Tips for the Photographic Hobbyist
We just returned from K/T and had a fantastic trip. We had a great group of Tauck Guests, and we all enjoyed each others' company. There were 28 of us, and it looked like about 10% were fairly serious photographic aficionados -- those belonging to camera clubs, carrying big lenses and a satchel of equipment. But for the most part, most the guests were there to enjoy the experience, and brought binoculars, cell phones, point-and-shoots, and iPads.
So, for the small minority of avid photo buffs that are planning the trip, I'd like to proffer a few tips.
1. For really unique shots, bring the largest super-tele you can. I used, most often, a 840mm equivalent (actually a Olympus OMD-EM1 MKII with tele-converter). This allowed for capturing leopards high up in trees, that were barely visible to the naked eye. It allowed for head portraits of African Cranes, Chimps, lions, cheetahs, and their babies.
2. Bring two cameras. I had one mounted with a 80-300 equivalent, and the other with the 840mm prime. They hung from a Black Rapid Dual shoulder harness, and pretty much covered the spectrum for the shots you need. Yes, some animals were close, and crossed the vehicles' path, but usually the animals were at quite a distance.
3. Share your images. I allowed access to my best images to my Tauck friends for their personal use, and they reciprocated by offering me the best views from the safari vehicles. Actually, all the seats were good, but the back seats offered the most panoramic views. I took a lot of shots from the windows rather than standing up -- the angle of view of the animal was often better, e.g. rather getting the tops of Big Cats' heads, you can look into their eyes.
4. My best "accessory" was a microfiber jacket. The vehicles can travel 50+ mph on dirt roads (supposedly the speed ironing out the rut holes on the "African Massage", and generate plumes of dust up to 15-20 feet high at times. I used the microfiber jacket in my lap to cover and cushion the cameras from each other, on the bumpy ride, and to occasionally wipe the dust from them. It gets quite warm in the vehicles, so people have their windows partly open -- and -- dust. The dust can be choking and irritating over the course of the trip. We tried a Buff, which works, but what I found more breathable was a set of cheap surgical masks. The top of the mask can be bent to conform to your nose.
5. There is not a problem in changing lenses. I changed to a 24-200mm zoom for Masai village and Masai school children shots, landscapes, etc. But I changed lenses at bathroom stops or under the microfiber jacket when the vehicle was not moving, and, of course, at the hotels.
6. The tripod was not useful. I had planned to take Milky Way shots, but there was too much light pollution. But a flash was very useful for fill-in, to light up faces, especially in the classroom with Masai school children.
7. The TD said Tsetse flies were not a problem. And they were not for us. There was one area, a 15 minute drive, near the Four Seasons that was supposed to have the flies, but the drivers flew faster than the flies, I'm told. I am not aware of anyone getting mosquito bites on the trip.
8. Use of the infamous duffle bags. They are big, so we packed our clothes in one, and I packed a photo case with accessories in the other. However, cameras and lenses went with me into the cabin of the airplane, in the day bag, or slung from my shoulder. The TD was very gracious about photographic equipment -- he said to bring all you want -- it's a photographic safari. And the drivers were terrific -- they parked the vehicles, usually, for the best lighting and vantage points, they often tried to get ahead of the Big Cats so the Cats would come to you.
Hope this is helpful. You have an awesome opportunity to bring back some fantastic images.
