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Author Topic: Flash on Safari  (Read 14220 times)

Tim Gray

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Flash on Safari
« Reply #20 on: November 17, 2004, 08:37:02 am »

Better beamer was is also reviewed in this issues (11) of the VJ.  Quite inexpensive so I wouldn't hesitate...
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Jonathan Wienke

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Flash on Safari
« Reply #21 on: November 17, 2004, 05:20:28 pm »

Quote
although to be honest it'll pretty much have to be a 420 as a 550/580 is just too much for me right now
You're spending how much on your trip to Africa, and can't afford to upgrade from a 420EX to a 550EX or 580EX??? Penny wise and pound foolish...
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IanS

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Flash on Safari
« Reply #22 on: November 17, 2004, 06:53:47 pm »

Hi PaulS thanks again...

I had read through most of those articles and whilst the odd one or two mentioned taking a flash, none of them mentioned actually using it and any pictures of photographers taking pictures showed bodies minus flashguns...

So, given that to my meagre experience, getting rid of unwanted shadows normally means fill flash, (which I guess is the point of the better beamer for long distance) either use of the flash gun on safari is so second nature that it not worth mentioning or, it's not mentioned because generally it's not used...

Do you understand my point? Am I so inexperienced that I'm missing something really fundamental here?

Ian.
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Paul Sumi

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Flash on Safari
« Reply #23 on: November 17, 2004, 09:06:01 pm »

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So, given that to my meagre experience, getting rid of unwanted shadows normally means fill flash, (which I guess is the point of the better beamer for long distance) either use of the flash gun on safari is so second nature that it not worth mentioning or, it's not mentioned because generally it's not used...

Do you understand my point? Am I so inexperienced that I'm missing something really fundamental here?

Ian.
It sounds like you've done your homework.  Personally, I would at least take a flash and probably a better beamer-type device.  But, then again, I'm not going on my honeymoon!

Enjoy,

Paul
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Dan Sroka

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Flash on Safari
« Reply #24 on: November 26, 2004, 09:30:11 am »

Hi Ian,

Sorry for the late reply. I do not do much wildlife photography, but I did do a 4 week safari trip a few years back. Here's some thoughts for you.

In South Africa, where I was, the safari trips were first thing in the morning or last thing in the afternoon. You never went out during the middle of the day because it was too hot (and the animals are all hiding). So, lots of nice diffuse light.

My trips were all in a Land Rover. You are yards away from the animals at best, using a long zoom. Flash wouldn't help in these situations. Often, the best shots come up right when you are hitting a pot hole, so stability is key. Also, the conditions are extremely unpredictable. We had one leopard pose for us for 20 minutes on a perfectly lit branch, but that was rare. The animals (other than cats and waterbuffalo) are often moving constantly, so think of this as shooting a sporting event.

Rangers are very picky about what they allow you to use.I really doubt any would allow a flash of any sort -- the sudden bright light could scare the animals, which could then be dangerous.  They don't even want you to wear white shirts, because they are so unnatural and distracting. For example, we once happened apon some elelphants after dark. The ranger used his spot light, and gradually moved it along the ground towards the animals, so as not to startle them, briefly shined it on them (2 or 3 seconds) and moved it off. They are very careful about respecting the animals. (If they are not, don't go out with them.)

I also brought along a video camera with a IR light. Some of my best images are on the video, e.g. quick glimpses of a cheetah ducking into the brush that I would never have been fast enough to get on film. Especially since the most amazing part of seeing these animals is seeing them MOVE. The loping gait of a giraffe herd. The slow lumber of an elephant, turning into a quick charge. The spooky grace of the cats. My photos, though nice, are rather dull in comparison, and my wife and i often turn to the video for memories.

Hope this helps. Have fun!
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IanS

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Flash on Safari
« Reply #25 on: November 29, 2004, 01:39:49 pm »

Hi Dan,

Thanks for your thoughts, it's always useful to hear others experiences. The anticipation is building!!  

Ian.
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IanS

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Flash on Safari
« Reply #26 on: February 20, 2005, 04:24:55 pm »

Only one flash photo for which the pop up did the job... !! Can you spot it??!!

Ian.
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