In The Mind Of A Wildlife Photographer: In The Field With An Expert

Ever wondered what a pro wildlife photographer's thought process is when coming across an amazing wildlife sighting? This video will teach you to think like a wildlife photographer.
You will join Danielle Carstens, a seasoned wildlife photographer and photo safari host, as she guides you on a game drive through the stunning landscapes of Mashatu Nature Reserve in Botswana. In this video, Danielle shares her expert techniques and thought processes while capturing real-life wildlife scenes. Whether she's photographing elephants through the foliage or capturing the elusive leopard in a tree, Danielle offers invaluable insights into adjusting settings, framing, and focusing in challenging outdoor conditions.
Experience firsthand the thrill of a game drive in Mashatu. Danielle discusses how to handle different lighting conditions, the importance of quick decision-making, and how to utilise natural elements to enhance your photographs. From discussing camera settings like ISO adjustments and shutter speeds to creative tips on capturing rim-lit baboons in the perfect light, this video is packed with practical advice for every photography enthusiast.
Key highlights include:
🔸 Real-time photography decisions and settings adjustments.
🔸 Tips on framing and focusing amidst dense vegetation.
🔸 Techniques for handling backlit scenes and high-contrast environments.
📌 Timestamps:
00:00 - Introduction
01:23 - Framing an Elephant
03:58 - Photographing a leopard in a tree
07:36 - Rim light technique on backlit baboons, elephants and wildebeest
11:05 - The end of an amazing safari game drive
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Who we are
At C4 Photo Safaris, we are passionate experts at what we do: both safaris and photography. When you travel with C4 Photo Safaris, we welcome you to Africa as if into our home.
Revealing Africa to you is what a C4 safari is about. It is empathy, experience and rapture all played out through the medium we love: photography. We are very serious about what we do, and we combine that seriousness with expertise to make safaris, often into remote regions, run seamlessly. With C4 and our team, you can expect some wonderful moments complimented with some brilliant experiences. This stems from an understanding of your needs and delivering on them. As such, we have been listed numerous times as one of the top-ten photo safari companies in the world.
Join us on an unforgettable safari that you've always dreamed of.
#WildlifePhotography #PhotoSafari #AfricanWildlife #PhotographyTutorial #photographytips #Conservation #MashatuNatureReserve #Botswana

[@C4PhotoSafaris]

What was your favourite sighting? The backlit baboons? The leopard in the tree? Let us know below 🙂

[@daniellecarstens8287]

Personally, the backlit baboons.😊 Amazing light!

[@AustinOmoria]

The backlit baboons

[@C4PhotoSafaris]

@@AustinOmoria Definitely a favourite!

[@thomastuorto9929]

The dusty backlit photos. On the ole bucket list of mine. Pretty sure one can get them with the wild horses in the western US also. Great to see you making vids again!

[@C4PhotoSafaris]

Hello Thomas. Agreed! Absolutely - I think they'd be the perfect subjects, running around kicking up dust. Hopefully it's easy to find them? Or do they cover a large area? Good to be on KZbin again! -Danielle

[@daniellecarstens8287]

Had a great time filming this one. More to come! Stay tuned & subscribe to make sure you don't miss out 😊

[@janetkleyn1887]

Leopard in a Mashatu tree - always a tricky situation. Nice explanation on how to handle it.

[@C4PhotoSafaris]

Thanks Janet. Always a treat to see them at Mashatu!

[@johannhawaii]

Excellent! So good to see Danielle making cool and informative videos again, she's the best! Definitely those mischievous backlit baboons. Best wishes from Miami

[@C4PhotoSafaris]

Thanks Johann, appreciate the comment.

[@larsmoller870]

One of the best KZbin videos of wild life photography I've seen so far. Everything was clear and presented in a calm and educational way. Please keep it up

[@C4PhotoSafaris]

Thanks very much! Appreciate the kind words. We will be doing more of these videos for sure. -Danielle

[@joncothranphotography9375]

Hello Danielle, I had wondered where you had gone! Thanks so much for your continued sharing of knowledge. I'm sure that you are sorely missed at Pangolin.

[@C4PhotoSafaris]

Hello! Thanks for popping in here on the comments. Glad you could find me 🙂. You're welcome - really enjoy hearing how it helps other photographers. -Danielle

[@ShemCompion]

Love the way you think and chat through your thought process. That backlit scene was incredible- I don’t know how you held your pose!

[@C4PhotoSafaris]

Thanks Shem! Mashatu is the perfect location for this 🙂

[@vp9239]

Excellent narration even those minute details...all this on-field...very informative and helpful...Thanks a lot!!!

[@C4PhotoSafaris]

Really appreciate the comment, thank you! We'll be producing more of these. -Danielle

[@OldJack1960]

Hi Danielle, this is a great presentation. We're a bit short on leopards etc here in England, but the principles and thought process are equally valid. Especially appreciated by this very average snapper are the in-camera settings and actually seeing the effect live through your external monitor. Many thanks and subscription added!

[@C4PhotoSafaris]

Hello. Foxes will do! :-) Thank you, great to hear. The Ninja (recorder) is a great teaching tool. Will do more of these. -Danielle

[@cowboyyoga]

Oh so nice to see you again here on this new channel. Super video and waiting for the next one! ))) Thank you )))

[@C4PhotoSafaris]

Welcome! Thanks so much for the kind comment. See you on here soon! -Danielle

[@atseleng]

Busy backlit moment there. Baboons, elephants and wildebeest. I guess it boils down to what you want to focus on - literally.

[@C4PhotoSafaris]

Yes exactly. Spoilt for choice!

[@nickclaytonphotography]

Awesome video Danielle, some excellent tips & advice. Stunning images as always & my favourite has to be the wildebeest, stunning! Keep on keeping on! Best, Nick

[@C4PhotoSafaris]

Hello Nick. Agreed, it was between the baboons and wildebeest for me. But both looked great in backlight. Thanks so much, see you soon(ish). -Danielle

[@VinaYard]

A very instructive video with lots of useful information very well presented. Thank you!

[@C4PhotoSafaris]

Thanks so much, really appreciate the feedback!

[@ajaysonarikar1713]

Hi Danielle...what a fantastic video...refreshingly different...on field guidance in live scenario is the best form of teaching / educating wildlife photography. Awaiting next / similar videos.....😊

[@C4PhotoSafaris]

So happy to get that feedback, thank you. We'll definitely do more of these. -Danielle

[@andycoleman2708]

More videos like this please!

[@C4PhotoSafaris]

Coming right up! 😊

[@Tibrus74]

Excellent. Thanks for this vidéo

[@C4PhotoSafaris]

Thank you for the feedback, much appreciated!

[@galesaunders4120]

Brilliant, images to die for, thank you for sharing

[@C4PhotoSafaris]

Thanks Gale, much appreciated! -Danielle

[@stevenheapy9331]

Such an enlightening video by taking you into the bush and explaining your thought process and thinking behind the shots. I would love to see move video’s like this one 👏👏

[@C4PhotoSafaris]

Thanks Steven. Glad you enjoyed it! We'll definitely do more of these.

[@melindabrown6575]

Excellent advice! Just returned from a photo course with Janet Kleyn and this video enforces all that she taught me.

[@C4PhotoSafaris]

Fantastic to hear that, thanks Melinda!

[@rugsack2005]

beautifully done with great examples

[@C4PhotoSafaris]

Many thanks!

[@rhodesia1578]

Hi Danielle, great educational video for the up coming photographers , I am a wildlife/landscape photographer so for me personally the wildebeest and the one with the elephants, wildebeest and baboons was my favourite of them all , the dust like fog or mist creates the ideal separation from what would be a cluttered background and makes the subjects stand out so much better . Thanks again for the lessons !

[@C4PhotoSafaris]

Exactly. A beautiful golden backdrop that simplifies things considerably. Well said. Thanks for the comment! -Danielle

[@petermcginty3636]

Thank you Danielle, great video. I loved the way that you explain your compositions; not many YTbers do that as well as you. 🎉🎉🎉. BTW Out in the field, you speak in a more relaxed manner than when you film indoors. As a pro speaker I know this is hard, but if you could just relax your speaking style indoors, your videos would improve a lot. This is usually just a matter of time and effort, though. Your video style in the field is outstanding; easily amongst the best I have ever seen. Congrats.🎉🎉🎉

[@C4PhotoSafaris]

Thanks Peter, much appreciated. Very stressful to speak non-scripted to camera, especially while trying to be discreet around elephants and leopards. Recently been told I need to speed it up else I might just put people to sleep 😆 but I'll take it to heart thank you. -Danielle

[@AndiusTeijgeler]

The backlit baboons and wildebeest are the top ones. Just amazing light and dust used to your advantage.

[@C4PhotoSafaris]

My favourite too. Magical scene 🙂 -Danielle

[@ppoletto]

wonderful video. We see lots of video talking about wildlife photography, useful tips and so on, but I don't think I've ever seen a video showing the thought process, and it was really really good. If you feel like doing more of those videos, we surelly would appreciate. greetings from Brazil

[@C4PhotoSafaris]

Thank you! We're definitely planning on doing more of these. -Danielle

[@vikramrghanekar]

Very nice video. Looks like you have found a new home :-)

[@C4PhotoSafaris]

Hi there. Indeed, and still bringing you lots of wildlife photography content :-)

[@merlinbernese]

Hi. Great and very innovative video. Keep doing please

[@C4PhotoSafaris]

Thank you, we will! -Danielle

[@joshuasmith2107]

I loved the leopard in the tree when you did the black and white! That was so beautiful, but also the wildebeest running with the dust and the sun setting.

[@C4PhotoSafaris]

Spoilt for choice 😊. Thanks Joshua, appreciate the comment!

[@felixifloresrodriquez3306]

Amazing video. Glad I found your new home. As always superb content quality.

[@C4PhotoSafaris]

Great to hear thank you Felix! -Danielle

[@jabbafatt]

This was easily one of the most helpful wildlife photography videos I've ever seen. Once one has the basics figured out, it's great to keep seeing examples and then listening to the thought process behind the shots. When to consider zooming in vs out, when to over or underexpose, when to consider a B + W conversion....great stuff.

[@C4PhotoSafaris]

Lovely feedback to receive thank you! We'll definitely be doing more of these. -Danielle

[@michellerae5711]

Fantastic video, please do more like this.

[@C4PhotoSafaris]

Thanks Michelle, we will definitely do that!

[@mirkoputignano7734]

Very helpful!🙂👏

[@C4PhotoSafaris]

So glad to hear that, thank you. -Danielle

[@adarshkourav759]

Great video. Do more of these!

[@C4PhotoSafaris]

Thank you. Will do!

[@TintswaloSafariLodge]

Awesome advice. Thanks

[@C4PhotoSafaris]

Glad it was helpful!

[@stigfloberghagenphotography]

Great video and insights into wild life photography 👍

[@C4PhotoSafaris]

Thanks so much! Really appreciate the comment.

[@neilrobinson6019]

Really enjoyed traveling along with you and seeing and hearing your thought process as you came across the various photo scenarios!

[@C4PhotoSafaris]

Thanks Neil! Was a fun one to make. -Danielle

[@flemmingmorgan1929]

Congratulations Danielle! This is a fantastic video with some great instruction. I have travelled with C4 safaris (with Shem) so hope to join you on a photo safari one day!

[@C4PhotoSafaris]

Hello Flemming. Thanks so much, really appreciate the kind words. You're fortunate to have travelled with Shem. It would be lovely to meet you on safari 😀. -Danielle

[@dattatreyams6912]

Informative video. Thank you for sharing this knowledge

[@C4PhotoSafaris]

You're welcome! We'll be doing more of these for sure.

[@mareksopl]

The way you presents your skill is really wonderful and impressing. Safari is OK, but your lesson is great.

[@C4PhotoSafaris]

Thanks so much, really appreciate the kind words. -Danielle

[@franshansen786]

Very nice video with stunning practical tips. Please do many more Danielle!!!😂

[@C4PhotoSafaris]

Thank you Frans. That's the plan 🙂 -Danielle

[@baramirm1509]

Thank you for these Tipps. Looking forward to a lot of tuli soon😀, Barbara

[@C4PhotoSafaris]

You're welcome! Have a fabulous time in Botswana!

[@hilarie4]

Fantastic! I really like to format you use in this video. Very educational re:settings etc. Thank you.

[@C4PhotoSafaris]

Lovely feedback to receive. We'll definitely make more of these. Thank you!

[@jackieboshoff2013]

Great video Danielle! Wow, that backlit scene with the baboons & ellies & wildebeest was absolutely magical!!!😍 I was in Chobe in March and one morning we came across a big troop of baboons. Laskey positioned us beautifully but I really struggled with my settings, and I found the sighting a bit overwhelming cause I didn’t know which individual to focus on. They kept on moving and I kept jumping from individual to individual 🙈 Anyway, hoping to go back in next year and do a retake Thanks for the great tips!

[@C4PhotoSafaris]

Hello Jackie. Nice to 'see' you here 🙂. Are you using mirrorless or DSLR? It's one of the most beautiful but also most difficult wildlife photography situations (should maybe make a video just focussed on backlighting...). -Danielle

[@jackieboshoff2013]

@@C4PhotoSafaris mirrorless, Canon R7

[@sarelalberts8890]

10/10 for this video ,really very informative and definitely a excellent way to reach your viewers . Hope it the first off many to come . Go for it ..... I Do like the backlight part off the video .

[@C4PhotoSafaris]

Thanks Sarel! Much appreciated.

[@dpulte]

Great video - thanks!

[@C4PhotoSafaris]

Thank you for the comment and feedback!

[@Idenofmarch33]

excellent contribution, well done!

[@C4PhotoSafaris]

Thank you!

[@psonparote]

What monitor are you using for Canon? Thanks

[@C4PhotoSafaris]

Hello, I was using an Atomos Ninja to record the screen. -Danielle

[@kapilbhallafoto]

Fabulous

[@C4PhotoSafaris]

Thank you!

[@tommywalsh633]

Loved your video. Wondering why you wouldn't use spot metering in the photos of the leopard in the tree? Many thanks!

[@C4PhotoSafaris]

Hello Tommy, thank you. I don't like spot metering for wildlife mainly because it gives inconsistent results, even more so with 2-toned animals like leopards/zebras/fish eagles etc. And then also because I have so much to think of already that I don't want to be worried about changing from spot back to evaluative. I did try that at some stage but I like sticking to one metering mode (video coming up about that) to keep it simple. If the leopard was to jump down and walk into bright sunlight spot wouldn't be a great choice. I use exposure compensation coupled with evaluative metering and have come to know my camera that way, how it will perform etc. Hope that makes sense :-) -Danielle

[@paulpokrywka1945]

The wildebeest in the backlit dust and sun.

[@C4PhotoSafaris]

Agreed! Not much beats backlit subjects at sunset 🙂

[@flemmingmorgan1929]

Danielle, what monitor do you use attached to the camera. I can see it being very useful and would love to try one out.

[@C4PhotoSafaris]

It's a Atomos Ninja, the 4K version. It can be quite cumbersome to work with on a bumpy game drive and takes some getting used to but it's perfect for our purposes. www.ormsdirect.co.za/products/atomos-ninja-5-2-4k-hdmi-recording-monitor

[@flemmingmorgan1929]

Many thanks Danielle. Looking forward to watching more of your videos

[@merlinbernese]

Hi I am wondering if could you share info about your extra monitor that you have added to the top of your cámara. Thanks in advance

[@C4PhotoSafaris]

Hello there. Sure - it is an Atomos Ninja 4K recording monitor www.ormsdirect.co.za/products/atomos-ninja-5-2-4k-hdmi-recording-monitor -Danielle

[@merlinbernese]

Thanks a lot