Frequently Asked Questions
Who is the Kruger Wildlife Photography Workshop suitable for?
The workshop is designed for amateur and intermediate photographers who want to improve their wildlife photography in a practical field environment.
Participants do not need to be professional photographers or wildlife experts. A willingness to learn, ask questions and spend time observing wildlife is more important than previous experience.
Where is the workshop based?
The workshop will be based in either White River or Marloth Park in the Lowveld.
The final base will depend on the season, accommodation availability, wildlife activity, gate access and the most practical routes for the selected workshop date.
The confirmed location and accommodation details will be provided before the workshop.
How long is the workshop?
The workshop runs for five days and includes four nights’ accommodation.
Arrival and departure times will be confirmed in the final workshop information.
How many photographers may attend?
The workshop is limited to a maximum of five photographers.
Keeping the group small allows Andrew and Mario to provide personal guidance, adapt the teaching to individual needs and maintain a relaxed learning environment.
Who hosts the workshop?
The workshop is hosted by Andrew Aveley in partnership with Mario Paul of Wild Photo Africa.
Andrew is a professional photographic guide with more than two decades of wildlife photography, guiding and teaching experience. Mario contributes his knowledge of the Kruger environment, wildlife behaviour and local field conditions.
Both hosts provide guidance and support throughout the field sessions, image reviews, meals and informal discussions.
How much time is spent in Kruger National Park?
The workshop includes:
- Two half-day photography sessions in Kruger National Park
- One full-day photography session in Kruger National Park
The remaining workshop time may include camera preparation, local photographic opportunities, image review, editing guidance, mentoring and discussions.
What will I learn during the workshop?
Participants may receive practical guidance on:
- Exposure and camera settings
- Autofocus and subject tracking
- Photographing moving wildlife
- Preparing for sudden action
- Composition and backgrounds
- Wildlife portraits and environmental images
- Using different types of light
- Anticipating animal behaviour
- Ethical wildlife photography
- Image selection
- Basic to intermediate Lightroom workflow
The guidance is adapted to the experience, equipment and goals of each participant.
Is this a general safari or a photography workshop?
This is a dedicated wildlife photography workshop.
The programme is structured around photography, camera technique, fieldcraft, light, composition, behaviour and image review rather than simply travelling between reported sightings.
Wildlife viewing remains an important part of the experience, but the pace and positioning are guided by photographic opportunities.
Is accommodation included?
Yes. Four nights’ accommodation in a private home or villa are included.
The accommodation will be in White River or Marloth Park, depending on the selected workshop base. The exact property may vary according to availability and group requirements.
Are meals included?
The workshop includes:
- Brunches
- Dinners
- Packed or practical field meals where appropriate
- Tea, coffee, water and standard refreshments
Participants should bring their own personal snacks, speciality drinks, alcohol and dietary extras unless these have been arranged in advance.
Dietary requirements should be communicated before the workshop.
Are SANParks entry or conservation fees included?
SANParks conservation or entry fees and Wild Card costs are not included unless they are specifically listed as included in the final quotation for a particular workshop date.
International visitors should also confirm the conservation fees applicable to them.
What photographic equipment do I need?
Participants should bring:
- A camera body
- A suitable telephoto lens
- Spare batteries and chargers
- Sufficient memory cards
- Camera-cleaning equipment
A wider lens, laptop with Lightroom, external backup device, beanbag and binoculars may also be useful.
A detailed equipment and packing guide can be supplied before the workshop.
Do I need professional camera equipment?
No. Participants can benefit from the workshop using a wide range of camera systems.
Good preparation, an understanding of settings, observation, light and timing are generally more important than owning the most expensive equipment.
Do I need to use a particular camera brand?
No. The workshop is not restricted to a particular camera brand.
Guidance will be adapted to the participant’s camera system where practical. Participants should have a basic understanding of how to access the main controls and menus on their equipment.
Do I need to bring a laptop?
A laptop with Lightroom (or equivelant) installed is recommended where possible because image review and editing guidance form part of the workshop.
Participants who cannot bring a laptop may still attend, but they should advise Andrew before the workshop so that practical alternatives can be discussed.
Is image review included?
Yes. Image review is an important part of the workshop.
Participants will examine photographs and discuss focus, exposure, composition, timing, backgrounds, light, cropping, colour, tonal balance and image selection.
The purpose is to understand what worked, what could be improved and how the lessons can be applied during the next field session.
Is post-workshop feedback included?
Yes. Participants will be encouraged to select approximately 25 of their strongest photographs from the workshop.
These images will be reviewed during a post-workshop online feedback session using Microsoft Teams, Zoom or another agreed platform.
Can a non-photographing partner or companion attend?
A non-photographing partner or companion may be considered, subject to available space and the needs of the group.
They should be genuinely interested in wildlife and comfortable with the slower pace required for photography, including waiting for better light, behaviour or positioning.
Are wildlife sightings guaranteed?
No. No particular species, animal behaviour, weather condition, lighting situation or photographic result can be guaranteed.
Wildlife movement and conditions are unpredictable. Routes and sessions will be planned around the best opportunities available at the time.
Will the workshop focus only on the Big Five?
No. Strong photographic opportunities are not limited to the Big Five or other iconic animals.
The workshop may include portraits, behaviour, action and environmental images involving a wide range of wildlife. An impala, zebra, giraffe or smaller subject in good light may provide a better photograph than a distant predator in poor conditions.
Will the group chase reported predator sightings?
The workshop is not based on rushing between every reported predator sighting.
Andrew and Mario will consider current activity, but the priority is to make the best use of available light, behaviour, habitat and photographic conditions.
Is travel insurance required?
Participants are strongly encouraged to arrange suitable travel and medical insurance.
Insurance should cover personal travel arrangements, medical treatment, cancellation, interruption and photographic equipment where appropriate.
What happens if weather or road conditions affect the programme?
The workshop programme may be adjusted when weather, road conditions, park access, gate logistics or wildlife activity make a change necessary.
The structure remains flexible so that the best practical use can be made of the conditions available.
How do I confirm the dates, price and availability?
Confirmed workshop dates, pricing, availability, deposit requirements and payment deadlines will be provided on the relevant workshop listing or final quotation.
Participants may also contact Andrew directly for current information.
How do I book the workshop?
To enquire or request booking information, contact Andrew using the website enquiry form or email:
andrew@andrewaveley.co.za
A booking is confirmed only once the required booking documents and deposit have been received and accepted.
