Freeman Safaris
‘Yesterday’s Safaris Today’
As a professional wedding photographer I am used to working under pressure, but I realised that my wildlife photography was affected by a different kind of pressure. On a safari there are always the familiar dilemmas - shall we stay or move on? Wait all day for a crossing or find something else? Leave the dozy lions or wait until they spring into action? Or not? Can we justify spending time photographing impalas? With limited time compromises are made every day.
To sidestep some of these problems I decided to take the plunge. I needed more time. My fourth Freeman Safari would be spent entirely in the Mara and would be for a whole month. If the images captured were strong enough, and in sufficient volume, then maybe, just maybe, I could make the change to my business model. Out with the weddings and in with the wildlife!
Looking back, the trip exceeded my expectations. My first task upon arrival, rather ironically, was to photograph Jo and Richard’s wedding! Then, day after day, camp life became the routine and the task at hand took shape.
With time to spare the pressure was off and, as a result, my photographic opportunities improved noticeably. The crossings came and went, the big cats rewarded our patience, the cubs and pups played in the late afternoon light and, at last, the impalas were given some lens time.
In the end, even a month didn’t seem long enough, but what a fabulous experience it was.
John Dale September 2008 Any comments or suggestions welcome, to Johnldale@lineone.net
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John Dale
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