Tips For Photographing Mountain Gorillas

Photography is undeniably part and partial of every successful gorilla trekking safari in Uganda, Rwanda and Democratic Republic of Congo. At the end of the every gorilla tour, travelers take nothing with them except photos and videos capture during their encounter with the critically endangered mountain gorillas in their natural habitat.  A look at a snap of a gorilla family brings fresh memories to the client on how thrilling it is to be in the company of silverbacks, adult females and babies in their natural habitats. Having insightful images bring back the beautiful memories with mountain gorillas, which keep the interaction live ad fresh in the minds of travelers even after the gorilla safari. Photography is a wonderful experience but at the same time a frustrating experience, which require advance planning by all travelers so as to enjoy and fully utilize the short time with the gorillas.  Gorilla photography is only done in Bwindi impenetrable forest national park and the Virunga conservation area the only habits for the critically endangered mountain gorillas.  To take good pictures of mountain gorillas, follow the following gorilla photography tips as explained below:

 

Set your camera
Before embarking to meet the mountain gorillas, make sure you setup your cameras. The camera should be set in TV Model (Close priority) and adjusted to an appropriate shutter speed for the lighting conditions you are shooting in. Camera settings can be adjusted in any way depending on the light available.  Setting your camera prevents blurring photos hence an opportunity for the traveler to capture clears and good pictures at the end of the trip. Similarly, the camera should be set in the sport setting if travelers are using a non-manual camera.

 

First position yourself
On reaching the gorillas, take a deep breath, look a round and hold your camera in one location while observing the position of mountain gorillas. Remember you are 8 people and each of you is looking for the same experience of taking as good photographs as possible. Just come out of the crowd, stand a side and take as many photographs as possible. A person who stands at distance is much better than those who squeeze in the middle to be close to the gorillas. Choosing where to stand is the first thing ever traveler must do if he/she wants to take good pictures out without disturbance.

 

Look around in the neighborhood
Whereas all other group members focus on the first seen gorillas, look around in the neighborhood for the coming gorillas. Remember a gorilla family comprise of many members who move at a different speed but not far each other. This tells that there are more chances to see those gorillas still coming other than concentrating on the first few seen at the start. Mountain gorillas live in families composed of over 30 members who can sometimes split into the bush. Its possible that some members may be behind others hence a chance for travelers who look around to see gorillas.

 

Be patient
Although an hour of observing and taking photographs can really be short, you are reminded to be patient and observe the movements of gorillas before you start taking the photographs. After you have seen their concentration, keep your eye on the camera while the finger is on the shutter. You are reminded to watch them through the lens and wait for those beautiful moments when adult gorillas gaze at their baby or look directly at you. Once you are patient, you are assured of capturing beautiful pictures.

 

Carry protective gears and use telephoto lens
You are reminded to carry protective gears for your camera to protect them from any bad weather. In most cases, travelers, rain showers can fall any time regardless of the season hence a need for protective gears to cover up these cameras incase it rains.  Carry plastic shower caps and rain jackets to avoid getting wet incase it rains.  The telephoto lens brings the mountain gorillas so close to you, which is good especially for tour first shots.

Conclusively therefore, photography is a best wildlife experience on an African safari, bring your up to date cameras, take good photographs and enjoy a memorable experience with mountain gorillas.