Home The Concept Safaris Private Guiding Greg du Toit Gallery Prints & Commisions Published From the Field Guest Reviews Links Contact Blog

The Concept

Greg du Toit Photographic & Safaris caters especially for photographers!

A successful photographic safari is dependent on many different factors! As a professional wildlife photographer and expert safari guide, I can help make sure that your photographic safari is a safari of a lifetime and that you return home with exceptional wildlife prints in the bag! The following are important considerations that I take into account before booking a photographic safari:

You, the photographer: Before booking a photographic safari, I will enquire as to your specific photographic passions and expectations. Is it true wilderness, away from the maddening crowds of tourists, that you find most appealing or perhaps are you looking to specifically photograph cheetah, leopard, flamingoes or gorillas? Do you enjoy landscapes, wildlife or traditional cultures, or a combination of all three? Are you looking for a luxury photographic safari or a more rustic bush adventure? Is there a specific country you want to explore and photograph? Only once your needs have been assessed, will you receive a tailor-made and suggested itinerary.

Where and When: The most elementary decision will be which country or combination of countries to visit on your photographic safari? Also, which parks or ecosystems to visit and to make sure that it is the right time of year to maximize photographic potential. Africa is a harsh continent and rainy seasons as well as hot dry seasons need to be factored in. For a wildlife photographer however, there is far more to it, as nature beats to her own rhythm. We need to understand her cycles and seasons if we want to maximize our photographic opportunities. For example, there is a certain time of year that the wildebeest cross the Mara River and a certain time of year that the wildlife disappears into the inaccessible Miombo Woodland of Ruaha National Park. Similarly, the best view of Mount Kilimanjaro is in the middle of the monsoon rains. Having lived in Africa my entire life and working as a professional wildlife photographer, I will use my local knowledge of the various countries and ecosystems to ensure that photographic safaris run at the best times of year to facilitate excellent photography.

Location Location: The next important step in ensuring a successful photographic safari, is in choosing the right camps or lodges, that will allow you as a wildlife photographer to access the best areas and at the right time of day, to make use of the golden light. For example, the Masai Mara has many camps but there are only a few that allow quick access to the various wildebeest crossing points or that allow one to get away from other vehicle traffic. Using the correct properties is a key component of a photographic safari! Exclusive use of a vehicle with freedom and flexibility is also essential to allow a nature photographer the time and freedom to work a particular subject or area. Does the camp have sufficient power for the running of laptops and charging of batteries? How far is the camp from the best game viewing areas? Can we alight from the vehicle or drive off-road? The answer to these simple questions can mean the difference between a successful photographic safari or not. Having spent the last decade traveling through 'Safari Africa' and working as a professional wildlife photographer, I will be able to select the best properties for your photographic safari.

Whose Leading: Another key component to a successful photographic safari is that of your guide! Africa has many excellent local driver guides with exceptional knowledge of fauna and flora. Unfortunately, most of these guides have very little photographic knowledge. By joining your photographic safari, I am able to liaise with the driver to ensure that you are parked in the best position to maximize photographic opportunities. There is nothing worse than having a wonderful subject and then parking, facing directly into the sun (unless it is very low and backlit of course). There is however, much more to having a expert photographic guide join you on your photographic safari: Whilst on a drive, I will tutor you and give you specific suggestions on camera techniques and settings (whether you shoot Nikon or Canon). Using my knowledge and experience as a professional wildlife photographer, I will try to pre-empt unique animal behaviour to make sure you get that rare and unique frame. Much of wildlife photography is having knowledge of wildlife and I will part with this knowledge while on safari. The role of an expert photographic guide is not limited to the field but once back in camp; informal discussions are held discussing various aspects of photography. This facilitates the ideal environment for you as the photographer to ask questions and to gain confidence in areas where you are unsure. Do you need help post processing or want to gain a deeper understanding of your flash?

Whose Stressing: Lastly, by having me join you on your photographic safari, I am able to co-ordinate all your logistics and make sure that traveling through Africa is as pleasant an experience as possible. This leaves you to focus on your wildlife photography and to not have to worry about your travel plans.

To inquire about your own personalized photographic safari and to have Greg du Toit host your safari as your personal and expert safari guide contact him here

Home The Concept Safaris Private Guiding Guest Reviews Greg du Toit Gallery Prints & Commisions Published From The Field Links Contact Me Site Map Blog

©Copyright. Greg du Toit Safaris & Photographic. 2009
Website Design - Total Online Solution