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Stu has designed
the itineraries so that they appeal to both
nature lovers and wildlife photographers.
Non-photographer spouses who enjoy spending
time observing nature will most definitely
not be bored on our safari. With his local
knowledge and experience, Stu is able to anticipate
and interpret animal behaviour in a way that
highlights their individual roles, as well
as painting a bigger picture of how they all
fit into the natural system. This is most
interesting to the observer and most crucial
to the photographer, looking for that shot
with the "X" factor.
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Our Photo Safaris
run with a maximum of 3 photographers in total.
We also offer 1 non-photographer seat per
safari at a discounted rate for partners /
spouses who enjoy wildlife and travelling
with people who are serious about their photography.
We believe in quality, rather than quantity!
This is to ensure everyone’s comfort
and to make sure the Photo Safari runs smoothly.
In Kruger Park, each photographer has access
to his / her own bench seat which allows access
to both sides of the Open Safari Vehicle.
During our private series of Photo Shoots
we always make use of a private vehicle and
guide and so in 10 seater vehicles, there
is plenty of space for everyone.
What makes this a truly exclusive Photo Safari
is that you will be sharing photo opportunities
and sightings with only 2 other photographers
for the entire duration of the tour.
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One
of the most important things to look at
when choosing a photo safari is "actual
shooting time". This refers to the
amount of time you will actually spend out
in the field taking photographs. This is
measured by how many "mornings"
and how many "afternoons" you
will have available for photography. A morning
shoot would be referred to as 1 "game
drive" and an afternoon would be another
"game drive"
For example: on our scheduled Photo Safari:
WILD 4 "AFRICAN WONDERS", which
runs for 12 nights and 13 days, you would
do a total of 24
"game drives" !! which means you
will pretty much be able to do non stop
photography for 13 days !!
We do not include "travel" days
in our itineraries like some other companies
so you are guaranteed to enjoy 13 days of
photography on a 13 day Itinerary.
The time taken to travel between the different
destinations on the safari is never longer
than 2 hours, all on excellent roads without
the hassle of small airports and small luggage
allowances. This saves time and allows you
to get to do what you are paying for - and
that is to take photographs.
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A
great deal of thought has gone into both
of our scheduled itineraries so as to include
the best possible Wildlife Photographic
Opportunities that the Kruger Park and surrounding
areas has to offer.
No other company offers the unique variety
of photographic opportunities and wildlife
experiences that are to be enjoyed on our
WILD 4 "AFRICAN
WONDERS" itinerary.
From Cape Eagle Owls, the Big Cats and the
endless wilderness of Kruger, to getting
up close and personal with snouted cobras,
Flap necked Chameleons and the endemic Cape
Griffon Vulture... this safari will guarantee
you return with a unique variety of African
Wildlife images and wonderful memories.
WILD 4 "KRUGER
North to South plus big Cats"
offers a fantastic opportunity to spend
11 days exploring the 2 million hectare
Kruger National Park, one of Africa's premier
wildlife parks. Traveling from North to
South will reveal combinations of savannah,
thornveld and woodland, each with their
resident variety of birds and mammals. If
you ever wanted to see what wild Kruger
really has to offer, this is the safari
for you. The final 2 nights of the safari
are spent photographing Lions, Cheetah and
Leopard together with hippo, buffalo, rhino
and elephant, at a private reserve, ensuring
that you return with excellent photos of
the "Big 5" and a whole lot more.
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In
the Kruger Park, we travel in our private
safari vehicle fitted with specially made
pockets as well as padded photographic boxes,
which have been designed to store camera
equipment. Cameras are rested on adjustable
photo bars mounted on both sides of the
vehicle. Professional beanbags are provided
for the duration of the safari.
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It
is our greatest pleasure to have you get
the absolute most out of your safari. For
this reason we have made it as flexible
as we possibly can.
The routine on a general safari is to go
out for a few hours in the morning, return
to camp for breakfast, rest up around the
camp until 15:30 and then head out again
for a late afternoon drive. We ARE
NOT a general safari !!
we offer all day photography which means
exactly that, we leave camp early in the
morning and if need be, return at the end
of the day. We take all our food and refreshments
with us, on board the vehicle so that we
do not have to rush back to camp for meals
and miss out on any action or photo opportunities
in the process.
At the same time we are always flexible
and sensitive to your needs, if you need
a rest or simply want to sit next to a waterhole
for the entire day, we can do that too.
On a group safari all it takes is an informal
vote from the photographers to decide.
NB ** during the warmer months we usually
return to camp over midday as it can get
quite hot. Most of the animlas are resting
during this time of day anyway so we do
not miss much. The light for photography
is often too harsh at this time and so we
wait until it cools down in the mid afternoon
before we go out again.
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Stu
has a BA (Hons) Degree in Wildlife Photography
obtained at Blackpool & Fylde College
(an associate college of Lancaster University,
UK), and is a qualified
FGASA Field Guide and THETA Tourist Guide
with a great passion for wildlife and photography.
He is available 24-7, ready to answer any
questions you may have about photography
and wildlife.
Tuition is done on a very relaxed and informal
basis and is relevant to all skill levels.
Photos taken during the day can be reviewed
in the evenings before dinner if you have
brought your own laptop along.
SUBJECTS COVERED ON
PREVIOUS SAFARIS:
Light
Depth of Field
Backgrounds
Field Craft
Stock Photography
Macro
Digital work flow
When appropriate and only when the opportunity
presents itself, Stu will be shooting alongside
you, but his priority always lies with getting
you into the best position and offering
you the support and tuition you need.
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We are the only
Kruger Photo Safari operator that makes use
of a personal spotting vehicle which doubles
our chances of getting good sightings. Our
Safari Vehicle is also radio linked to other
companies in the park and it is company etiquette
to share sightings.
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From
the moment you are met at the airport, all
you need to do is relax and enjoy your safari.
Every conceivable need you have will be
taken care of by Justyna and the support
crew, allowing you to concentrate fully
on your photography.
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Unlike
the rest of Africa, the facilities and infrastructure
offered in many parts of South Africa are
equal to any first world country, whilst
on the other hand it still has a distinctly
"African" feel to it. Good quality
medical care is never far away and there
are far fewer health risks to consider compared
with the rest of Africa.
English is one of the 11 official languages
and almost all South African's speak it.
Often described as "a world in one
country" South Africa is full of variety,
offering great beaches, mountains, deserts
and of course the "Big 5" wildlife
reserves, of which Kruger Park is the largest.
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