5 Tips for Taking Close-up Photos of Animals While on a Safari

Taking great photos during a safari is the best way to create lasting memories of the places you visited. You don’t have to be a professional photographer to capture beautiful close-up photos of animals in your adventure. I have a few tips here that will help you fulfill this desire.

1. Invest in a quality camera

Investing in the right gear is the first step in capturing stunning images. I understand that any other cameras can do the job but you have to change that notion because animals never pose for a photo nor remain still to be captured. Cameras with autofocus (AF) features will perfectly do the job.

Unlike the one-shot focusing, which is best for still subjects, cameras with a continuous autofocus mode will automatically adjust the focus distance for moving subjects. This makes them a suitable choice for taking close-up photos of animals whether moving or standing still.

In addition to that, face detection is going to give you an advantage for accuracy. Most of the modern digital cameras have low-light AF performance which I find to be very helpful when filming or stalking wildlife in less than ideal light conditions. 

2. Understand your target behavior

Understanding animal behavior is an important thing when aiming to take photographs at a close range. Most animals tend to be spooked easily and this can make it difficult to get closer. In such a case, it’s important to have a hide like the one I saw at the Porini Rhino Camp within Ol Pejeta Conservancy in Kenya.

Finding the right tour guide can also be beneficial to your photography. One of the guides I met in the Mara North Conservancy had great photography skills and he knew where to spot wildlife. Surprisingly, we got so close to the lions and he took photos safely without disturbing the animals.

Sometimes, the only way to get closer is by sitting somewhere and waiting. So patience and perseverance are key. Targeting water holes during the dry season can be a brilliant idea. Many animals flock there for a sip and this can provide the best opportunity for a shot.

3. Know when your target is active

Wildlife photography can be successful when you understand the activity of your target. For example, the great migration in Africa can only be captured during a specific time of the year. It is not an event that you will film any other time you want.

Most birds have predictable seasonal behaviors. A good example is the flamingos of Lake Bogoria which are known to migrate to Lake Natron in Tanzania for nesting and after 3 to 4 months they return to Kenya. You can capitalize on such patterns when aiming to take wonderful pictures.

It is also important to know that some animals like lions, foxes, and leopards are more active at night than during the day. You might need a night vision camera to capture the best of their moments. Night photography requires extra attention to light and motion.

4. Keep your distance and stay safe

With a good camera and a good telephoto lens, you don’t have to endanger your life to take a good photograph. Wild animals are unpredictable and getting close to them can be risky. While some of them might get scared and walk away, lions and other big cats can maul you to death.

One of the best ways of getting close to dangerous animals is through a game drive. In most cases, animal sightings are done on open-sided vehicles under the watch of a guide. This puts you in less danger as compared to walking on foot. Fully enclosed vehicles can also be used in high-risk areas.

Filming or taking photographs outdoors in the evenings can expose you to biting bugs. Don’t forget to protect yourself from mosquito bites. Wear clothing that covers most of your body and apply a DEET-based insect repellent on the exposed areas of your skin.

5. Master how to use your camera

Even with your camera having the autofocus feature, there are a few things you need to toggle manually if you want your photograph to come out sharply. This starts with a fundamental understanding of your camera’s focusing settings such as the back-button focus.

I know camera manuals aren’t a linear read but they contain vital information for both novice and professional photographers. They contain instructions on how to shoot in different modes, and when to use them for optimal results. So make sure to go through them and practice before you go on your safari.

With many cameras on the market, it can be an uphill task to select the right one for wildlife photography. Just make sure to dive into online reviews and carry out tests before you purchase your ideal camera. With patience and determination, you will be able to capture the best close-up photos in the savannah of Africa.