect for shy species, distant predators, birds

Know what you want before you pick up the camera

Don’t Forget

• Long Lens Panoramas

• Lower the camera on a tripod

• Get “B-Roll”

Field Challenges & Fixes

Dust:

• Use lens hoods + cloth covers

• Keep unused gear zipped + sealed

Fast Action:

• Pre-focus on likely paths

• Use back-button AF for control

Harsh Light:

• Position for front/side light when possible

• Shoot in RAW for recovery flexibility

Obstruction:

• Shoot through gaps between bars/heads

• Don’t hesitate to politely shift position

Camera Shake:

• Use beanbags, not hands

• Brace elbows against door or seat

Gear Safety & Stability

• Beanbags – Critical for big lenses

• Lens Hoods – Always on for protection

• Seatbelt Clips / Carabiners – Prevent drops

• AF Pre-Sets / Recall Buttons – For fast focus recall (e.g. eyes, infinity)

• Camera OFF when moving – Save battery + prevent damage

Ethical & Creative Best Practices

• Silence is golden – No talking during tense sightings

• Respect space – Let animals approach

• Wait for moments – Behavior > abundance

• No baiting or calling

• Shoot wide, then tight – Tell the full story

Game Drive Checklist

Before:

◻️ Clean lenses + sensors

◻️ Full batteries, empty cards

◻️ Set AF modes + custom buttons

◻️ Pack cloth, brush, rain covers

During:

◻️ Watch light direction + angles

◻️ Monitor settings every 15 mins

◻️ Keep gear stowed when moving

◻️ Stay alert to guide cues

After:

◻️ Backup cards daily

◻️ Clean dust off gear

◻️ Recharge + reformat

◻️ Journal key sightings

Shoot fast. Think ahead. Respect the wild.

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