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Ian & Anne Jackson
The safari organised for us fully met our expectations – we had had experience of East African roads last year in Serengeti, so were prepared for a ‘rough ride’, although the vehicle was quite comfort
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Photographic Workshop and Safari E-mail


Photosafari and Workshop   
 Photo Workshop
Photosafari and Workshop with Manuel Presti
Lake Nakuru and Masai-Mara
15.10.2011 – 28.10.2011
Price:  4390.- Euro
Safari Request
14 days Safari SWF 004
  


Photosafari and Workshop with  Manuel Presti


Dep. and Arrival : Nairobi
Date: 15.10.2011 – 28.10.2011
Min. No. of
participants: 		8 Persons and Mr. Presti
Costs & Services: see below
Details: pdf Detailed information about the workshop 685.32 Kb
pdf General information about the tour 629.32 Kb

(Photo: Manuel Presti)
(Photo: Manuel Presti)
This photo safari is really for interested nature & wildlife photographers whose primary aim is to produce first class wildlife & nature photography. The main requirement to achieve this is patience / time & persistence.  As we start our photosafari, we leave any „rush" behind us and concentrate on various subjects and situations as they portray themselves numerously. Sometimes it is necessary to simply sit still for hours in order to gain the best shot. It is almost a guarantee that one will have the opportunity to photograph animals that are on the classic wish list of every wildlife photographer. Our priority during this safari will be to produce particularly beautiful and emotional shots.  I will be by your side to assist you to achieve the same unique photographic memories. It is important that the quality of light is understood correctly and that one learns to use the difference between „warm & cold light".  We shall start daily as early as possible (of course adhering to the park rules and regulations). In Africa sunrise & sunset take only a few minutes, this is why it is extremely important to understand and take advantage of each „situation" that presents itself to us. We shall experiment with front / side and back light in order to get the best results depending on these variations.  

Lion in the Mara
Lion in the Mara (Photo: Manuel Presti)
In the course of the day, light conditions can change drastically and fast (e.g. clouds in the sky) or photo subjects can show different contrast. E.g. we will learn how to rapidly modify the exposure to photograph a zebra in strong / bright sunlight after having photographed a buffalo in the shade. In such situations it often happens that, due to the emotion experienced when looking at the stunning wildlife closely, technical aspects are suddenly completely forgotten. We will do our best to avoid any disappointment when you are looking at your images at home. I will be continuously at your side to advise you in every situation which is the best exposure compensation for a certain photographic situation : in this way you'll be able  to take  correctly exposed photos from the very beginning. This is very important as photo opportunities are very numerous but very different to each other and often last only few minutes!
Wildlife Photography in Africa is one of the best kinds of nature photography that can be experienced.  It means action, drama, death & life. It all happens very sudden, often completely unexpected. Within minutes fantastic opportunities present itself but often don't last long. This is why one has to act on the spot and know one's camera in order to achieve the best shots.  It is necessary to know the basics on one's photographic-equipment, however, I will assist you to learn about all aspects on advanced photography. I will practically show how you can creatively take advantage of aperture and shutter speed. For instance the motion blurred pictures that so well show the dynamism of nature represent one of the most difficult kinds of photography. The correct shutter speed depends not only on the single subject, but also on its distance from the camera and its motion direction.
hunting cheetah
hunting cheetah (Photo: Manuel Presti)
hunting cheetah
hunting cheetah (Photo: Manuel Presti)

Every day we will do at least 2 extended game drives (early morning & afternoon). Usually, we shall return to camp for lunch in order to rest a bit, discuss technical aspects of photos taken and to compare them.  At this time you also have a chance to re-charge your equipment. In the morning we shall take a picnic breakfast with us which we shall enjoy at a scenic spot out in the bush.
successful hunt
successful hunt (Photo: Manuel Presti)
We will do this when the light is already harsh.  We will also be able to stretch our legs a bit during this time. Should there be a special situation (e.g. a river crossing of wildebeest and zebra or a possible hunt by a big cat) we may delay and only drive back to the camp for a late lunch or even skip it altogether. I will not force anyone to stay out longer than desired and anyone that wants to return to camp can also do that.

I shall be present during each different game drive in a different vehicle so that all participants get a chance to drive with me every second day of their safari. Our 03 Landcruisers will sometimes drive together but also separate on their own.  If we drive separately, chances of interesting and promising situations and subjects will be higher. Our trained guides are constantly connected via high frequency radio and we can meet, should it be necessary. This way, all participants will have chances of photographing the same subjects if desired. The driver/guides used for this safari are not only well experienced but have outstanding knowledge on the wildlife in the reserves / parks and „eagle eyes" to spot wildlife / game.  

Every day is different and offers new surprises. Whenever possible I will assist you also with aspects in photography that are usually neglected. E.g. the background optimization .. A well captured background makes a good photo to a PERFECT shot. Similarly, a potentially very good shot, can be ruined by a disturbing background. I will help you to read the background as we position our vehicles for a photo scene.

(Photo: Manuel Presti)
Also other practical themes such as the use of flashlight will be taught during our game drives.
First class and special photography are our number one priority on this photo safari. Hence, we will take photos where the normal tourist simply drives by without noticing. E.g. when it gets dark...  it so happened that one evening right before entering our camp we spotted a young leopard cub and its mother.  We managed to take interesting photos of this wonderful unexpected scene, using shutter speed and ISO values, which would have been unconceivable for analog photography..  On another evening we viewed an unusual encounter between a hippo and a leopard.   
As mentioned earlier, patience and persistence are the most important conditions that one has to adhere to during our photo safari. This is how we managed to view 03 cheetah brothers this year during a successful hunt of a zebra. A truly magnificent show!

In the evening, after a long photo day we shall meet at the cozy and welcoming lounge tent and relax with one of the typical drinks on offer. Whenever time permitting and if we have the necessary energy left, we can have short and practice oriented seminars on the optimal digital workflow.  

The following points will be up for discussion:

  • Process of selection of photographs: fast, efficient and successful.
  • This is a very important point for Africa as we will easily have 10 -20 Gb of photos taken every day!.  
  • Optimal conversion of raw data: exposure correction, digital noise management.
  • Mandatory knowledge about postprocessing .
    • Contrast
    • Saturation
    • Masks, adjustment layers
    • Sharpening
  • We will also tech how to create deep black & white images: African wildlife is ideal for that!

We will organize spontaneuous photo comment evenings whereby the best pictures of each participant will be selected and constructively discussed / criticized. This has turned out to be one of the most useful events in order to achieve even better results the next day.

For this particular safari we will visit 2 National Parks:

 Lake Nakuru - Masai Mara

Detailed Itinerary:


DAY 01:  15.10.2011 Arrival in Nairobi      
We are happy to assist you with any bookings for international flights to / from Kenya. However, you are also free to organize these yourself.  Pls. note that international flights are not included in the below quote.  Your arrival can be during any time on this day (or at night). Our representative will be meeting you at the airport and will then transfer you to your town hotel. Pls. look out for a signboard with your name on it. If you still want to exchange some money, you will have an opportunity to do so at the airport. It works out best to exchange Euros into Kenya Shillings and to take along USD. only for your visa. Afterwards transfer to your town hotel, Nairobi Safari Club.  At 21.00 hrs everyone will meet at the restaurant for dinner and to get to know each other.  (half board)

DAY 02:  16.10.2011 Nairobi - Lake Nakuru National Park
Pick up at 07.30 hrs (a.m.) from your hotel. After a scrumptious breakfast and check-out, depart in your comfortable and custom designed 4 x 4 Landcruiser to drive via the Great Rift Valley to Lake Nakuru National Park. There will be 3 photographers in each vehicle. At the viewpoint you will have a first fantastic photo opportunity (weather permitting)  to take beautiful landscape shots over the Rift. By late morning you will arrive at Lake Nakuru National Park and Lake Nakuru Lodge. After lunch we will start our first long game drive through this very scenic park that offers plenty of wildlife. Mr. Presti will join each vehicle for some time and give first hand advise. In the evening after a successful first game drive, the opportunity to discuss the photos taken will arise. Dinner and overnight at Lake Nakuru Lodge. (full board)

DAY 03: 17.10.2011 Full day Lake Nakuru National Park
You will spend a full day in this exciting National Park, that is famous for its thousands of flamingoes, coloring the lake pink as well as the endangered White & Black Rhino. The rare Rothschild Giraffe is also found in Lake Nakuru National Park. There are good chances to view Cheetah, Leopard and buffalo in the park, that is also renowned for being an ornithological paradise.  All meals and overnight at Lake Nakuru Lodge. (full board)

DAY 04: 18.10.2011 Lake Nakuru - Masai Mara Game Reserve
After a last game drive early morning and breakfast depart for the world famous Maasai Mara Game Reserve. Arrival in time for late lunch at the small and personalized Mara Bush Camp. An extended game drive is planned in the afternoon. Dinner and overnight at Mara  Bush Camp.(full board)

DAY 05 -19: 07.10.2011 - 26.10.2011 Masai Mara Game Reserve
Spend exciting days in this amazing Game Reserve.  Daily extended and unlimited game drives with 03 photographers in each long wheel base Landcruiser (09 seats) Therefore it is possible to enjoy maximum space to take undisturbed photographs. At this time it is possible to view the great migration spectacle. This takes place annually in the Mara
Game Reserve where 1.5 Million wildebeest migrate from the Serengeti Eco-system into the Mara Game Reserve and cross the Talek / Sand & Mara River where crocodiles feast on them. A number of big cats follow the large herds and offer amazing photo opportunities. In the evening daily photo discussions will take place.  Dinner and overnight at Mara  Bush Camp.  (full board)  

DAY 13: 27.10.2011 Masai Mara Game Reserve  - Departure to Nairobi  
In the morning you will enjoy a last early morning game drive. After a late breakfast depart for Nairobi which you will reach around 5.00 pm.  Dinner at the Carnivore Restaurant where delicious barbecued meat is served. Afterwards, transfer to Jomo Kenyatta Airport for your homebound flight.  

DAY 14: 28.10.2011 Arrival in your homebound country
(International flight on own arrangement)

End of all arrangements


Included in this Safari:

  • All Park entrance fees
  • Transport in custom safari built long wheel based Landcruiser with roof hatches / pop-up roof, with a maximum of 03 photographers only in each vehicle
  • English speaking driver/guide, conversant with all requirements necessary for photographers
  • Unlimited game drives
  • 09 Nights on full board at Mara Bush Camp
  • 01 night on bed & breakfast at the Nairobi Safari Club
  • 02 nights on full board at Lake Nakuru Lodge
  • All airport transfers on arrival / departure
  • Mineral water during game drives
  • Evacuation insurance to / from Nairobi in case of emergency
  • Bean / Sand bags in each vehicle
  • Dinner at the Carnivore Restaurant
  • Dinner on DAY 1 at the Nairobi Safari Club
  • Active participation / workshop by Mr. Presti (as above)

Not included:

  • All beverages while on safari / Nairobi
  • Telephone, laundry & any items of personal nature
  • Visa fees & international flights
  • tips for guides & camp / lodge staff
  • Travel & Medical insurance
  • Excursions such as visit to a local Maasai Village,
  • balloon safari in the Mara, guided walks etc.

Price

Price per person
  4390,- Euro
Single room supplement
    480,- Euro
 
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