Unlock the Secrets of Safari Photography: The Art of Seeing
Heart OF Darkness | Black Maned Lion
As I reflect on my journey as a wildlife photographer, especially when I review my images, a few truths emerge. In the beginning, my shots mostly featured either action or close-up portraits. While exciting, they often lacked deeper storytelling. The truth is, editing was still a challenge for me then—just as capturing those photographs had been. But what I've realized is that true wildlife photography goes beyond action and close-ups. It's about *seeing*—and there is no better place to refine that skill than on an African photographic safari.
zebra stallions fighting over the rights to a mare
When you're out in the wild, camera in hand, it's easy to fall into the rhythm of snapping action shots—thanks to advanced autofocus systems—or zooming in for detailed portraits. But as exciting as that can be, where's the art in pointing and shooting? When we take guests on safari, we teach them that great wildlife photography requires more than simply capturing a moment. It demands patience, creativity, and an eye for composition. It’s about crafting an image, not just taking a picture.
Wildlife photography is one of the most challenging forms of photography, and safaris are the perfect setting to hone this skill. On safari, you never know what you’ll encounter—the timing, place, light, and subject are all unpredictable. While action shots near a waterhole can be thrilling, the true magic happens when you’re quiet, observing, and composing an image that tells a story. And that’s what we teach on our safaris.
Mastering Composition on Safari
Every great photograph begins with a solid composition. While guides like the rule of thirds can help, it’s your personal *vision* that will make your images unique and captivating. Safaris are an opportunity to develop this vision—to not just see, but to *really see*.
For instance, one of the composition techniques I love teaching on safari is using negative space. Imagine the vast open plains of Amboseli or Mara, where a lone elephant stands in the distance, framed by endless skies. Negative space allows your subject to breathe, creating a sense of calm and highlighting the majestic beauty of Africa’s wildlife.
Old Tusker | Amboseli
We also explore the magic of light and texture. Early morning or late afternoon safaris are ideal for this, as the golden light casts long shadows and enhances the textures of an elephant’s wrinkled skin or the gentle curves of a sand dune. These are moments when we help guests experiment with patterns in the landscape, using clouds, trees, and distant mountains to enhance their compositions.
Seeing Beyond the Obvious
On safari, there’s a temptation to capture the big, dramatic moments—the chase, the kill, the perfect portrait. While those moments are special, true photographers learn to see beyond the obvious. Our goal is to help you refine your ability to anticipate moments, to capture the quiet, intimate interactions—whether it’s a lion cub nestled under its mother in the pouring rain or a zebra foal peeking over its shoulder.
Lioness and Cubs in the Rain | Masai Mara
During our safaris, we encourage guests to explore different angles and viewpoints. Whether you're lying low to capture the striking silhouette of cheetahs on a mound in the savannah or aiming high to showcase the grandeur of a marula tree with a leopard gracefully walking along its branches, every shift in perspective reveals a new story. It’s these creative viewpoints that transform a standard shot into one that truly resonates emotionally with your audience.
Creating with Rhythm and Symmetry
Africa is full of patterns, from the stripes of a zebra to the rhythms of an elephant herd walking in unison. On our safaris, we teach you how to use natural symmetry and rhythm to create engaging images. For example, imagine photographing a line of elephants, slowly marching towards you and you wait for that one magical moment where the lead bull extends his ears to create the perfect shot. It’s not just about snapping a shot—it’s about seeing the balance and rhythm in the scene and waiting for the right moment to capture it..
Symmetry, rhythm, and balance aren’t just photographic techniques—they’re ways of telling stories. They help you build a deeper connection with the wildlife you're photographing and with the viewer of your images
Giraffes | Life on The Edge
The Art of Patience
One of the most valuable lessons we emphasize during our safaris is the importance of patience. The most captivating wildlife photographs often come from waiting—waiting for the perfect light, the right moment, and that unforgettable interaction. Patience allows you to connect deeply with the environment, making space for truly magical encounters.
Take, for example, the story behind my photograph "The Stare." During a recent photo safari in Kenya’s Lake Nakuru, my client and I stumbled upon a lion pride resting by a dirt road. While we initially hoped for the iconic shot of lions perched in a Fever tree, we chose to wait, despite the fading daylight and no guarantees. Hours passed as the lions slept, but just as the sun began to set and raindrops started to fall, a young male lion stirred. He slowly rose, turned, and locked eyes with my lens. It was a brief yet powerful moment—his gaze full of intensity, a fleeting connection that I was fortunate to capture before he rejoined the pride.
This experience reflects what our safaris are truly about giving you the time and opportunity to immerse yourself in nature, patiently waiting for those rare, breathtaking moments. It's in these moments that you can create images not only of technical excellence but of deep emotional resonance.
Your Vision
Ultimately, what we offer on our safaris with Delaney & Siggesson is not just a chance to photograph wildlife, but a chance to develop your vision as a photographer. The ‘art of seeing’ goes beyond technique—it’s about capturing the emotion of the moment, the spirit of the wild. We help you find that balance between technical precision and artistic expression, ensuring that your photographs tell the story of your unique journey through Africa’s wilderness.
If you want to take your wildlife photography to the next level, join us on safari. Let us guide you through the breathtaking landscapes of Africa, teaching you not just how to photograph its wildlife, but how to “see” it.
Because as one of my favourite songs says, “You don’t need eyes to see…you need vision.”