As you embark on the exciting journey of wildlife photography in Africa, the choices you make can significantly affect your experience and your chances of getting the shots you are dreaming of. One outstanding option to get iconic photographs is the use of photographic hides. These specialized structures not only provide a unique vantage point but can also enhance your adventure in capturing stunning wildlife moments. This article explores the many reasons why photographic safari hides in Africa should be your go-to choice for a wildlife photography tour and how it can enhance your creativity for your wildlife photography.
Understanding Photographic Safaris Hides in Africa
Photographic hides are specifically designed to give wildlife photographers a concealed space from which they can observe and capture wildlife photographs. Crafted to blend seamlessly with the surrounding environment, they allow you to immerse yourself in nature without disturbing animals.
These hides can range from simple wooden structures featuring rustic seating to well developed and comfortable hides with strategically placed windows for shooting (like the one featured in this article). The key purpose is to facilitate a secure space for observation and photography, enabling you to catch breath-taking moments without scaring away the wildlife. This thoughtful design not only enhances the aesthetic appeal but also plays a crucial role in minimizing the impact on local wildlife.
On a photographic safari, these hides can accommodate small groups guided by a professional wildlife photographer and can be a rather unique experience. African photographic safari hides can be located near rivers, next to waterholes, or beside lodges that obtain easy access. Hides can be created in many different ways but you have to read into what each hide can offer and understand how this can benefit you.
So how do you select the best photographic hide for effective wildlife photography?
Mark Fernley, our director/professional wildlife photographer states that "it is very important that you look deep into what type of images you want to obtain from a photo hide. From my past experience, working for many years here in eastern and southern Africa, safari photo hides must be positioned correctly to obtain the best results. For example you must choose a photo hide based on the direction of which it faces. Make sure that the main viewing area where your camera looks out of faces either north or south. This will allow a consistent amount of light for your subjects. You will get great sunrise and sunset lighting known as 'the golden hours' of wildlife photography.
(D1) Correctly Positioned Wildlife photography hide
If your hide were to be facing west or east, at one point of the day you will encounter the sun shining directly at you therefore back-lighting the subject. The diagram shown above is to give you an idea of how an ideal setup of a photo hide should be. The underground hide is buried into the ground and faces north next to a waterhole. Usually these waterholes are man made and provide clean water that attract wild animals. The X's represent wild animals and the sunrise and sunset are indicated in yellow. As you can clearly see, there will be up to 12 hours of consistent lighting that will light up your photographic subjects. As we all know early morning light and evening light create the best photographic results.
The Importance of Concealment
In the wild, animals are highly attuned to changes in their surroundings. Your presence can quickly send them fleeing. Photographic hides address this challenge effectively by allowing you to conceal yourself.
Inside a well-constructed hide, animals are less likely to perceive you as a threat. This increases your chances of capturing intimate behaviours and interactions that would be impossible to document using an open vehicle or while on foot. For instance, you might witness a herd of zebras casually grazing, or a mother lion playing with her cubs—moments that tell a rich story through your lens. You could also find yourself getting up close to leopards drinking at waterholes or even have the opportunity to photograph absolute chaos of charging elephants centimeters away from your lens as shown below by wildlife photographer Mark A Fernley.
Enhanced Opportunities for Diverse Wildlife Photography
Photographic hides enable positioning closer to various species while minimizing human intrusion. Many hides are strategically located near waterholes or feeding grounds, attracting a diverse range of wildlife.
For example, a 2019 study indicated that hides placed near water sources increase sightings of species like elephants, giraffes, and rhinos by nearly 30 percent compared to open vehicle tours. Imagine quietly observing a family of elephants as they splash around at a watering hole, capturing every intricate detail of their playful interactions like shown above. Wildlife can get incredibly close and you are not in need of a super telephoto lens as your submerged silently in the action.
Comfortable and Supportive Experience
A major challenge in wildlife photography is maintaining stillness and silence for extended periods. Photographic hides often take this into account with many featuring comfortable seating and sturdy structures to support your gear.
Resting easy allows you to focus entirely on awaiting that perfect shot. The best wildlife photos emerge during those quiet moments when animals come unexpectedly close to you in a hide. For instance, during a five-hour wait in a hide, you could capture a magnificent eagle suddenly swooping in for its prey or a pride of lions coming to drink at a waterhole, a scene that rewards your patience. Choosing a photographic hide that provides comfort and a homely feel can be something to take into account as this can help with your overall experience of waiting for wildlife to approach.
Expert Guidance and Assistance
Many safari operators who offer photographic hides also provide knowledgeable guides experienced in wildlife photography. These professionals can greatly enhance your experience, sharing insights on ideal shooting spots, times, and techniques for capturing stunning images.
For example, they might teach you the best angles to photograph a Stripped Hyena drinking from a waterhole or simply teaching you the best ways to capture a lions tongue licking the water when drinking. Understanding animal behaviour will also help you anticipate movements, boosting your chances of getting that perfect, once-in-a-lifetime photo.
When there is not any action and you have time, your photo host will give you more in depth information in the hide as there is more time to spare when it comes down to photographic tuition. Sharing photographic stories in hides is all part of it but remember don't be to loud as you will scare off wildlife.
Optimal Lighting Conditions
An essential aspect of wildlife photography is utilizing natural light effectively. As mentioned earlier, photographic hides are often thoughtfully positioned to take advantage of golden hour light, from sunrise to sunset. See diagram (D1)
By observing how natural light interacts with your subjects throughout the day, you can expand your portfolio. Statistics show that images captured during the “golden hour” often have a 20 percent higher engagement on social media, as the warm tones create more visually striking compositions. This will be during the early mornings and the evenings when your sun is low and is far more captivating for the subject as Mark Fernley mentioned earlier.
Untamed Photo Safaris has carefully selected their photo hides, ensuring they point towards the north or south - not east or west. This allows all wildlife photographers to have as much photographic time as required to capture their subject in action. On top of that our main photo hide here in Kenya offers outside studio lighting on the side of the waterhole where night wildlife photography is beyond impressive. This photo hide located in southern Kenya offers a unique night photography experience where wildlife photography hits the next level.
Located outside of the hide we set up studio lighting each night that can be operated from inside the hide and can bring night photography to life. Above are three examples of night photography that can be captured at this night hide. If you are wondering how long can you be in the hide or how does this hide work well we can tell you. In this hide are beds and a silent bathroom so that guests can stay in there for a fill night and experience the nocturnal world of the African bush.
Now lets continue and discuss the benefits of wildlife photography hides here in East Africa!
Networking with Fellow Photographers on A Photo Safari
Photographic hides provide fantastic opportunities to connect with other wildlife photography enthusiasts. Many hides accommodate small groups of photographers, offering a space to share experiences and techniques.
For example, after a day in the field, you might find time to discuss camera settings and composition strategies with fellow photographers over a meal. This camaraderie can lead to lasting friendships, knowledge sharing, and even collaborations on future projects.
Safety and Security
Safety remains a top concern for wildlife photographers. Photographic hides provide a secure environment without obstructing your view of the surrounding wildlife, especially in East Africa.
Establishing your hide well away from potentially dangerous animals gives you peace of mind. Many hides are built with durable materials, offering protection from curious creatures. Feeling secure lets you concentrate fully on capturing breath-taking images.
Conservation Awareness
Using photographic hides not only enriches your experience as a photographer but also supports wildlife conservation efforts. Many hide operators allocate a portion of their profits to local conservation initiatives.
By choosing photographic hides for your safari, your photography adventure helps protect the very environments and species you wish to study. Your passion for wildlife photography becomes a contribution to larger conservation goals.
Ideal for Learning and Improving Skills
If you are an aspiring wildlife photographer, spending time in a photographic hide presents an opportunity to sharpen your skills. The absence of many external distractions allows you to focus on enhancing your technical and artistic capabilities.
Utilize this time to practice various techniques, such as capturing fast-moving animals, adjusting your depth of field, or experimenting with different compositions. The focused environment of a hide encourages growth and experimentation, essential components in developing your photography style.
Capturing the Essence of Wildlife Photography
Photographic hides are indispensable tools for anyone serious about wildlife photography.
These structures allow you to engage deeply with nature, witness remarkable animal behaviours, and enjoy a supportive environment for capturing stunning images. With the right photo hide, your African safari experience can transform a fleeting wildlife encounter into a rich experience filled with inspiration for future creative endeavors.
By opting for photographic hides during your wildlife photography adventure, you immerse yourself in Africa's beauty, capturing its essence one photograph at a time. The most breath-taking shots await just beyond the visibility of your hide, ready for you to click the shutter and seize those magical moments!
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