Wildlife Photography Tips. How to photograph ELEPHANTS.

Wildlife photography tips - EPISODE 1: ELEPHANTS with Pangolin Photo Hosts Sabine Stols and Janine Krayer. Being based in The Chobe, Botswana we have plenty of opportunities to photograph these amazing creatures. In this film, the hosts share some creative options and techniques as well as imparting some lesser-known facts about these magnificent creatures.
Pangolin Photo Safaris packages ► www.pangolinph...
For more tips and tricks, read How to Photograph Elephants on Safari: www.pangolinph...
Welcome to our channel which is dedicated to the wonderful world of wildlife photography. We endeavour to load one new video every week featuring beginner to advanced photo skills, editing tutorials, hacks and gear reviews. We are based in Northern Botswana in The Chobe National Park and we invite you to travel here, either virtually or physically, and we will do our very best to make you a better wildlife and nature photographer. Enjoy the channel.
Pangolin Photo Safaris packages ► www.pangolinph...
#wildlifephotography #elephants #photographytips

[@PangolinWildlife]

Tell us what you think of this new video format? All constructive praise and/or criticism welcome. Thanks.

[@wakeupcaller6648]

That was the sexiest wildlife photography video ever made. Thank you @SabineStolz ... and the other one

[@benwiles7433]

In some respects I prefer the other videos as they have more transferable information. Having said that, this still had lots of useful info and wasn't just an advertising video.

[@jimowens8105]

The concept is great. I enjoyed the conversation between 2 photographers with first hand experience. It would be nice to incorporate some in process tips as you are taking the photos or instructing guests ( I volunteer to be that guest if you will fly me to Chobe). More information on the animal behavior, where to be, when to be there , what to look for and be prepared to photograph. If you could expend this to other species it would be nice.

[@janine-pangolinphotohost9722]

@@wakeupcaller6648 Thanks - I guess! 😂

[@janine-pangolinphotohost9722]

@@jimowens8105 Thanks so much Jim - for more tips on technical exposures and settings, check out our other videos on the Pangolin channel.... we thought about it and felt it would become too long if we cover exposure, shutter and aperture settings for every potential light situation and species that we will cover (there will be more to come 🙂🙃🙂). With regards to times, locations, etc. it is so specific to each region, park, and season that it is impossible to summarise - that is why we come with you on our trips to set you up - predict the behaviour for you so that you get mentally prepared - and help you understand the technical challenges about each light scenario and opportunity. Let me know if you find the right tutorials or if you have specific questions for a certain picture within the video!

[@DaveHutchinson-d5j]

Very good. I just like your variety of styles of your videos...in the field, about the gear, about post processing, one on one with the Pangolin experts.. This keeps the material and the adventures fresh and keeps me coming back.

[@Radiohutch1]

Whatever you do, I will watch. I just love your take, expertise and feedback on photographing Africa. Both formats are great. Mixing them up is good I think. I always look forward to what you are going to do next. Just don't stop! Your videos are the best marketing tool that I have seen from any safari operator. I am a former Nikon shooter, now shooting Olympus, but I have enjoyed your unbiased reviews of Nikon, Canon and other systems as well.

[@PangolinWildlife]

Hi David, thanks so much for the encouragement - have a great day - cheers Janine

[@cherylcranfield]

I am yearning for the Ellies. This tutorial was brilliant. Full of great tips and visuals. Missing you all already. Till next time. Keep the tutorials going.

[@janine-pangolinphotohost9722]

We miss you so much Cheryl, the Ellie's say hi to you!

[@sabine-pangolinphotohost9232]

Going to miss you too Cheryl. Enjoy your time away!!!

[@PangolinWildlife]

More to come to keep you distracted Cheryl!

[@richardruda267]

Nothing screams Africa louder than these wonderful creatures. Enjoyed your presentation immensely and the videos and stills were beautiful.

[@PangolinWildlife]

Thanks, Richard. Hope you are well.

[@marleenlagrange648]

Just love your tutorial and videos.

[@janine-pangolinphotohost9722]

Thanks so much Marleen, we would love to teach you in person some day

[@ProfMary]

What a great format to have Janine and Sabine sitting on a log talking about photographing elephants. There were some incredible photos and videos of these beautiful creatures. They also gave some good tips. Thanks, ladies.

[@sabine-pangolinphotohost9232]

Glad you enjoyed it! We thought its something different ;)

[@PangolinWildlife]

Many thanks!

[@bonitaread4747]

Excellent thank you!

[@subitkobiraj2402]

It was great listening you two on Elephant photography. 🐘 Thanks

[@PangolinWildlife]

Thank you, we are glad to hear that ;) -Sabine

[@jonbanks653]

Thanks esp for the focus point to make the silhouette.

[@sarshar3364]

Awesome video, thanks guys

[@janine-pangolinphotohost9722]

Thanks so much Sarsha

[@PangolinWildlife]

Our pleasure!

[@snapsnap1]

On my bucket list for sure

[@PangolinWildlife]

See you soon then ;) -Sabine

[@rosemills2172]

Thank you so much..enjoyed this very much.

[@barbaraeidel6344]

Fantastic tips!! I always think of you, Sabine, when I walk past the elephant silhouette hanging on my wall! I love it, and can't thank you enough for helping me capture that moment!!

[@PangolinWildlife]

Hi Barbara, sorry for the late reply. I am happy to hear that I could help with that and you think of Chobe when you walk passed the image ;) -Sabine

[@walterlaumeister3224]

Really lovely, informative Video, Thanks a lot. I Will be in Tanzania in Feb.

[@55whitest]

Greetings from NYC. I could listen to Janine and Sabine talk about elephants all day. As soon as I know that it’s safe to travel again I’ll start packing my bags. In the mean time keep up the good work with these videos

[@sabine-pangolinphotohost9232]

Thanks Eric. Let's hope you can pack your bags soon ;)

[@PangolinWildlife]

See you soon Eric!

[@parthasaradhiallam8810]

Very informative video, love ur work guys👍

[@janine-pangolinphotohost9722]

Thanks so much Partha

[@theweekendman7156]

Pangolin photo safari...awesome moments I had exactly a year ago in Kasane...

[@janine-pangolinphotohost9722]

Hi Michael, I hope we can repeat it. Until then we try and keep your photo mojo flowing.

[@reneholtslag2297]

I just discovered your videos and I like them very much. Great photo's and great tips. Not too long. greetings from Holland and maybe I visite you one time.

[@janine-pangolinphotohost9722]

Hi Rene, thanks so much for following us. We try and share us much information as possible ... basically what you would usually get on our photographic Safaris. We would love to welcome you here soon!

[@haroldmassey5966]

Fantastic pics of the elephants. Thanks for the tips and video.

[@janine-pangolinphotohost9722]

Hi Harold, thanks so much - love to see you on our channel

[@PangolinWildlife]

Many thanks

[@cesarm8811]

Hopefully once this pandemic is over (or distribution of vaccines); I will have a chance to travel to your part of the World and take part of wildlife photography. Really enjoy this channel.

[@sabine-pangolinphotohost9232]

Hopefully that will be soon. You will love it! Africa and all its animals is very special ;)

[@PangolinWildlife]

Not too long now hopefully.

[@telkirton]

Excellent video ladies look forward to the next....

[@janine-pangolinphotohost9722]

Thanks so much Tel, there will sure be more from the Pangolin Team!

[@pattydower4078]

The last tip was great. Thanks

[@janine-pangolinphotohost9722]

Hi Patty, I am glad you could pic some personal tips and tricks out for yourself....

[@Mymi9876]

Thank you for all those tips! We had to cancel our 2020 safari with you, but we will be there as soon as we can!!

[@janine-pangolinphotohost9722]

I am so sorry for that and really hope that we can welcome you here soon!

[@joerghummerjohann4854]

😃 Such a beautiful movie 😃 You are really enthusiastic about elephants 🐘❤ me too: Fantastic memories on elephants swimming and playing in the Chobe river😃 I have to come back!

[@PangolinWildlife]

Thank you, so happy to hear you enjoyed it! Hopefully we'll see you soon in Chobe ;) -Sabine

[@joycebenham3846]

I wish you had a 3-5 day workshop called "All About Elephants"...photographing on the water, land, sunrise, sunset, back lite, portraits, etc....lots of time to put something together for 2022.Thank you

[@janine-pangolinphotohost9722]

Hi Joyce, it seems like you love elephants just as much as we do 😍- Our workshops basically entail just that .... we don't want to sell specific animals as nature is always unpredictable. While Chobe has massive herds and great potential you can be unlucky with a particularly windy week. Or there might be other factors such as certain bloomage, water running into the Delta, etc. etc. that will cause us to find less elephants than other times. So when guest ask me in the mornings what we will do and cover that day (technically and animal wise) I will tell them: "what ever nature offers us - any animal can look great in the right light and background". If the elephants are remotely in the right position, light condition, or background I will make 100% sure you get that shot... I will never miss out on an Ellie - that I promise 🙂🙃🙂

[@CamillaI]

Blimey not many videos on photographing elephants well done 👌👍😍

[@janine-pangolinphotohost9722]

Very true, this is quite a specific video - we hope to cover a wide range of wildlife for you guys

[@annettelane659]

Absolutely stunning images. 👍👍

[@janine-pangolinphotohost9722]

Hi Annette, thanks so much - Sabine has some excellent video material!!! It also helps that we get so much opportunity on the Chobe on a daily basis!

[@davidsherman3462]

Great video with great shots.

[@janine-pangolinphotohost9722]

Hi David, thanks so much - Sabine has some excellent video material!!! It also helps that we get so much opportunity on the Chobe on a daily basis!

[@DACnew]

Excellent as always .......... wish I’d seen this before the last time I attempted the ellie shots!

[@sabine-pangolinphotohost9232]

Hi David. Glad you liked it and hope you get a chance to use the tips on another trip photographing elephants ;)

[@DACnew]

Thanks Sabine, your point about getting closer with a wide angle particularly resonated ... I have a tendency to move further out.

[@PangolinWildlife]

Next time!

[@garylevy6756]

Thanks for the video .. Makes me long to return. Will have to wait until Sept 2021 so keep making more videos please.

[@janine-pangolinphotohost9722]

Hi Gary, we would love to have you back as soon as possible... we will try to keep them coming until then!

[@jeremymalley-smith7241]

I like the relaxed approach - it works well - just wish I was out there 😃

[@janine-pangolinphotohost9722]

Thanks so much - that comes from discussing your favourite animal with your best friend 🙂🙃🙂

[@mywildlifestories3793]

Understanding subject behavior and photographing them, will definitely makes the pictures stand out. Nice move, looking forward for these kinda videos

[@janine-pangolinphotohost9722]

Hi, thanks so much for the feedback - We are looking forward to covering more wildlife for you guys!

[@Jonathantuba]

I will be with you in Chobe this November - can't wait!

[@fbagbey]

Excellent presentation, format, information, vibe. Did they have a script or just knew the topic so well, they just started talking?

[@janine-pangolinphotohost9722]

Hi Francis, thanks so much.... discussing your favourite animal with your best friend really helps you to relax in front of the camera. Being out with guest and elephants nearly on a daily basis makes it easy for us to talk about it... that's what we try and do on Safari as well: We give you a heads up about what we predict will happen to mentally prepare you and then help you get technically ready for it. But I would cheat if I said we wouldn't have had a script that we wrote prior - the conversation would have been a lot more chaotic. We needed a red line to help us bring it to the point as we are imagining all the potential opportunities....

[@fbagbey]

Thanks for this feedback, Janine. A friend and I won a trip to your camps in that pangolin fundraiser so perhaps we will meet you whenever our Covid delayed trip can be safely scheduled. Keep up the great photography and photo art education!

[@rickloveland8844]

Janine and Sabine a lovely presentation and what stunning and awesome pictures and videos. Maybe one day I will be back in the Chobe area.

[@janine-pangolinphotohost9722]

Hi Rick, thanks so much ... Sabine has some fantastic video material! And discussing your favourite animal with your best friend is an easy one 🙂🙃🙂

[@sabine-pangolinphotohost9232]

Thank you very much Rick. We would love to meet you here ;)

[@guyjackson4143]

About as close as I will ever come to photographing elephants is at our city zoo. The video was beautiful from beginning to finish and the narrator's accent only enhances it. Looking forward to your next video.

[@janine-pangolinphotohost9722]

Hi Guy, thanks so much 🙂🙃🙂 The two Germans are really trying to hide it but not always possible 😂Always look out for great specials that we offer on our homepage and newsletter.

[@patrickcloutier3305]

Thanks for this beautiful video on Chobe elephants behavior and tips on how to take great photos ! You are very inspiring and indeed make us crave to be with you on Safari ! My wife and I were supposed to be with you this fall... But hopefully that will become possible soon !

[@janine-pangolinphotohost9722]

Hi Patrick, I really hope we can make up for that soon and welcome you in the Chobe!

[@sarelalberts994]

Thanks for a good and informative video.You missed one thing ,one has to be WHERE YOU CAN SEE THEM.......

[@sabine-pangolinphotohost9232]

Very true Sarel ;)

[@jaimohan9341]

Beautiful and informative. Hope to shoot at Chobe someday.

[@janine-pangolinphotohost9722]

Hi Jai, we would love to welcome you here as soon as possible!

[@PangolinWildlife]

You know where we are Jai!

[@yvonnehunter5980]

Great new concept. A bit more technical advice on how to get the right exposure for difficult lighting situations might be good. But, overall, it was great. I especially liked the suggestions about close-ups and post-processing into black and white. Thanks!!!

[@janine-pangolinphotohost9722]

Hi Yvonne, thanks so much - for more tips on technical exposures and settings check out our other videos on the Pangolin channel.... we thought about it and felt it would become too long if we cover exposure, shutter and aperture settings for every potential light situation and species that we will cover. Let me know if you find the right tutorials...!

[@sabyasachidas9149]

It's quite knowledgeable staff ,that you have discusse with us...thank you.

[@EdwardKilner]

Once again, a superb video. At one point, there is the call of a loud bird, what kind of bird? It reminds me so much of Africa. Thanks for the video. Dull and rainy here near Toronto, but you made the day brighter.

[@janine-pangolinphotohost9722]

Hi Edward, thanks so much. Let me know at what minute and I will have a look into it!

[@EdwardKilner]

At 5:56.

[@PangolinWildlife]

@@EdwardKilner that was just a Ring-necked dove... very common here

[@Mymi9876]

Is there a « baby elephant season » in Botswana, or are they born all year long?

[@janine-pangolinphotohost9722]

Hi, they are born all year along. So you can always have a chance!

[@joncothranphotography9375]

I thank you for sharing your tips and I dream of visiting your wonderful world. This would be so awesome!

[@PangolinWildlife]

You are welcome!

[@adedotunajibade]

Love the new video format. However, I miss your theme music :-) As always, thanks for the inspiring content!

[@sabine-pangolinphotohost9232]

Thank you very much! The intro music will be back in our other tutorials ;)

[@PangolinWildlife]

Noted!

[@lisaschwerdt6447]

I’m all for any info that will assist my shooting, and this was interesting. I guess I’d come down strongest tho on technique/mechanics as I have found little on safari photography (it’s much easier to find info on animal behavior)

[@janine-pangolinphotohost9722]

Hi Lisa, that is so true. That is why we try a good combination of both on our Safaris - we make you aware of the animal behaviour in advance so that you are mentally prepared and then set you up for the shot on a technical basis within a few days it will feel like second nature to you!

[@AjaySingh-228]

nice mam

[@janine-pangolinphotohost9722]

Thanks a lot Ajay

[@AjaySingh-228]

@@janine-pangolinphotohost9722 you are welcome

[@dimitristsagdis7340]

Very nice Tnx ; esp. the silhouette with the giraffes in the background I like a lot. Is it a composite ? Stay safe n healthy.

[@janine-pangolinphotohost9722]

Hi Dimitris, thanks so much. No it was actually one of my most magic nights ever with everything coming together in one single shot. Breath taking goosebump moments that I will always cherish and never forget.... Africa is like no other place on earth!

[@dimitristsagdis7340]

@@janine-pangolinphotohost9722 Amazing indeed; well done !!! cherish it, cause unlikely to repeat :-)

[@iscoguy]

Loved it. I could have watched more. I appreciate the focus on the types of images you can get, but I would be interested in even more depth on the behavior side. It would be tougher to do, but almost videoing you going out and photographing the elephants yourselves, but with a video so you "bring us with you." I would love to hear your thoughts and descriptions while watching video of what you were seeing. Essentially a photography adventure.

[@janine-pangolinphotohost9722]

Basically a life Safari?!? That is a great idea... but as you said not always easy. You wouldn't cover as much detail and behaviour as you think as you usually are not able to catch everything in only one or two trips.

[@iscoguy]

@@janine-pangolinphotohost9722 Understood and agreed. Instead it would be more of an in the moment experience. There are several comparisons on KZbin, Morton Hilmer, and then landscape photographers like Thomas Heaton. But, it is just a thought and I again want to emphasize how much I am enjoying the work you and everyone else at Pangolin are doing. Great content. So, overall, thank you.

[@Betterworldforyou.]

You to are great buddies . Please do script do more natural. Thank you

[@MK-bg9bj]

9:33 great tip 👌

[@PangolinWildlife]

Thought that might resonate with a few people.

[@davearchbell9921]

You are really making want to visit. What are the best months to come?

[@PangolinWildlife]

Hi Dave. It all depends on what you want to see and photograph. Please send us an email to [e-mail] and I can send you some detailed info to help you chose.

[@karissalewes6392]

I love Botswanna, especially the Elephants. What about light metering when photographing elephants which one would you choose? Hey Gus!!!

[@PangolinWildlife]

I usually choose evaluative metering unless you have a camera where the focus and metering point can move together - cheers Janine

[@f2.8-]

Interesting video, as always. Thanks for sharing👌 How does someone become a photo host at a place like Pangolin Safaris? What are the required qualifications for someone to be considered? It seems like such a wonderful job for someone who has a passion for both photography and nature.

[@janine-pangolinphotohost9722]

Hi, Thanks so much! We all became Pangolin Photo Hosts more by chance.... as life plays its cards out to you. We are very very lucky to be in the position we are in. At the end we are looking for nature enthusiast that are great photographers and good with people - maybe with some history in the tourism industry.... we are promoting local photographers heavily as well as nature photography is a field with huge potential in Botswana

[@f2.8-]

@@janine-pangolinphotohost9722 Okay thanks for the reply. I have sent you a message on Facebook about this if you don't mind. Thank you👍

[@pruimj]

Thanks for this informative video in dialogue setting. On the upside I was astonished by the footage and the photographs. And the quality of the information given. (Nice detail in your earrings Janine!). In the beginning the dialogue felt somewhat forced and not natural, but that is probably a matter of experience. And the sound was not always optimal. But then again: my wife and I really want to visit your hotel. Hopefully our booking for next year will stand, SARS-CoV-2 permitting...

[@PangolinWildlife]

Thanks for the feedback Jan. We are learning with every film.

[@shafiqsha5984]

Your photos an videos l like it you talk an exbilination i am more interesting photography that's you now my interesting photography i no camera

[@robcourt9727]

I am in Salt Lake City, Utah. I looked eeeeeeeeverywhere and can not find any elephants. Grrrrrrrrrr.

[@janine-pangolinphotohost9722]

😂😂😂 I am sorry Rob. That is tragic! Easy solution though - it sounds like you must come and visit us this side!

[@tkermi]

😂 Same here in Finland ❄️⛄ - no luck finding elephants 😟😅.

[@PangolinWildlife]

That can be a problem! ;-)

[@janine-pangolinphotohost9722]

@@tkermi 🙃🙂🙃

[@RobJorg]

the long nose animal at 0:40 has a hole in its nose. sad.

[@janine-pangolinphotohost9722]

Hi Rob, yes it happens in the wild. But she is coping really well with that! It doesn't influence her much - she has learned to live with it. Sometimes you find them with bit of trunks... usually it happens from hyena attacks when they are young. Some learn to cope with that as well...

[@RobJorg]

@@janine-pangolinphotohost9722 my fav animal are elephants. i have seen them in thailand with a leg missing or other damages. they are gentle giants and very smart. when they look at you with 1 eye from 2 meters away with those big lashes its like they know what you are thinking. would love to photograph elephants in the wild in david yarrow style, maybe one day.