In this show-and- tell age of blogs and social websites, with its ever-present photo galleries, the quality of the prized holiday album is paramount. Simply put - the more graphic and visually stimulating, the bigger the appeal.
The wildlife or safari experience is broad and untamed in itself but it can stamp exclusivity across any album.

Thankfully with all this technological advancement we also have access to some outstanding, compact cameras, making it easy to get the shot. However, when developing wildlife photography into a serious hobby it may be wise to invest in some wide-angle and long lenses.

It’s never predictable!

Mother Nature is a power unto herself. You may not always know what to expect but the unexpected could be the very prize you’re looking for. Also, you’ll never be at a loss for things to photograph from birds, animals and bats to plants and bugs.

• Remember to keep a safe distance, not only for your own safety but also to ensure that your perceived threat factor does not scare the animals away.
• Eye-to-eye pics are awesome – you may have to get low down and dirty but the shot will be worth it. Zooming in or changing the level of your lens can make a huge difference.
• Always check the outer edge of your shutter for clutter or unnecessary objects. Less is more in the wild too.

Finding your subject...

The key word is patience. The more you are out in the wild the more familiar you will be with your surroundings. The point is to be there when the shot happens. In most cases an animal will leap out of view instead of into it. The best pictures are when your subject is doing something other than its usual activities, such as sleeping or walking.

• Learn some animal language. Seriously, the movement of birds or the alarm calls of monkeys can signal when a predator is near. Get ready, some memorable snapshots could be in the making.
• Try brushing up on some tracking skills or learning more about the animal’s movements and habitats. You don’t want to be searching for night predators, such as the black backed jackal, during the day.

It’s no good if you’re all shook up...

The more you are able to steady yourself, the sharper your shot will be. Tripods can sometimes be impractical in the wild, especially when you’re shooting from a 4x4.

• Car-mounted tripods are useful otherwise a beanbag is convenient for stabilising your lens.
• Depending on your location, crumpling up your shirt could also work or simply lean up against a tree. Desperate measures have seen some people even using their shoe.

An aspiring wildlife photographer should not forget:

• Bug spray - remember you’re in their habitat now
• Extra batteries - you don’t want to fade before nabbing the shot.
• Compass - you may just wander further than you expect.
• Disposable shower cap or garbage bag - unexpected downpours can damage your equipment.
• Toilet paper - when nature calls, she calls

Happy snapping and don’t forgot to post your pics on your GoTravel24.com blog.

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