Photo Hub
Welcome to our photo tips blog. On this page you will find several of our latest blogs (mostly videos) discussing various photographic techniques that we like to employ while photographing wildlife here in Africa. We also include camera reviews, short courses as well as post-production tutorials for you to enjoy.
If you haven’t done so already please sign up to our Friday Focus newsletter so you can be kept up to date with all the new videos and blogs as we publish them as well as new safari packages that we release from time to time.
5 Migratory Birds to Photograph in The Chobe
The green season transforms the Chobe into a haven for migratory birds, making it an ideal spot for wildlife photography. Our Pangolin Photo Hosts share their top five birds to photograph in the Botswana summer.
How To Photograph Hippos
Pangolin Photo Host, Sabine Stols, shares everything you need to know about how to photograph hippos when you're on safari!
Photographing Wild Dogs
Our Pangolin Photo Hosts share everything they love about African Wild Dogs as well as what to look out for when photographing them on safari.
Giraffe Photography Tips
Pangolin Photo Host and wildlife photographer Danielle Carstens shares her top tips for photographing giraffes.
Leopard Photography Tips
Pangolin Photo Host and wildlife photographer, Charl Stols, shares his top tips for photographing leopards.
Nature photography tips for beginners
New to nature photography? Maybe it's been a while since you picked up your camera. Pangolin Photo Host Janine Krayer shares her go-to nature settings and more.
Nikon Autofocus modes and settings
Pangolin Photo Host Danielle Carstens talks to us about the various options Nikon offers for autofocus modes and settings for wildlife photography.
Common Camera Autofocus Problems
In this blog, we talk about common autofocus troubles and how to solve them on your DSLR or Mirrorless Camera.
Photographing birds in flight
Learn the simple rules of how to master photographing birds in flight. We'll share which of our Youtube videos to watch and what techniques to practice to get you capturing birds in flight.
Elephant photography tips
Resident photo hosts Janine and Sabine share their wisdom about what to keep in mind when exploring elephant photography.
Gorilla Photography Tips
We sat down with award-winning primate photographer Nelis Wolmarans to talk about his top tips for gorilla photography as well as the upcoming trips he will be hosting for Pangolin.
The African Jacana from Planet Earth 3
Learn more about one of our favourite birds to photograph on the Chobe River. The African Jacana is fascinating and makes for great photo opportunities.
Lion Photography Tips
Janine shares her top Lion Photography Tips. The article contains top advice plus a video explaining her methods and techniques.
African Fish Eagle – Know your subject
The Chobe is home to large numbers of African Fish Eagles and they are always a highlight to see and photograph. Here is how!
Back Button Focus – All you need to know
Learn more about back button focus in general and how it can be a game changer for you.
Top 10 Beginner Wildlife Photography Tips
Top 10 Beginner Wildlife Photography Tips Table of Contents Tips to be a better wildlife photographer Know your camera gear before you travel Shutter speed Location Golden light [...]
The Five shutter speeds you need for Wildlife Photography
The Five shutter speeds you need for Wildlife Photography In the video below you will watch Director of Pangolin Photo Safaris, Guts Swanepoel, explain the [...]
Depth of Field
Everything you need to know about depth of field, focal length, hyperfocal distance, deeper depth and more!
Rule of Thirds
In this blog, we discuss the rule of thirds: what it is, how it came about, why it's the cornerstone of photography and of course, how to break it.
Sony A1 Mark ii Review on The Chobe River
Charl Stols and Marlon Du Toit test the Sony A1 Mark II on safari in Botswana. Discover its features and why it’s a top choice for wildlife photographers.
First Impressions: The New Canon EOS R1 and R5ii
Guts and Janine share their first impressions of the new Canon R1 and the R5ii.
The 1200mm Canon Lens with Guts in Svalbard
Guts in Svalbard reviewing the Canon RF 1200mm f/8 lens. The RF Canon 1200mm Lens - Tested in Svalbard! In this blog, Guts shares an exciting adventure [...]
Canon RF 200-800mm Lens Review
Pangolin Photo Host, Janine Krayer, gives her first impressions on the RF Canon 200-800mm lens while in South Africa. This blog notes key differences between the Canon 800mm f11 and the 800mm f5.6 fixed prime lens and Janine’s overall thoughts during her brief time with the lens.
How to update your camera firmware
Unless your camera's firmware is up to date you run a risk of missing shots or worse taking shots that just don't come out quite right! In this blog we will explain what firmware is, why keeping it up to date is so important and show you step by step how do a firmware update on your camera. Firmware is applicable to all the camera brands and these steps should work on your Canon, Sony, Nikon, Fuji. Panasonic, Olympus or other major camera brands.
Canon RF 100-500mm Lens Review
Pangolin Photo Host, Janine Krayer, gives her first impressions on the RF Canon 100-500mm lens while travelling on safari with client Rimma Aronov. This blog notes key differences between the Canon 100-400 MII, the 600mm f4 fixed prime lens and Janine’s overall thoughts.
Try micro-adjustments to get sharp images
Co-Founder of Pangolin Photo Safaris, Guts Swanepoel, talks us through a simple camera trick to help you get sharper images in the field.
Canon R6 Mark II for wildlife photography
Canon recently launched its new mirrorless camera the Canon EOS R6 Mark II. This little powerhouse is a great camera for wildlife photography, find out why Pangolin Photo Host Charl Stols says this as he runs through the upgrades and new features.
The Canon eos r3 for wildlife photography
Pangolin Photo Host, Sabine Stols, tested the Canon R3 for wildlife photography out on The Chobe river in Botswana and shares her first impressions. This blog shares examples of image quality and low-light performance.
Micro four thirds system for wildlife photography
Pangolin Photo Host Janine Krayer is joined by top wildlife photographer Mark Buckler in Botswana to discuss the pros and cons of a micro 4/3 camera system.
Canon R10 for wildlife photography
A few months ago, Charl Stols did the first field test of the Canons EOS R10 model in Africa in Botswana’s Chobe National Park. This camera may seem a little small but it packs quite the punch and is an excellent mirrorless camera to get started in wildlife photography.
Camera Lens Hoods
This blog discusses an essential piece of every photographer's kit…your lens hood! We’ll chat about why you need it, the two main types and everything in between.
Canon EOS R7 for wildlife photography
The Canon EOS R7 for wildlife photography Sabines' first impressions of this great new mirrorless aps c camera from The Chobe. Sabine with the Canon [...]
Review of the 600 and 800mm Canon RF Lenses For Wildlife Photography
Sabine reviews the 600 and 800mm Canon RF Lenses For Wildlife Photography Review of the 600 and 800mm Canon RF Lenses For Wildlife Photography Embarking on a [...]
Gear Review: Nikon Z6 for wildlife photography
Gear Review: Nikon Z6 for wildlife photography In this video, Pangolin Photo Host Danielle Carstens highlights the six key features that she enjoys on the [...]
Sigma 60-600 mm Lens Review
Sigma 60-600 mm Lens Review Janine has been using the highly versatile Sigma 60-600 Sport lens for wildlife photography since 2018. Armed with a [...]
Editing Wildlife Photos
Pangolin Photo Host William Steel edits the same image in four different ways for social media, competitions, printing and adding to his portfolio. Each purpose requires a specific edit and the knowledge of where the limits are..especially for competition.
How to Use AI Lightroom Masking Tools
Pangolin Photo Host and wildlife photographer, Sabine Stols shares her effective tips on how to get the most out of Lighrooms AI Masking Tools.
How to cull photos like a pro!
Pangolin Photo Host William Steel shares his step-by-step process on how to cull photos that you have taken in a sequence! Using Adobe Lightroom, William shows us his 7-step process to finding his favourite image in a sequence.
Black and White Wildlife Photography Tips
We sat down with Pangolin Photo Host and Wildlife Photographer William Steel to talk about his top tips for black-and-white wildlife photography and more.
Black and White Editing
Black and White Editing with Janine Krayer In the video below you will watch Pangolin Photo Host Janine Krayer explain how she select pictures for [...]
Africa’s Big Five
Originally termed by big game hunters, "The Big Five" refers to Africa's iconic wildlife quintet: lions, leopards, elephants, buffalo, and rhinoceroses, which are now top sights for safari enthusiasts and symbolic of African wildlife.
Mana Pools National Park
Mana Pools National Park in Zimbabwe is an iconic destination for many wildlife photographers, and for good reason. This parks breathtaking landscapes and awe-inspiring wildlife encounters makes it one for the books. This blog explores everything you need to know about a Mana Pools safari.
Toby’s Sri Lankan Safari
Toby has recently returned from his first Sri Lankan safari and shares his thoughts on the amazingly diverse country and its wildlife photography opportunities.
The Okavango Delta
Discover the Okavango Delta in Botswana, a haven for wildlife photographers. Its unmatched beauty and diverse wildlife make it a prime spot for capturing iconic shots for any portfolio.
The Serengeti National Park
The Serengeti National Park in Tanzania, epitomises the African wilderness. A haven for photographers, its vast landscapes, diverse ecosystems, and rich wildlife provide unparalleled opportunities for capturing stunning images, making it a sought-after destination.
Madikwe Game Reserve
Nestled in South Africa's vast wilderness, Madikwe Game Reserve stands as the fifth-largest game sanctuary, beckoning photographers with its sprawling 75,000-hectare landscape, frequented by the iconic Big Five and numerous other species.
Ngorongoro Crater
Nestled in Tanzania's lush highlands, the Ngorongoro Crater is a wildlife photographer's dream, boasting unparalleled natural beauty and an astonishing range of wildlife. This blog provides essential tips to maximise your photographic journey in this ancient, expansive sanctuary
Masai Mara Safari
The Masai Mara is a dream destination for wildlife photographers, offering unparalleled natural beauty and diverse wildlife. This blog shares everything you need to know to make the most of your visit to this incredible haven for wildlife photography.
Amboseli National Park
Amboseli National Park is a hot spot for many wildlife photographers and for good reason. This blog shares camera gear advice from Pangolin Photo Host William Steel, photographs and inside tips from Janine Krayer and everything you need about this iconic park in Kenya.
Samburu National Reserve
Samburu National Reserve is one of our favourite hidden gems for both wildlife and landscape photography. This blog shares facts, ideas and photographic highlights of visiting the area and includes photos from Pangolin Photo Hosts, Janine Krayer and Guts Swanepoel.
South Luangwa National Park
South Luangwa National Park is a must-visit national park for all wildlife photographers and safari enthusiasts! This blog shares facts, ideas and photographic highlights of visiting the area and includes photos from Pangolin Photo Host, Sabine Stols.
Ndutu Conservation Area
The Ndutu Conservation Area is a must visit destination for wildlife photography, especially during calving season. This blog shares facts, ideas and photographic highlights of visiting the area and includes photos from Pangolin Photo Host, Janine Krayer.
Nxai Pan National Park
Nxai Pan National Park is a photographic oasis for wildlife photography. This blog shares facts, ideas and photographic highlights of visiting the park and includes photographs from our Pangolin Photo Hosts.
Airports in Botswana
In this post, we give you all the information you need about the three main airports in Botswana. We will also detail some important information and flight options if you want to use Victoria Falls (Zimbabwe) or Livingstone (Zambia) too.
The Chobe National Park
Learn more about our home and wildlife photography paradise, the Chobe National Park.
Photography Safaris for Beginners
Photography Safaris for Beginners How to choose the right African photo safaris for your skill level. When there are so many photography safaris to chose from it's [...]
Botswana Seasons Explained – When is the best time to go?
Botswana Seasons Explained Is there a best time for Botswana safari? When you choose Botswana as a safari destination you need to think carefully about the different [...]
Green Season in Botswana
Green Season in Botswana Could Green Season in Botswana be THE BEST time of year for wildlife photography? The problem with marketing people (and I speak to [...]
Flights to Botswana
Flights to Botswana Some interesting new routes are opening up for flights to Botswana. Figuring out which are the easiest and quickest flights [...]
Shoot to thrill … don’t shoot to kill. What is a photo safari?
What is a Photo Safari? Traditionally there are two types of safari…hunting and photographic… And we at Pangolin Photo Safaris would rather “shoot to thrill” [...]
Photo Gear Advice
Gear for wildlife photography on safari in Africa. Bags and carry on weights The topic of hand luggage allowances when it comes to [...]