About the Big Five Wildlife Photography Course

This DPC photo safari is designed to give you the highest possible photographic experience. We have a flair for finding photo-rich environments to Photograph the Big Five at South African rates. In this workshop, you can expect a smaller group of photographers to keep the group intimate so that you can get the ultimate tutorship and attention from your host. We aim to enhance your experience, improve your images and get you to enjoy the company of other eager wildlife and nature photographers you are traveling with.

Course Details

• Six game drives, Four nights in air-conditioned suites with en-suite indoor showers located in Magalingwe Game Reserve. Brunch and dinner included
• We cover the most important aspects of wildlife photography, from creative to optimising your camera and settings. Sufficient time is given in each session to review materials and practise what you have learnt during our daily game drives.
• Practical session: The group will meet every morning and afternoon for a practical session and game drive. This session’s objective is to gain insight into Bruna’s thought processes when creating wildlife photographs and to allow you to test your new camera settings and skills.
• Class materials: Reference guide with cheat sheets.

Presented by

The course is presented by award-winning photographer, Bruna Mentrup-Nortje. Bruna is a professional wildlife photographer, traveller and adventurer. Her philosophy is that anyone can acquire technical skills but the prerequisite for becoming a wildlife photographer is a deep connection with nature.

What our students say about us…

Key aspects

The most important aspects covered in the Big Five Wildlife Course:

• Ethics and philosophy of wildlife photography.
• What makes a good wildlife photo.
• Visual storytelling in wildlife photography.
• Photography equipment like cameras, lenses and tripods. Understanding and optimising your gear.
• Accurate exposures for wildlife photography in various settings.
• Depth-of-field for different focal lengths and subjects.
• Optimal camera settings for speed, focus and low light.
• Focus point selection and focusing modes.
• Capturing fast action, creative panning and tracking techniques.
• Simplification in wildlife photography.
• Creative wildlife photography: Composition, impact, mood, storytelling and lighting.
• Photographing wildlife with artificial lighting.
• Creating pre-sets in-camera for moving and static animals and birds.
• How to deal with busy backgrounds and dark shadows when capturing wildlife.
• Gear, travelling and logistics.
• Essential digital workflow aspects for wildlife and nature photographers.
• Taking part in 6 game drives. Hands-on practical session with feedback.