Safari photography in the digital age

For many people photography is a very important part of their safari holiday. For some the photographs are just a record of where they have been and what they have seen; something to look back on in later years or share with friends and family on their return home. For others they are a vital part of the trip; they may get as much enjoyment out of taking the photos as of seeing the animals and sights, and will take great pride in their photos on their return home.

Safari holiday companies have, for some time, catered for the needs of photographers, often creating dedicated photographic safaris – so how have things changed in the days of the digital camera and desktop printer?

Digital photography has advanced rapidly over the last few years and it's now possible to buy digital cameras, and digital video and audio equipment, that compares well against non-digital equipment. Once, quality, high resolution cameras were the preserve of professional photographers with a large budget, but advances in the technology and reductions in prices now mean that the average holiday maker can afford to buy a 35mm digital camera with interchangeable lenses for about the same as he/she would have paid for a comparable non-digital variety. Digital no longer means a fixed lens camera with none too brilliant resolution.

So how are the safari holiday companies responding to the changing needs of today's digitally armed photographers? We asked one company, Africa-in-Focus, who specialise in competitively priced safaris with a particular emphasis on photographic safaris.

"We offer specialist travel and photographic safaris that cater for wildlife and birding enthusiasts, zoological and botanical groups, and those seeking to understand African culture or participate in adventure travel. Our photographic overland tours aim to help enthusiastic amateur photographers capture the essence of African wildlife, landscape and culture, whether using traditional or digital techniques. Those not interested in wielding a camera will still benefit from the trained eye of the crew photographer."

"Africa-in-Focus provides a unique service for clients. Since we are a photographic safari operation, clients with digital camera systems and videos will be able to download their photographic images onto a Dell laptop computer and store them either on CD's or Zip disks (provided at a nominal fee). We provide the facilities and expertise which allow you to manipulate your images using Photoshop, and to send them to family and friends while on tour via a mobile Internet connection. (Please note that clients will be charged for use of the internet connection.)"

"There are 12v 'cigarette lighter' power points so that our passengers can rest assured that their camera batteries will not let them down at a crucial moment (own adaptors needed). The truck is also specifically designed for optimal photographic opportunities without losing comfort. The windows drop down for full side views. There are roof hatches above each set of seats for additional height when game viewing."

Digital photographers don't need to worry if they have brought enough film on their safari holiday, their concerns are about having enough memory or how they can store their images. Africa-in-Focus and other forward thinking safari holiday companies are addressing these worries and also providing additional services – like email, web connection and use of laptop computers – that enhance the experience for the digital safari photographer.

© text travel-quest 2002
© all photography www.africa-in-focus.com 2002