Photography in the Tropics
This blog is written for the benefit of any wildlife photographer intending to travel to Borneo with me but most applies equally to other tropical destinations.
Most wildlife photography presents challenges. That is what makes it so compelling. There is nothing more satisfying than being rewarded for what may often be many hours of planning, preparation, uncertainty and fruitless effort.
So what about wildlife photography in tropical rainforests and waterways?
Well, many of the key target species are few in number and notoriously shy. Others only appear at night and will disappear at the first sign of human activity. Even in the daytime, the jungle canopy can often restrict the amount of available light for photography.
And, you will be in the tropics where sudden, very heavy downpours are not uncommon.
By way of contrast, the sanctuaries at Sepilok provide a fantastic opportunity to photograph critters that may otherwise prove very difficult to capture. Whilst they are all wild animals, completely free to come and go as they please, they are routinely fed and have become habituated. They are indifferent to the groups of humans and their clattering cameras shutters.
So what does all that mean for the kit-carrying photography enthusiast? Not everyone wants to spend a small fortune on state-of-the-art camera and lens combinations, and it is possible to spend a fortune, so bearing that in mind I would suggest the following:
Camera
Camera sensors are improving all the time, meaning that tolerance to high ISO settings in low light is getting better and better. Given you will often be some distance from the subject, full frame or crop-frame sensors work equally well. All the main camera manufacturers produce outstanding cameras and in terms of overall image quality there is little to choose between them. If you are planning to buy a new camera before you travel there are numerous variables to consider and I would urge you to get in touch to discuss it with me before you go.
Lenses
Assuming you have an interchangeable lens camera (mirrorless or DSLR), with the caveats below, I would generally advise you to bring the longest and fastest lens you own. If that is a long zoom lens (e.g. 200-500mm; 150-600mm etc) that would work just fine.
If, however, you own an exotic prime lens (e.g. 500mm or 600mm f4 etc.) you need to weigh the balance between their optical high quality with the unwieldy nature of the beast! I own exotic prime lenses and have used one on a trip to the tropics in the past and would NOT do so again.
In the jungle, the wildlife can appear from anywhere: above, below, in front, behind, in the road, even directly alongside the vehicle. Sporting a heavy camera/ lens combination and bringing it to bear quickly and accurately caused me to miss too many opportunities. On balance, therefore, I would not use an exotic prime unless it was readily hand-holdable. Again, if you want to talk it through before you travel, please get in touch.
Whilst you are there for the wildlife, there is much else to photograph, so don't forget to bring along other general or macro lenses that might be of use.
Supports
The space in the 4x4 vehicles and safari boats is limited and tripods are therefore, largely impracticable and we would advise against them. Monopods are a must if you are using an exotic prime lens but of course, they add to the cumbersome nature of this heavy equipment. I recommend carrying an empty bean bag for traveling and fill it with rice (or similar) on arrival at my destination.
Lighting
Our wildlife guides use powerful spotlights to pick out the wildlife at night and these will often provide enough light to illuminate a subject for photography. Nonetheless, I also carry a small speedlight flash to occasionally add light to the subject. Used with a radio-controlled trigger, it can be deployed off-camera.
Binoculars
Frustrating as it is, taking photographs of faraway subjects at night is often just completely impracticable. When this happens, you still shouldn't miss the event. Be sure to acquire the best binoculars you can afford and bring them along. If you are not a photographer, they are essential.
Waterproofing
You will spend much of the time on safari in vehicles open to the elements therefore even where the manufacturer claims weather-sealing, it is prudent to keep your kit dry. There are numerous general and specific products available to protect your cameras and lenses. If you want to save the expense, a cheap heavy-duty bin-liner and elastic bands work pretty well!
Disks and Storage
Occasionally I have watched the agonising process of clients with a full disk going through their images one by one, deleting pictures to make space for more; all to capture a once-in-a-lifetime wildlife spectacle that they are not even witnessing, let alone photographing.
I don’t go out on a day’s shoot without the capacity to shoot at least 3,000 images. I recommend you always carry more storage than you need (SD or CF cards etc.).
Protecting Your Precious Images
It makes sense to back-up your precious images at least once a day. After all, you have taken the time and effort to acquire them, and it would be a shame to return home empty-handed.
I always carry a laptop and two portable hard drives when I travel. I back-up the photographs on a daily basis and when I fly, I store one in my hand-luggage and one in the check-in. Further, I will copy the best images from a trip onto a CF flash card and carry it in my pocket. Always better to be safe than sorry. Returning home empty-handed is simply not an option for me.
Cleaning Kit
I don't excessively clean my camera equipment but as a minimum you should bring microfibre cloths, lens cloths, blower, 2-inch paintbrush and toothbrush. I also recommend a small travel towel to dry kit if, despite your best efforts, it has still got wet.
Restrictions on Photography
● Please be aware that flash is generally not permitted on the night walk in the Rainforest Discovery Centre at Sepilok.
● There is also a nominal fee for taking photographs at the Orangutan Rescue Centre albeit they charge extortionate prices to enter with a large professional lens. When I last visited this was approx. £175!
The Most Important Advice
I’ve saved the best ‘til last.
Like most photographers I love photographic equipment and new kit is especially exciting.
My advice however, is don’t wait until your trip before you learn how to use it. Even if you’ve had the kit for years, if you use it infrequently, this applies to you as well.
Take time in the weeks before you travel to use the kit time and time again. You do not want to be fiddling with instructions or searching through camera menus as an orangutan sweeps majestically past your safari vehicle.
Set up a feeder in your garden or visit your local zoo. Just take hundreds or thousands of wildlife photographs until you can use the equipment with your eyes closed!
Photography kit list
● Camera.
● Lenses.
● Flash and wireless trigger.
● Waterproof cover(s).
● Disks, card readers and means to download and back them up.
● Batteries, chargers and cables.
● Cleaning kit.
● Bean bag and/ or monopod if you’ve gone for the heavy option.
● Binoculars (essential).
● Insurance for your kit (recommended).
