During the initial week of this program, you'll dive into an immersive workshop guided by the skilled professional photographer who will act as your tutor. You'll explore the fundamentals, secrets, and highlights of photography while mastering your camera settings and discovering the essentials for capturing stunning images. Engaging assignments will challenge you to photograph various elements like frames, colors, movement, and portraits, all designed to teach you new techniques and elevate your skills as a photographer. To top it off, you'll learn the art of editing your photos using Adobe Lightroom, ensuring your images truly stand out and captivate viewers. ‍

Throughout the remainder of your time on this project, you'll actively contribute to our broader goals and objectives in the Greater Kruger region, all while continuously refining your photography skills. The aim is to provide you with a genuine understanding of what it means to be a professional photographer, encompassing editing and effective utilization of your photographs. Through various activities detailed in the following sections, the tutor takes pride in guiding you toward creating top-notch images, presenting them with context, and exploring opportunities for exposure. You'll be tasked with completing assignments, and by the end of the four weeks, you'll be amazed by your incredible progress.

Embrace macro photography to reveal the mesmerizing, often unnoticed world beneath our feet. As a dedicated photography volunteer, you'll develop a deeper connection with the smaller elements of the wildlife environment and master the art of capturing their extraordinary allure. You'll be amazed by the stunning creatures we frequently ignore, such as dung beetles, dragonflies, and countless others.

As an active participant in the project's research initiatives, your photography will aid in collecting crucial animal identification data. Through taking sharp, detailed images of wildlife during game drives, you'll support the research team in recognizing individual animals, enabling them to monitor their health, movements, and behavior. Your photographs will be invaluable for updating identification databases that shape conservation-driven decisions in reserve management.

Practicing ethical photography when capturing animals in their natural surroundings is vital for any wildlife photographer. The program will teach you about animal behavior, fostering a conservation-focused mindset in your photographic endeavors. By understanding how to photograph responsibly in this setting, you'll make a positive impact on wildlife conservation while creating awe-inspiring images.

Following an action-packed day of exploration and effort, retreat to the lodge and unwind poolside, catch a movie, or engage in a friendly games night with fellow volunteers. On occasion, guides and staff members host informative presentations, offering you further opportunities to discover the intriguing African landscape and its varied residents, encompassing both wildlife and people. Relish your dinner on the scenic deck, with a comforting fire to set the mood—often followed by marshmallow roasting! You can also enjoy participating in entertaining fundraising events such as trivia and game nights.