A course for Photographers of all abilities |
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 Learn
how to make the most of your safari pictures
and time in the African bush by embarking
on this unique wildlife and nature photography
course with professional wildlife photographer
Sean Pattrick and partner Megan Emmett.
The focus of this course is to provide a basic
understanding of animal behaviour and the
 sensitivities
of working with wildlife; to allow the photographer
the best chance of capturing great wildlife
photos. This is an ideal pre-safari trip to
make so that you can then use your newly learned
skills and apply then to your safari. Open
to all photographers, digital and film with
compact, SLR's or SLR-style cameras and from
high-end enthusiasts to beginners. SLR's are
best, but you can also achieve a lot with
a good compact camera. |
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Digital & Film users
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.jpg) Although
this wildlife and nature photography course
aims to base itself around digital photography
for compatibility with post outing workshops
- all camera formats are welcome. The course
is not a digital workflow seminar but focuses
on maximising limited opportunities with wildlife
and will focus on the following themes:
- Equipment - camera body; lenses; flash;
camera support; filter; converters
- Film - slide film; print or colour negative
& digital
- Techniques - camera support; composition;
focus; background & edges; depth of field;
modes; shutter speed & aperture; exposure
and metering light
- Understanding light
- Working with flash
- Composition (especially relating to
wildlife)
- Animal behaviour; bush sensativites
and ethics
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Equipment |
Please
bring with you any accessories that came with
your camera & accessories that you might have
purchased as extras such as filters, lens
extenders etc. If you are bringing an SLR,
then a 200mm or 300mm telephoto lens (or
longer) will be of an advantage to you.
Please also bring any of the following if
you have them as equipment is not provided:
- Bean bag
- Tripods
- Card reader for YOUR card (with USB
port)
- For film users (lots of film)
- Lens cleaning / sensor cleaning equipment
etc…
Please note: You will have to ensure
that you have adequate insurance incase of
accidental damage or loss of property during
your trip to South Africa. |
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The Daily Program |
- 05:00 Wake up and early morning tea
and cereals
- 05:30 Depart for morning drive and photography
- 10:00 Cooked breakfast
- 11:00 Photo review session and workshop
(from previous evening and morning drives)
- 14:00 Lecture and afternoon task preperation
- 15:30 Tea & afternoon snacks
- 16:00 Depart for afternoon drive & photography
- 19:30 Dinner (bush or camp dinners)
- 20:00 Occasional after dinner photography
(e.g. stars)
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| Here
is an example of the lecture topics that will
be covered during your photography course
with Sean Pattrick and Megan. |
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| Lecture No. |
Subjects Covered |
| Lecture 1 |
Introduction to wildlife photography
& basic equipment |
| Lecture 2 |
Composition |
| Lecture 3 |
Technique (including aperture
& shutter speed) |
| Lecture 4 |
Flash usage & night photography |
| Lecture 5 |
Animal behaviour & bush
sensitivity |
| Lecture 6 |
Exposure and metering light |
| Lecture 7 |
Understanding light |
| Lecture 8 |
Course overview & wrap up |
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Accommodation / locations / venues |
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game reserves we use as venues are in the
Lowveld area of South Africa and are close
to the Kruger National Park. We list some of these possible venues further down the page, but they might vary and are subject to change. However, all venues do not compromise on comfort and will be as equally as good as the next. We shall inform you of your venue at the time of your booking and provide information at that time.
The accommodation is to a high standard
and comfortable; mostly lodge-style farm
houses in the bush. Except if you are at
the Elephant Plains locations; this is in
the game lodge itself. All venues are also
fully catered for. We will provide information
where we can and will send you any additional
details upon your enquiry.
All the game reserves have the iconic African
mammals, such as; giraffe, zebra, warthog,
kudu etc, and most have the big game species
like lion, leopard, rhino, cheetah and elephant.
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Sean's profile & work |
Sean
is an accomplished photographer after years
of experience living, working and traveling
in deserts, deltas and the African bush.
This versatile artist is equally at home hanging
from a helicopter shooting elephant and rhino
captures, tracking the big five for photographic
safaris, collaborating with magazine journalists
for foreign publication commissions and writing
his own travel articles.
Below is Sean's Lion picture on the front
cover of Africa
Geographic and his work also featured
in UK's best selling magazine Practical
Photography. |
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 There's
another side to his artistic talents. Sean
creates exquisite, close-up, giant-size works
for photographic exhibitions and interior
decorators, lodges and hotels, plus smaller
pictures, cards. He is also a sculptor and
knife-maker of note, with several fine pieces
to his credit.
"I've always had
a huge passion for the outdoors and associated
activities. This led me to a career in which
I qualified as a Professional Guide. Then
I started taking a camera with me into the
bush. I wanted to be able to better express
what it was that so captivates me about these
wild places."
For more information about Sean and his work
please visit his website at www.seanpattrick.com
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Sean & Megan your guides and tutors |
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Course Availability & Venues
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Venue - Tintswalo Manor HouseTintswalo Manor House is an exclusive safari villa situated on a private Manyeleti Reserve concession, within the Greater Kruger National Park.
A pristine wilderness reserve nestled between the Sabi Sand, Timbavati and Kruger Park, abounding in 'Big 5' game and spectacular birdlife. The Manyeleti is unique for its minimal vehicle density and offers a truly exclusive safari experience. It provides an intimate homely setting with complete privacy. It is a large thatch house with a swimming pool, deep shaded patio and traditional boma.
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Venue - Elephant Plains Situated in the Sabi Sand Wildtuin, adjacent to the Kruger National Park, Elephant Plains Game Lodge offers comfortable style and affordable luxury.
This family owned lodge accommodates a maximum of 24 guests, which ensures personal service and a warm, friendly atmosphere. The lodge is situated on the dry Manyeleti riverbed and overlooks a permanent waterhole.
The pool deck guarantees an excellent view of a variety of animals, coming from the plains to drink.
The following dates are currently available for bookings at these venues. They could be subject to change, but we shall inform you of the location details at the time of your enquiry or booking should there be any change of plan. Rest assured however that other venues shall be very comfortable and the reserves will not be disappointing . |
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| 2008 |
2009 |
| 20th - 23rd April 'Elephant Plains' |
TBA |
| 30th May – 2nd June 'Elephant Plains' |
TBA |
| 11th - 14th July 'Tintswalo Manor House' |
TBA |
| 8th - 11th September 'Elephant Plains' Places need filling for course to run |
TBA |
| 2nd - 5th October 'Tintswalo Manor House' |
TBA |
| 4th - 7th December Tintswalo Manor House' |
TBA |
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