"I
spent a wonderful time with Stu, photographing
from sunrise to sunset in and around the
Kruger Park, and it was without doubt the
most productive trip in terms of photography
that I have ever experienced. Stu is a professional
photographer and understands light, and
it was a pleasure to be taken to his favourite
photographic locations, based on his experience
over many years".
David
Wessely - UK www.davidwessely.com |
|
"My
husband and I enjoyed a wonderful wildlife
photographic safari with Stu and Justyna
Porter, traveling in the Kruger area.
As a landscape photographer, my reason for
traveling with Stu, was to learn as much
as I could about photographing wildlife.
In the 10 days that I spent with him, the
amount I learnt from Stu was phenomenal.
He was on hand at all times, always ready
to answer my questions about exposure, camera
angles, lenses, backgrounds etc. The sort
of knowledge that is needed to produce stunning
wildlife images.
In addition, I was taken seriously ill,
and Stu and Justyna did all they could to
make me as comfortable as possible. The
trip was organized most efficiently, and
in short, I have already booked a return
to the Kruger area with Stu next year".
If you only embark on one photographic trip,
make it a trip with Stu and Justyna Porter".
Micki
Aston - UK
www.astonimages.com |
|
Dear
Wild4,
Thank you so much for a fantastic safari
experience, we all had a wonderful time
due in no short measure to your enthusiasm
and tireless efforts to ensure it was a
success. As a non photographer I was initially
a little anxious that I could get bored
or feel left out but this was not at all
the case. I would recommend the trip to
anyone with an interest in nature whether
a photographer or not. Having the time to
absorb what is going on, to watch the animals
relax and get on with their lives and to
experience their behaviour at their pace
was fascinating. The enjoyment was greatly
enhanced by Stu’s knowledge and contagious
enthusiasm for the wildlife around us. His
easy manner meant that everyone was included
whether they held a camera or not.
The support crew were also excellent, after
a long day observing in the park, it was
great to return to the various camps, to
find our bags already in the rooms and a
hot meal waiting for us. There was obviously
a lot of hard work going on behind the scenes
to prepare all the meals and picnics and
it made a real difference.
In conclusion thank you for a fantastic
trip, we hope very much to repeat the experience
with you again and once again I will only
bring my binoculars.
Very best wishes
Tom
Harris - UK
Non-photographer
View some images taken by Julie Harris at
www.africanpix.co.uk
|
|
"This
trip is a must for wildlife photographers.
As a full time student of wildlife photography
at the end of my first year on a degree course
what better way than to spend an inspirational
trip to South Africa on one of Stu's trips.
I had the most amazing time. Stu was incredibly
knowledgeable about photography and his obvious
passion for the wildlife and love for his
native country was evident every step of the
way. It has confirmed my desire to follow
a career in Wildlife Photography and I will
no doubt be joining Stu on future trips as
soon as I possibly can."
Rachel
Wegh - UK www.rachelwegh.com
|
|
Any
aspiring photographer who has not yet been
on a wildlife safari should join a WILD4 SAFARI
with Stu and Justyna Porter in Kruger National
Park. You will be guided by a graduate professional
photographer who is also a highly-qualified
South African ranger.
Stu's knowledge of photography and his understanding
of Kruger's wildlife are exceptional. He is
also blessed with an amazing spotter's eyesight.
I often thought to myself, how on earth did
he see that!
As each day begins all these talents are passed
on with sincerity and quiet enthusiasm to
each photographer's needs. Nothing is ever
too much trouble and his positioning of the
vehicle for the best light and animal profile
is always his first consideration. On our
tour there were times for laughter and many
times when action and adrenalin ran high.
Any successful safari is only as good as its
backup team. This small company is most ably
supported by Stu's wife Justyna who is the
drive behind the scenes and efficiently arranges
the accommodation not to mention the early
morning hot water bottles! Justyna and Ann
Porter provide excellent food for the day
in the park and around the campfire at night.
Both are qualified rangers and their spotting
abilities add greatly to each day's safari.
This particular trip was most rewarding in
both personal and photographic terms and one
of the best we have ever enjoyed. Sincere
thanks to you all.
Slim and Barbara
Callaghan - UK |
|
"If
you are serious about nature photography,
you can't do better than booking with Wild
4.
Wild 4's itinerary, a mix of wild park (Kruger)
and private game parks provides sun-up to
sundown quality photo-ops, and you feel you
are traveling with good friends who are showing
you their favorite spots.
This was our fourth African photo safari (three
others in East Africa) and we could not believe
what a difference it makes, when a professional
photographer, who understands light and animal
behavior, just happens to be your driver,
in a photo vehicle he designed himself. There
was super spotting work from Justyna and Ann
from a separate radio equipped vehicle. We
were the first on a leopard / impala kill
thanks to one of Ann's incredible sightings,
resulting in a sensational series of images
shot over 45 minutes of the leopard dragging
her prey to her den.
After an exciting, productive day in the field,
we were treated to friendly conversation,
sitting around a campfire, and wonderful feasts
magically prepared by Justyna and Ann.
Wild 4 is a totally professional and very
special company.
Thanks Stu, Justyna and Ann for a sensational
safari."
Lee & Doris
Wiese - Upper Nyack, New York USA |
|
Our
trip was awesome....made so, in large part,
by you two. The wildlife at Kruger was terrific.
But, it was your teamwork in the field, your
uncanny ability to spot wildlife and your
willingness to accommodate our EVERY need
that made the trip a resounding success. Stu...you
are an extremely knowledgeable guide and a
superb photographer. You even taught this
old dog some new tricks. Justyna...you made
a huge contribution to this trip, with your
role as a "spotter," your wonderful
meals and your exceptionally positive attitude.
We could not have asked for a more talented,
thoughtful and gracious pair of folks to spend
our vacation in South Africa with. We wish
you the very best success in your endeavor.
Please let us know how we can help to market
Wild4 to folks who share our love for wildlife
and photography.
Rob & Annarie
Shallenberger - Hawaii, USA www.shallenbergerphoto.com |
|
I
am a Molecular Biologist by profession and
a serious amateur nature photographer and
have been on a number of organized trips over
the last 10 years with the dual aims of enjoying
nature and getting the best images possible.
The organization of a two week trip with Wild
4 Photographic Safaris through Kruger National
Park I shared with two other photographers
and their wives was as good as I have ever
experienced. The Porter family was friendly,
knowledgeable and intuitively supportive.
Stu really knows his subjects and spared no
effort in getting the photographers into the
best situation. He has a very pleasant, calm
personality and is an accomplished nature
photographer and naturalist which means he
knows where the light or action is best and
often what is about to happen.
His vehicle is also well set-up for discriminating
photographers. Justyna was just brilliant
in getting things organized and making sure
we were well and sensibly fed. Her bubbly
personality made everyone relaxed and happy
around the campfire at night.
Having our own scout vehicle to report activity
in the area while we pursued other subjects,
worked well, and on a number of occasions
provided photo opportunities we would have
missed otherwise.
In summary; rating out of 10…….no
doubt a 10.
Dr Graeme
Guy, Singapore, FAPS, EPSA www.grguy.net
|
|
Three
of us from the Nature Photographic Society
(Singapore) www.naturephotosociety.org.sg
booked a two week tour in Kruger with Stu
from September 24 to October 6, 2007. We all
knew Stu from his short stay in Singapore
in 2006, and were eagerly anticipating an
opportunity to join him in South Africa.
We are all reasonably experienced nature photographers,
a couple of us have been to Africa before,
and one of our members is a very experienced
nature photographer.
We have a particular affinity for bird photography,
but also enjoy the African game animals. I'm
pleased to say we are all thrilled with the
entire trip. Stu met us at the airport on
day 1, and what was to have been a quick couple
hour drive to camp, took all afternoon until
sunset, we found so many things to shoot.
Then we wanted to do something slightly off
the itinerary on day 2, and Stu again accommodated
us. It was like that throughout the entire
trip, the Porter family was very accommodating.
From Justyna's great cooking to the private
spotting vehicle.
Even though we were in a big national park
using public facilities, the Porter family
made us feel like we were in our own private
game reserve, and the animals were there just
for us.
Stu's local knowledge of the birds and game
is just great, he's a walking guide book.
And because he's in Kruger so often, he knows
where the best spots are. Also he knows all
the other guides, and they share information.
And most importantly if you are considering
a photo safari, Stu is an accomplished nature
photographer himself. He knows the light and
how to position and approach for the best
shot. He knows what photographers want and
how to get it. The experience might be quite
different if just any guide were to drive
you around. And having a spotting vehicle
out searching for game really helped us see
some extra animals we wouldn't have seen.
The results were outstanding. We saw and photographed
all the of the big five, and several seldom
seen animals totaling 33 mammal species and
164 bird species. All in all, the trip was
great value for the money, highly recommended!
Con Foley, Singapore
Birds: http://www.pbase.com/con_foley/kruger
Mammals: http://www.pbase.com/con_foley/africa |
|
|
