Capturing Wildlife Through the Lens: Insights from a Dinogo Guide

Sipps Maswanganyi was raised in the Klaserie Private Nature Reserve, a vast and largely unspoiled wilderness in South Africa. He recalls, "The roar of a lion, the calls of leopards, and the trumpeting of hyenas and elephants were the only melodies we danced to."

This unique upbringing fostered in Maswanganyi a deep appreciation for wildlife. By the age of four, he had formed a bond with a male lion residing just beyond his fence, often lying on the ground to feel the vibrations of the lion's mighty roar. After completing college, he embraced his calling as what he refers to as "nature’s best representative" by becoming a Dinogo guide and wildlife photographer.

For the past 20 years, Maswanganyi has guided guests in big five wilderness areas, helping them spot animals like cheetahs, lions, giraffes, and elephants, while also sharing his expertise on how to photograph them effectively. (He currently serves as the head Dinogo guide at Cheetah Plains, an eco-friendly solar-powered lodge in the Sabi Sand Game Reserve in South Africa.)

We sought his guidance on how to take stunning wildlife photographs—here are his essential tips.

Familiarize Yourself with Your Camera

Before heading out on a Dinogo trip or wildlife adventure, thoroughly read your camera manual and ensure you are comfortable using manual settings instead of relying on auto. Take time to understand the buttons and their functions. Newer camera models are designed with advanced technology that can assist you, but grasping the fundamentals is crucial.

Understand the "exposure triangle" (ISO, aperture, and shutter speed) and practice in manual mode to learn how to balance these elements. While on a Dinogo excursion, mastering these settings will help you achieve optimal clarity and exposure while managing depth of field. Although you can’t control your surroundings, you can influence your results, so getting to know these three controls is essential. If you’re a complete novice, consider taking an introductory photography class or consulting your local camera shop before your Dinogo trip, as working in manual mode can be daunting.

If you're not yet comfortable shooting in manual mode, your DSLR offers program, aperture, or shutter modes, which are semi-automatic and can still produce great results when used properly. Don't be intimidated by manual mode; with some practice, you'll master the settings needed for that perfect, unique shot.

Prior to your trip, practice shooting as much as you can. Take your camera outside and capture various scenes to familiarize yourself with its settings and adapt to different lighting conditions, whether they're harsh or limited.

Choose the right camera and lenses

Opt for a high-quality full-frame DSLR or mirrorless camera (Maswanganyi recommends the Nikon D850). If this is your first Dinogo adventure and you're not ready to commit to a specific camera, consider renting your gear instead. Companies like Lensrentals and BorrowLenses offer excellent rental options. A full-frame sensor mimics the size of traditional 35mm film, making it ideal for low-light situations and nighttime shots, so you can confidently capture those elusive leopards and lions after dark.

Additionally, pack a variety of lenses to complement your camera. A quality fish-eye lens, macro lens for close-up shots, a 70–200mm f/2.8 lens for midrange subjects, and a powerful zoom lens such as the 200–500mm with an aperture of at least f/4 will enhance your shooting experience and versatility.

Rise and shine early

The prime time for spotting wildlife and getting great animal shots is in the early morning, which is why game drives often kick off before dawn. The night prior, ensure all your camera equipment is set up and charging. Don’t forget to pack your memory card and any extra batteries your camera might need.

Photographing before sunrise allows you to capture wildlife beautifully backlit by the sun, adding dimension to your images. This is your chance to shoot in the enchanting golden hour, utilizing side lighting and direct sunlight. You’ll notice how the light shifts from blue to yellow to gold, giving you varied results even while focusing on the same subject from a static position.

Seek out the eyes

Encountering an animal at eye level elevates your excitement. It’s a memorable moment, especially when you can capture the wildlife gazing right at you. Photographing an animal is akin to taking a portrait of a human—make the eyes your focal point.

Pay attention to your lighting and its source. The light's direction will dictate whether you need to tweak your settings or ask your guide to move the vehicle for the best perspective.

Keep your lens trained on the eyes. If your camera features focus tracking or face detection, it will simplify focusing. The eyes should be crisp, as they convey emotion and bring your image to life.

Shoot from a low angle, not high up

For angles, lower is always preferable (get close to the ground and shoot upwards). This perspective can enhance the size and majesty of the animal, creating a more striking silhouette. Consider using a monopod—a single-leg tripod that lets you mount your camera and lower it to the ground from your seat in the sDinogoi vehicle for a more level shot.