Giraffes in Africa
One of the rare times that not all the giraffes did not turn around and look! They are such curious animals.
One of the rare times that not all the giraffes did not turn around and look! They are such curious animals.
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Jul, 2020Views
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Behind The Lens
Location
I was on safari in South Africa when I took this photo. I have a love for giraffes and I'll go out of my way to explore where they are and then drive my ranger guide crazy getting me in a great position for the best shot. I also love giraffes for their curiosity as they seem to be as curious about us as we are with them. I've had many starring contests with giraffes! They will absolutely stare back at you!Time
I'm a very early riser, and sunrises are very important for me because of the morning sun and the light you can get from a sunrise. Heading out early on a Safari, sunrise is so essential. All the animals are out at dawn, and if you want the best shots, you had better be out there too! Unfortunately, on this day, we were pretty socked in with clouds. Sometimes the clouds can be a big silk in the sky, giving you this magical soft look.Lighting
As I explained under the question, "what time of day," I answered the question about lighting. Get the earliest start that you can! Angled light from the sun is the magic time! Plus, from 11 to 2 pm is a dangerous time for you to be in the South African sun unless you have tree cover. So the best times to be on safari are dawn to 11 am and 3 pm to dust to get the best light.Equipment
Going on safari, it's all about lenses. It doesn't matter which camera you have. If I can manage it, I will take my Sigma 300-800mm, my Sigma 150-600mm, and my more portable 75-300mm. Just in case, I'll bring my Tokina 16-28mm and my Tokina 100mm macro for vast and very tight beauties. A polarizer filter and a variable ND filter can also be extremely helpful out in the bright sun.Inspiration
Quite frankly, a group of giraffes can be fascinating, which attracted me to this scene. However, it's not a scene where you take the picture and run. Instead, it's a time for slowing down and observing the movement of the family of giraffes and composing for four instead of just one.Editing
Honestly, I did put this picture through a very mild process of Photoshop. Very basic as I accomplished what I wanted in the camera. The sumptuous silk in the sky made it easy to get what I wanted.In my camera bag
My backpack is usually quite full and heavy but, as a Videographer and Photographer, I carry tricks for both. On the video side, I have a Sony A7s3. With that, I have a metabones adapter for my Canon glass. The two longer lenses are in different cases for obvious reasons. Too big and too long! I have the Sony 24-70mm on the A7s3 and the Sigma 100mm macro on my Canon 5D. A secret weapon is the Helios 58mm prime F 1.2 which is amazing for portraits and creative bokeh shots. I usually throw in a GoPro for time-lapse. I also have an Aputure V MC magnetic bar of soap like shaped light (DC) powered. And last but not least a Ninja 5 monitor. SmallRig cages for the A7s3 and the Ninja 5. Zucuto viewfinder setup on the 5D.Feedback
The real trick to Safari shooting is to research your Ranger/Guide. Make sure he or she has the pulse of the animals in the area plus, knows the best spots for sunrise and sunset or areas for the best spots. One trip out is almost like a scout. You will need at least 3 trips at different times to be successful. Even then, there are no guarantees. Animals are on the move. If the range/guide has been in the area for years, that is invaluable. If his scouts give him special reports, run with those notes. Obviously the more you're out there the greater the chance of success.
