Does style of trip affect my photo opportunities?

You bet it does!!

The style of trip you choose for your shoot in Africa has a direct relation to your chances of getting the shots you want.

Is the lodge close to the action, if not then more shooting time is spent getting to and from the action. Does the park allow night drives, if not your guide will have to have you out of the park before dark, severely limiting your time with that sweet sunset light. Or you camp activities mean you will be busy while the action is happening.

All of these things will affect the quality of your final images. In todays post I will look into the most common style of trips and the various pros and cons of each with relation to wildlife photography.

So heres the types of trips I have been on and their affect on digital photography.

Overland: As I mentioned the other day this is one of the cheapest ways to get around (a plus) but it has a few downsides for photographers.

PRO

• Can cover vast distances cheaply.
• Other like minded people to share the fun.

CON

• Lack of security for your expensive camera gear.
• No control of your time on site. "A 30min game drive is all you will need"
  
• Camp chores will get in your way at some point.
• Charing your power hungry digital toys will be problematic.

Lodge Based: Hmm now we are talking, this is the way to get decent images in Africa but it comes at a price.

PRO

• Lodge is usually in or near the park with the wildlife, thus less time on the commute.
• Game drives are conducted by a guide who knows movements of the animals.
• You just take the gear you need for the shoot out on the drive.
• These places are usually more sympathetic to the needs of the photographer.
• Dependent on the particular camp but charging is usually available.

CON

• The big one is the cost. Even the more affordable lodges are not cheap. If they are there is likely to be a reason.
• Again this is dependent on the camp/lodge but you can be at the mercy of their guides. If they have a vehicle full of non photogs then your time maybe cut short.
• Most of the time there will be other people in the vehicle and they will get in your way at some point and kill your shot. Good thing we are digital now!!

Lodge Based Fly In: Pretty much as for Lodge based but with a couple of extra pluses.

PRO

• You get to the camp alot quicker, thus more time shooting with your DLSR in the glorious African light.
• You can can get to more camps in your holiday. More camps = more variety which can mean better shots.

CON

• Way more expensive but if time is short....
• Luggage issues, light planes can only physically fit a certain amount onboard. 3-5 people with 500mm lenses takes up some space.

Walking Safari: There is no better way to get a feel for Africa, you haven't "experienced" Africa until you have done a walking safari. So get out of the jeep and get down amongst it.

PRO

• You are in the thick of it, down on the ground, part of the food chain! It provides a better angle for your shots, no looking down on anyone.
• You are unlikely to get anyone in your way.
• While there are time constraints there is usually more flexibility in exactly where you wander.

CON

• You had better travel light because you are lugging your own gear (Even for high end walking safaris you have to carry your own camera gear.
• Charging! Whats that. Only the high end is going to provide the digital photographer with enough power.
• You get way closer to the animals in a vehicle. In most places the animals are habituated to safari vehicles so they pretty much ignore you. On foot they will most likely run away. Which means you have to be quick to get yet another bum shot.

I think my preference is pretty clear, if you can afford it do a lodge based safari, you are pretty much guaranteed of getting some worthy shots. Whether self drive is better (if it is available) is an issue I haven't tried yet. It would give more time and every photographer likes to be in control of their time shooting.

Sorry about the long article (well done if you have read this far!!) but there is alot to consider on this topic.

Next time we start looking at what photographic goodies you should take with you on your adventure to Africa.