The Mara with Andy Rouse

Arrghh! Trying to adjust back to "Normal" life after our recent trip to Kenya.
That said coping with post trip depression can be a topic for another post!

The focal point of the trip was a Photographic Safari with Andy Rouse, 10 days in the Masai Mara.

Should you do a similar trip?
What's it about?


Andy Rouse is a well known British Wildlife Photographer who has made a name for himself on the world stage. If you are unfamiliar with his work then do yourself a favour and check out his website or check out his books on Amazon.
Andy like a few wildlife photographers also runs workshops & tours. The trips are a chance for us to get some tips and more importantly see how a professional works.

If you have read any of Andy's books or articles you soon get the feeling he is a down to earth kind of guy. There is none of the artistic pretence or sense of importance that surrounds some other well know wildlife photographers. The first thing that surprised me with Andy himself was that what you read is what you get. When we got off the plane at the airstrip in the Mara, Andy was there to greet us and help with the bags. That level of hands on participation was there for the whole trip.

The other thing that stands out is that he is very passionate about wildlife. Not just photographing it but wildlife in general. The welfare of the subject is of the utmost importance. If you are only interested in ticking off species shots no matter what the cost then a trip with Andy is not for you. If the animal in question is getting stressed or anxious the shoot will move on to give the animal its space.

Just because the trip has a casual atmosphere and a good sense of fun do not think that you don't get the goods. When you are on tour with Andy you get the full benefit of his vast experience. I never got the feeling that we weren't being told of a technique or composition because it was a trade secret or part of his "style". During the evening slide show we were given insights into the "How" on many of his iconic shots. When you are in the vehicle with him, he shoots with you. Andy really enjoys the teaching/interaction side of these tours and it shows.

Obviously to get the absolute most out of the experience you should have a good idea how to use that expensive DSLR and big lens. Still our trip had a mix of experience levels and Andy's assistance was tailored to the individuals. If you needed help with the basics you got it. Personally I got more out of the compositional side and what it takes to get the shot. You have to make it happen. Just being in the Mara isn't enough. Think about the shots you want with animals and ask the drivers to help get you in the position. The importance of knowing the habits of your subjects. This will get you in the position to "get lucky" and get that behavioural shot.

As they say the proof is in the results. 10 days, 10+ hrs a day in the field meant 8000 or so shots so I have some work to do. The results will show up here on the blog and of course on the website so pop by every so often and check them out.

If you love wildlife photography and you are serious about getting the best shots you can but want to have a fun time while you are doing it then you cannot go past a photographic safari with Andy Rouse.

If you have any questions about the trip or would like to know more than do not hesitate to post a question.

Since this reads as an advert for Andy's tours, I had better state that this trip was fully self funded and will gladly be paying for more trips in the future.