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Low Ambient – Camp Fire Shots

28

Aug 2019

Low Ambient – Camp Fire Shots

In Blog Photo Column By Brad Leontsinis

I was recently asked for some advice on how to shoot images around a camp fire at night. This can be a great way to capture memories with beautiful ambience and full of atmosphere. With the advancements in low light technology in camera bodies, it is more possible than ever to capture ambient images in…

Creating Panoramas

25

Oct 2018

Creating Panoramas

In Uncategorized By Brad Leontsinis

Creating Panoramas is a great way of allowing one to maximise the use of space giving a beautiful context to images. Although most useful in landscape images, using them in different scenarios for story telling can be equally effective. In this article we will  discuss how to merge images together creating the Panoramic effect for…

Gear Review – Canon 7d Mark 2 and Tamron 150 – 600 mm lens

03

May 2018

Gear Review – Canon 7d Mark 2 and Tamron 150 – 600 mm lens

In Blog Photo Column Uncategorized By Brad Leontsinis

On a recent trip to the East Africa I took with me an additional body and lens. For the body I decided on the Canon 7d Mark 2, a camera which get’s excellent reviews as a top performing wildlife camera which makes use of a crop sensor. The Lens – Tamron SP  150 – 600mm…

Sams’ time in the Okavango Delta

26

Apr 2018

Sams’ time in the Okavango Delta

In Blog Lodge Reviews Travel By Sam Leontsinis

My recent trip to Botswana reminded me yet again of why I left my chaotic creative industry life. I spent 4 nights in a land that rejuvenates your soul. Botswana is one of the very few true great wilderness areas we have left, and it is just magical.

Best Wildlife Moments of 2017

17

Jan 2018

Best Wildlife Moments of 2017

In Blog By Sam Leontsinis

A showcase of just a few of the most beautiful moments which our extensive travels in 2017 brought our African Insider guests. Take a moment to enjoy the beauty of Africa and start planning your next trip today.                   Rhinos continue to be poached at rates which…

Our Favourite Places To See Africa’s Top 10 Bucket List Species

18

Dec 2017

Our Favourite Places To See Africa’s Top 10 Bucket List Species

In Blog conservation By Brad Leontsinis

  Many people who have never travelled to Africa have certain ideas about what a safari is like. Khaki clothing, round brim hats and action, lots of action! While neutral coloured clothing and as much sun protection as you can get are certainly hits, the actual experience on the ground can vary greatly. Each one…

Capturing Beautiful Scenes

15

Sep 2017

Capturing Beautiful Scenes

In Blog Photo Column By Brad Leontsinis

Photographing the natural world seems to present endless opportunities. The scenes we encounter are often awe inspiring but can be challenging to capture in a way that portray’s the true atmosphere of the moment. Landscape photography is certainly one of the more intricate and complicated forms of outdoor photography. Specialist landscape photographers dedicate all of their…

Journey through the Okavango Delta

15

Sep 2017

Journey through the Okavango Delta

In Blog Lodge Review By Brad Leontsinis

Ker&Downey Botswana Journey In April, I was hosted on a trip through the Okavango Delta in Botswana by Africa in Focus and Ker&Downey Botswana. Ker&Downey have four properties spread around the Okavango Delta which we visited: Shinde, Okuti, Kanana and Footsteps Across Africa. All of the Ker&Downey properties are beautiful, well located and have special…

Best Moments of 2016

09

Feb 2017

Best Moments of 2016

In Blog Photo Column Travel By Brad Leontsinis

2016 was full of spectacular moments for our African Insider travellers. In celebration we have compiled a showcase with just some of these unforgettable highlights.                                                             …

Busanga Plains an Eco-Tourism Success

09

Dec 2016

Busanga Plains an Eco-Tourism Success

In Uncategorized By Brad Leontsinis

It has long been our belief at African Insider that eco-tourism is the greatest tool at wildlife conservations disposal. The long standing preservation of naturally occurring ecological systems and wilderness areas is critically important in the modern times. The support of these areas through responsible tourism is the lifeline. I emphasise the word responsible. True…

Always Be Ready – Photography with Brad Leontsinis

02

Dec 2016

Always Be Ready – Photography with Brad Leontsinis

In Uncategorized By Brad Leontsinis

In this months column I decided to delve into what it took to get the shots during a thrilling sighting which led to a sequence of images which I really like. It was a hair raising situation that happened in a flash and one which did not allow time to check light readings and exposure levels before taking…

Creating Sharp Images – Photography with Brad Leontsinis

31

Oct 2016

Creating Sharp Images – Photography with Brad Leontsinis

In Uncategorized By Brad Leontsinis

  As a self-taught photographer I highly value the practical application of photographic concepts and tools. Of these concepts and tools, the understanding and effective use of shutter speed and the influence it has on focus, is without doubt one of the major differentiators in a photographers journey toward creating striking images. The effective use…

Savuti – Botswana’s Secret

23

Sep 2016

Savuti – Botswana’s Secret

In Uncategorized By Brad Leontsinis

Savuti Camp, Savute Channel – Botswana We predicted the Savute Channel would be incredible this year and…wow…were we right! It was an absolute highlight during a Botswana trip I guided in August. I was with a fantastic family of 6 travelling all the way from Toronto on a 10 night trip through Botswana. The entire…

Depth of Field

20

Sep 2016

Depth of Field

In Uncategorized By Brad Leontsinis

Depth of Field Depth of field is an important tool in photography and is controlled by the aperture settings of the camera. How we portray visual scenes influences the message, which our viewers establish in the narrative of a story. As photographers, one of the most powerful and creative tools we have at our disposal…

Insiders for Outsiders

22

Aug 2016

Insiders for Outsiders

In Uncategorized By Sam Leontsinis

These days it’s hard to pull the wool over our eyes. We are all very capable consumers. The Internet has empowered us with more than enough opinions and user-generated content to enable us to do our own research -to make up our own minds – even with the ‘noise’ of advertisers telling us who to…

Log pile Hide Returns to Savuti Camp for Epic Dry Season Action

10

Aug 2016

Log pile Hide Returns to Savuti Camp for Epic Dry Season Action

In Uncategorized By Brad Leontsinis

In 2006/2007 I had the privilege of working in one of the most phenomenal wildlife regions I have experienced in my extensive work as a wildlife guide leading trips throughout Southern Africa. The region I refer to is the famous Savute Channel working from the Wilderness Safaris Savuti camp, a stunning property which has front row seats…

Umlani Bush Camp Review

24

Jun 2016

Umlani Bush Camp Review

In Uncategorized By Sam Leontsinis

An authentic African bush experience Brad and I are always on the lookout for unique and authentic experiences to share with our clients. We recently spent 2 nights at Umlani bush camp in the Timbavati private nature reserve, and were very impressed. Umlani has repeatedly been recognised by the Lilizela Awards, for the best 3 star…

Learning to shoot on Manual – Photography with Brad Leontsinis

23

Jun 2016

Learning to shoot on Manual – Photography with Brad Leontsinis

In Uncategorized By Brad Leontsinis

In the first edition we looked at how to fast track to results by shooting more. Next we considered what it takes to create a powerful image by visualising, anticipating and capturing the right moments. In this months photography column I will give you my practical approach on how to start shooting on the manual…

Animal Pedestrians Beware – This is the Kruger National Highway

09

Jun 2016

Animal Pedestrians Beware – This is the Kruger National Highway

In Uncategorized By Brad Leontsinis

The sight of dead animals lying on the road with their tongues hanging out and a trickle of blood flowing from their head, with no predator or attacker anywhere to be seen, is becoming all to familiar in the Kruger National Park. Spend anytime in the famous reserve, these days, and the secret killer responsible…

Fast Tracking to Results – Photography with Brad Leontsinis

26

May 2016

Fast Tracking to Results – Photography with Brad Leontsinis

In Uncategorized By Brad Leontsinis

  Photography With Brad Leontsinis As a wildlife and photographic guide, I am frequently teaching and constantly learning – so I am delighted to provide a platform where I am able to share some of my new and old photographic discoveries. I will be giving tips and discussing photographic ideas and concepts, which will inspire…

World Wildlife Day – The Time Is Now

23

May 2016

World Wildlife Day – The Time Is Now

In Uncategorized By Brad Leontsinis

  Today is World Wildlife Day and conservation efforts have never been in more need of our committed and urgent attention. Any person that believes we can live without wildlife and bio-diversity is grossly naïve as to how the world works and operates. Ignorance is bliss, however we will not have that luxury when it…

Photography with Brad Leontsinis – Visualise, Anticipate…Capture

20

May 2016

Photography with Brad Leontsinis – Visualise, Anticipate…Capture

In Uncategorized By Brad Leontsinis

  Have you ever wondered what makes a powerful photograph? The answer lies is in the creative ability of the image to tell it’s story. Every image has a story to tell, this is the essence of photography. Some do this more successfully than others and it is the images which entice the viewer deeper…

Legacy of a King – Shining a spotlight on conservation

08

Apr 2016

Legacy of a King – Shining a spotlight on conservation

In Uncategorized By Brad Leontsinis

Legacy of a King Never has there been a more critical time for awareness and action in the conservation of wildlife. Over the course of the last year, sad events have resulted in a previously unprecedented level of public awareness and outcry for the natural world. Walter Palmer, shot dead Cecil the lion in July…

Legacy of a King  #Cecilthelion

30

Dec 2015

Legacy of a King #Cecilthelion

In Uncategorized By Brad Leontsinis

  The news some weeks ago of the violent and unworthy death of Cecil, the King of Hwange, was truly devastating. It has, however, been inspiring to see the power that Cecil possessed through the overwhelming and fitting response people from all over the world have had to his sad demise. The legacy of this…

Kalahari Opulence

30

Dec 2015

Kalahari Opulence

In Uncategorized By Sam Leontsinis

From the moment we arrived at the Oppenheimer’s private Fireblade Aviation Hanger in JHB; I could feel we were in for a special experience. The Tswalu team clearly has a ‘no hassle travel’ ethos. You don’t have to do anything really, other than relax. It’s a breath of fresh air to have such an uncomplicated…

Honouring the King of Hwange

14

Dec 2015

Honouring the King of Hwange

In Uncategorized By Brad Leontsinis

  Click this link : Receive your King Of Hwange, Trophy Shot Wildlife tragedies seem to be spreading their wings far and wide. A sad reality in a world we would like to consider at the pinnacle of its civilisation. Perhaps, as anti-sentiment grows towards the way we commoditise wildlife, the public awareness of these despicable incidents…

Why the spate of big cat attacks on guided tourists?

06

Dec 2015

Why the spate of big cat attacks on guided tourists?

In Uncategorized By Brad Leontsinis

The past month was not a great one for guided tourists and wildlife. Two incidents caused particular concern with the latest occurring on Thursday 02nd July. Lion Attacks and kills tourist, and injures guide through open vehicle window at Johannesburg Lion park. Leopard Attacks Wildlife guide in Kruger National Park on a vehicle resulting in…

Dog vs Cat – The story behind the shot

01

Dec 2015

Dog vs Cat – The story behind the shot

In Uncategorized By Brad Leontsinis

Zambia’s Busanga Plains in Kafue National Park is a unique and exciting place. When I pulled out of a Wilderness Safari’s camp one crisp morning, while guiding a family of 6,  we quickly picked up on fresh tracks left by a group of 5 lions. I knew it was going to be a good day. We started to follow the…

How Kruger elephant bulls became the Kings of Pilansberg

12

Feb 2015

How Kruger elephant bulls became the Kings of Pilansberg

In Blog By Brad Leontsinis

This past Tuesday, 10 February 2015,  during a private guided African Insider day trip to Pilanesberg, we got to spend some time with this amazing and massive bull elephant, Amarula. This particular bull achieved national stardom thanks to his car bullying antics, which have been documented on two occasions in recent years. The behavior was…

Trophy Hunting

29

Jan 2015

Trophy Hunting

In Blog By Brad Leontsinis

I will never forget the day I first laid eyes on the most impressive animal I have seen in my life. I was guiding a safari on foot at the edge of the Busanga Plains in Kafue National Park in Zambia. It was not long before I picked up some unmistakable tracks on the loose,…