Top Tips for your Photographic Safari in Mjejane Game Reserve

Top Tips for your Photographic Safari in Mjejane Game Reserve

 

Of all the mementoes and memories that you take with you from your holiday breakaway in Mjejane Game Reserve, it is the photographs that you capture that will transport you back to the time that you spent in this stunningly beautiful place.

 

You don’t need to be a professional photographer and you don’t need to be the proud owner of a chunky DSLR camera to take travel magazine worthy images. With the right advice, a couple of tips and a good eye, regardless of the camera you have, your images can come out sharp and interesting.

The wild of Mjejane Game Reserve will give any traveller, whether they are a budding photographer or not, a lot to work with. From the amazing landscapes that simply take on a whole new life in the right light, to outstanding wildlife sightings, including those almost unbelievable predator/prey scenes, Mjejane is home to it all. And even if all you are bringing with you is your trusty smartphone, some of the tips that we are going to be sharing can be used to help you take the best photos.

Tips to use during your Mjejane Photographic Safari

1.       Equipment does matter (to an extent)

If you are looking at taking up photography and you know you will be using your camera beyond your time in the game reserve, there’s no harm in spending a little and buying a good quality mirrorless or DSLR camera, and a good lens. The most popular (and budget friendly) camera brands for this kind of photography include Nikon and Canon, and you’ll want to look at a 300mm lens. This will give you enough length to capture wildlife at a distance.

Buying is not the only option you have. You can also rent your camera equipment, if you don’t want to make the sometimes pricey investment.

2.       Take the time to get to know your camera

Even if you are shooting with your cellphone, you need to familiarise yourself with the settings. This doesn’t have to take too much time, and there are plenty of online resources as well as YouTube channels that will teach you exactly what you need to know. You can even find tutorials specific to your camera.

3.       Travel at the right time

Both the season that you choose to travel in and the time of day that you head out for your safari will affect the outcome of your photos. As a general rule, travelling during the winter months is the norm and during this time of year, the images that you take are likely to be sharper and crisper. The air is quite clear, the sun is not as intense, and the only thing that might affect the quality of your photos is the dust, which can actually be used as an artistic embellishment.

As for the time of day, early mornings just before sunrise and late afternoons, as the sun begins to set, are the two best times to take photos, although with a little know-how and experience you can take exquisite images at any time of day.

4.       Get comfortable being uncomfortable

The key to great photography sometimes lies with moving around and getting into uncomfortable positions. Instead of just sitting in one place and wondering why all your photos kind of look the same, try moving, even if it is in a seated position, and then taking a shot. Keep in mind though that you are in a wild place, so you should always take your photos from a safe place. The angle at which your car is positioned can also impact the outcome of your shot, so you should think about moving to a new location to give your images new life.

5.       Great composition is necessary for a great photo

Composition is all about knowing how to set up the scene in such a way that the image is more than just focused on the subject. If you really want to get into your photography, you should experiment with using your photos to tell a story.

As for cellphone cameras, while they do have their limitations in terms of focal length, they are one of the handiest cameras you can use because they are always close by. So for your more intimate family snaps, a cellphone camera might be best. These cameras just about always function best on automatic mode, but there should be a manual option to play around with if you want to make your photos something more unique.

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