Thornybush Wildlife Photography Workshop

Join us on an exciting Wildlife Photographic Safari Workshop in the world famous Thornybush Game Reserve. The entire trip is focussed on learning the finer details of wildlife photography. It is an amazing opportunity for photographers who would like the opportunity to photograph wildlife in their natural habitat and learn all the features of their equipment while doing so. You will also have the opportunity to photograph some species at more favourable angles as we will spend quality time at the sightings. Between drives there will be some theoretical tuition to make sure you understand all the features of you camera along with one on one time with your professional wildlife photographer, Michael Tucker. We will also take time learning how to get the best out of your landscape images along with (weather permitting) understanding night time photography including milky way photos and star trails along with moon photography. We have managed to secure a private camp in the Thornybush Game Reserve and will have sole use of the facilities for the duration of our stay.

Highlights

Open safari vehicle without a roof so you are open to all photographic opportunities
Underground hide at the lodge overlooks a water hole. Get some awesome low angle images a few meters from your bedroom
"Off-road" driving is permitted in this reserve, so we have great opportunities to get closer to the game to get some awesome angles
The entire lodge is for our own use and we are on a private consession with traversing rights to other properties should the need arise
Extremely high game densities with great photographic opportunities
We cater for all levels of photographer, from newbie to pro

Safari Summary:

Run exclusively for small groups of no more than 6 people
Hosted by professional wildlife photographer, Michael Tucker
Develop your wildlife photography skills and techniques with on the spot training and tuition
Learn how to process your images using Adobe Photoshop Lightroom
Game drives on open safari vehicles with a side of the vehicle guaranteed
Brunch and dinner with plenty of snacks between, teas, coffees along with soft drinks are included
Please supply your own alcoholic beverages should you so require

What you will learn:

The finer details of Wildlife Photography
Learn all techniques, including detailed understanding of Aperture, Shutter Speed and ISO
Understand exposure and what shooting modes to use in different circumstances
High key and Low key photography
Star photography - Photograph the Milky Way, Star Trails and the Moon (weather permitting)
Lightning photography should the weather turn sour
The finer details of autofocus modes, autofocus points and techniques
Animal behaviour in Wildlife Photography - Making your photos stand out
Learn how to process your images using Adobe Photoshop Lightroom

Why are the international rates higher?

Many if not all South African lodges have implemented "local rates" for South African travellers since the start of the pandemic. For that reason, there are favourable rates for local travellers. With that in mind, our rates are still extremely favourable in comparison to other lodges offering similar experiences. You also get world class tuition and the value as a whole cannot be compared. Once you experience what we have to offer, you will see and feel the value first hand.

Please note 3 night options form part of the 6 night dates. So either the first 3 nights or the last 3 nights of a 6 night option. That is from the 17th to 23rd of July 2023.

Single supplement rates are at 50% of the rate due to the lodge only having 4 bedrooms. This will be adjusted based on the make up of the bookings. Please see those rates below:

4 Singles - 50%

3 Singles - 33.3%

2 Singles - 15 %

1 Single - no supplement charge

Non-photographers are always welcome...

Many people bring along their spouses, partners or friends to enjoy the Big 5 Photos experience. The quality of the game viewing is of such a high standard that they really enjoy the experience. We are always happy to have them along for the trip. All non-photographer charges are at the normal rate as they do occupy a space.

The accommodation:

En suite chalets that step out into the bushveld will make you feel a part of nature for the duration of your stay. Our accommodation is in a private camp within the Thornybush Game Reserve in the greater Kruger Park. It forms part of a private consession in Thornybush and no general public may access or traverse on the property. The camp is set in the bushveld in the greater Kruger Park. The camp boasts some awesome resident birds who make the bushveld their home. Our favourite is the Barred Owl family who make one of the large Marula trees their home. It is the perfect place to launch your search for the Big 5 along with African Wild Dogs and Cheetah. All of them are well represented in the area with great sightings all year round.

The well spaced out rooms face into the bush and some special sightins can be observed from the comfort of your bed. The central lounge and dining area is where meals are enjoyed. The boma next to the pool is a favourite spot where the days experiences are relived around the roaring camp fire. Even though the camp has a small electric fence, we do get some very interesting visitors from time to time...