Walking Safari Photography Guide

Base Camera Settings

• ISO: Start at 400–800 (or base ISO if light allows), bump to 1600–3200 in shade or low light.

• Shutter Speed: Minimum 1/1000 sec for wildlife; 1/2000+ for birds or movement.

• Aperture: f/4–f/6.3 for shallow depth, fast glass preferred in low light.

• Drive Mode: High-speed burst, but discipline your trigger finger.

• Focus Mode: AI Servo / AF-C with Back Button Focus.

• Metering: Evaluative / Matrix for varied lighting environments.

Gear Setup Tips

• Bodies: Use 2–3 cameras for different focal ranges:

  • 24–70mm: Environmental and storytelling shots

  • 100–400mm: Versatile action and behavioral moments

  • 600–840mm: Tight portraits, skittish animals, safety range

• Carry:

  • Cross-body slings for primary + secondary

  • Lens holster or chest harness for long lens body

  • Rain covers or dry bags clipped to belt

• Hands-Free: Use trekking poles or monopod straps if needed for balance.

Focal Length Strategy

• Wide (24–70mm): Context, scenes with people, tracks, camp life

• Mid (100–400mm): Behavior, groups, mid-range portraits

• Long (600–840mm): Tight shots, shy animals, low-disturbance captures

• Reminder: Don’t forget wide shots—they tell the story of where you are.

Light Strategy

• Golden hour: Soft, rich light—ideal for movement + atmosphere

• Backlight: Look for rim-lit fur or dust trails

• Dappled forest: Spot meter on the subject’s face or eye

• Overcast: Boost ISO, embrace muted tones for moody portraits

Field Etiquette & Safety

• Always stick with your guide.

• Stay downwind and move slowly

• No talking—hand signals only

• Avoid eye contact with animals

• Shoot from low angles when possible (but watch for thorny ground)

• Watch your shadow—avoid casting it toward wildlife

• Respect distances even with a long lens—don’t “cheat” proximity

Common Pitfalls

• Noisy straps/zippers = missed shots

• Over-triggering: Unnecessary bursts scare game and fill cards

• Focus errors: Eye-AF preferred, but be ready to override

• Lens swaps: Avoid on trail—dust, time, and distraction risk

• Tunnel vision: Don’t lose situational awareness using long glass

Situational Awareness

• One eye up at all times

• One camera ready—wide or mid focal length

• Know your exit before composing

• Pause often—listen, scan, breathe

• Trust your guide’s signals without hesitation

• Safety trumps the shot

Pre-Walk Field Checklist

◻️ Batteries fully charged & spares packed

◻️ Cards cleared & dual-slot backup set

◻️ Lenses pre-mounted by priority (longest on dominant side)

◻️ Rain/dust protection secured

◻️ Quiet clothing, nothing reflective

◻️ Gear attached for zero dangle, zero rattle

◻️ Focus + exposure pre-tested

◻️ Camera straps tightened and pre-adjusted

◻️ Mental reset: Be alert. Be respectful. Be ready.

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