BASIC PHOTOGRAPHY ETIQUETTE & TIPS

  • Always ask Tanzanians if you can take their photo: Make sure they understand you and take your time if they do not speak English. Respect their wishes. Refrain from taking photos of people from your safari vehicle without asking. 

  • Be especially respectful to ask the Maasai to take their photos: Many Maasai believe that tourists are exploiting and making money from their images. Others may feel culturally violated. When in doubt, ask your guide for advice.

  • Please do not pay to take someone’s photograph: When you ask for permission to take an amateur photograph, you may get a request for money. Simply decline the photo opportunity. As harmless as such a transaction might seem, it will result in more people demanding money for photos.

  • Contact Thomson Safaris if you plan to take professional photography or video: There are strict requirements/fees imposed by the Tanzanian government.

  • Remain patient and quiet while photographing wildlife.

  • Do not use flash photography when photographing wildlife.

  • Make sure you are not taking photographs in a prohibited area. If unsure, ask your guide.

  • Pace yourself and do not take too many photographs early on: You might miss seeing and experiencing things if your eye is constantly behind the lens.

TECHNICAL TIPS

  • For digital, use an SLR camera and for film, a 35mm SLR works best: Use telephoto lenses (at least 200mm) and fast shutter zoom lenses (70-300mm).

  • Use the beanbags we provide in the vehicles for camera stabilization: You will not need a tripod or monopod for wildlife photography.

  • For close-ups, try shooting through the window while sitting: This often leads to better angles and composition.

  • Research how to use your camera in low light conditions: Light is best during the golden hours before sunset and after sunrise, which also happen to be the times when many animals are more active.

  • Take extra fully charged batteries and film/memory cards: Whenever possible, bring more batteries, memory cards or film than you think you will need. These items are not readily available or are extremely expensive in Tanzania.

  • Keep your camera gear with you at all times: Remember to take it out of the vehicle at the end of each day; you will likely want to clean it. Never leave camera gear in the car while on a village or cultural visit.

  • Remember your duffel bag weight restrictions: Try not to bring numerous extra lenses or other specialty gear. If you are a professional or an experienced photographer who needs to bring more gear, please contact Thomson Safaris about the possibility of purchasing additional baggage weight on your internal flights.

  • Use sealable waterproof bags to protect your gear, lens cleaner and lens paper: Keeping your camera gear in sealable bags will help protect it from any moisture or dirt that could damage the equipment. These reusable plastic bags must be taken home with you, as Tanzania has a plastic bag ban.