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…

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…

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…

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…

  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 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 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…

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…

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…

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…

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…

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…

  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…

  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…

  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 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…

  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…

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…

  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…

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…

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…