African Wildlife Photographer – 7 Reasons Why It Could Be You!

If you’re anything like me you see an African wildlife photographer on the TV and you wish it could be you. Out there in the bush with lions, elephant, cheetah, rhino, hippo. The amazing, evocative sights and sounds. Well what if it could be you? What if you found out that all you needed was the enthusiasm?

Well, not quite all. You’ll need a digital SLR camera of course with an 18-55 lens, and as much memory as you can afford. Well you wouldn’t want to miss anything. More lenses might be helpful to you but that will depend on you, it’s not a requirement. Nor is any experience. You would be going to Africa to learn.

There’s a catch, of course, but it’s one you will probably be more than happy with. You will need to work with one of the volunteer wildlife conservation organizations, and as a volunteer you have to pay your way. But then what would you pay to have a photography expert give you tuition while taking pictures in the African bush? This isn’t instructions from a book, this is actually being there.

Here are the kind of things involved:

1. You will have the highly qualified, intensive help of  a professional photographer in one of Africa’s spectacular national parks. You will have the opportunity to photograph the stunning scenery, like Victoria Falls or those strange Baobab trees, and the magnificent animals.

2. Your photographs will help build a valuable and important library of wildlife which will raise awareness of conservation issues.

3. You will be able to share your knowledge and enthusiasm, using your photography to help educate local children so that generations to come can preserve and manage these areas.

4. While part of the time you are an African wildlife photographer, at other times you can help in the actual regeneration and preservation of the bush itself.

5. With the help of expert guides you can become an expert on the local flora and fauna. A photographer who knows their subject intimately is always a better photographer.

6. You can increase the scope and diversity of your portfolio. If professional photography is your aim, how much better will your chances be with this kind of spectacular imagery in your arsenal?

7. Experience the adventure that is Africa and make friendships that will last a lifetime.

So yes, you could be that African wildlife photographer. Alternatively I suppose you could visit your local zoo, but you know that’s never going to be the same.