artsupreme wrote: downhillonwater wrote:
I'm planning my first trip to Africa next fall. Currently working on a month long itinerary in Aug/Sept. I've talked with several tour companies and found Pangolin and C4 Photo Safaris to be the most helpful and knowledgeable. Other groups that weren't photo focused (eg Expert Africa) really seemed to struggle in early conversations.
I'm wondering if this agrees with others' observations?? What other groups do you recommend contacting that also have a strong focus on photography?
Thanks for your help.
I wouldn't suggest going the "photo safari" route unless:
1. You are going on a very unique specialty safari with a small group, like hiking, camping, etc
2. You are looking for a photographer to teach you photography skills while out in the African bush
It sounds like you are going to spend big bucks in the prime months of the high season, and I would not spend extra for a "photo guided" tour if you are one who's confident with your photography skills. Spend the extra money on visiting the top camps and getting your own private vehicle. It's usually a wash when you compare pricing between a photo guided tour, and going to a top camp and getting your own vehicle. There's nothing better than being able to position your vehicle anywhere you want, vs having other type A's in your vehicle who have their own ideas about which angle to shoot from.
I think there's a big misconception that these pro "photo guides" are the ones who will find the animals and get you the shot. No, that's not the case as they are just along for the ride like you and everyone else. It's the local silver rated guides who work at the camps you're staying at who do all the tracking and find the magic. These guides are so damn good at what they do it will blow your mind. So when you have your own vehicle you are assigned your own guide and he/she will drive you to the magic. Then, it's up to you to tell him how you want the vehicle positioned, and they are happy to do it. "back, back, little farther, okay almost there, stop, okay 2ft forward, etc". With your own vehicle you have space to move around from side to side and front to back, and bring as much gear as you want. And, you can stay out in the bush as long as you want instead of having other photographers in your vehicle who want to go back to camp to eat or rest. There's just nothing else like getting your own private vehicle.
What I have found with watching some of the "photo safari" vehicles is that once they are on a mediocre sighting they get stuck there because there's always someone wanting to get that 2000th photo of the cheetah laying in tall grass with bad lighting. Meanwhile across the plains, there's a beautifully lit sighting with no other vehicles around and that can be you, scoring the shots before the other vehicles are called in.
If you haven't been over there yet I know it might sound a bit risky to go on your own without a photo guide, but you just have to trust others who can tell you the best camps will produce all the goods you''ll ever need and you don't need to pay a photo guide to score. Build a relationship with your guide at camp and tip them well after they put you in the right spot, time after time, after time.
If you are one who's still learning and wants guidance on how to shoot the animals, then by all means go the photo safari route.
Thanks! This is exactly the kind of advice I am seeking.
Right now, I've got 3 groups who've put together itinerary.
Expert Africa - Person creating itinerary is not a photog and seems to be struggling.
Pangolin - Came back quickly with itinerary that pieced together their existing workshops. Includes dedicated photog guides and multi person vehicles but "everyone gets a window seat"
C4 Photo - skilled photographer creating itinerary for me. Guides are from the camps. I think this isnwhat you're describing.
C4 is the direction I'm leaning and your message has further supported that.
A question I have right now:
Are there other groups similar to C4 Photo that I should be reaching out to?
