Photography & Conservation Volunteer Project In South Africa

What is the Photography & Conservation Project in South Africa all about?

Volunteer on an incredible wildlife photography and conservation project in Kruger, South Africa while developing your skills.  You will attend a course and put your skills into action whilst participating in essential conservation education and activities in the Greater Kruger Area. These activities take place in association with wildlife trusts and other foundations to help promote their work through social media. An area famous for the Big 5, what better location could you chose to develop your wildlife photography skills? You will photograph large animals such as elephant, buffalo, rhino, leopard, as well as smaller creatures such as chameleons, insects, reptiles and some of the 521 bird species that call the Greater Kruger area home.

The photographs are used by a local foundation to help them with their community project which aims to educate individuals living alongside the wildlife about conservation. This project really is a unique opportunity to encounter some of Africa’s most beautiful animals on a daily basis, to improve your photography skills, as well as to contribute to conservation efforts in the Greater Kruger area.

Why choose this Photography & Conservation project?

Photographing wildlife is an activity that relies as strongly on patience and good luck as it does on the right equipment, knowledge of the techniques and creative skill.  When a moment arises, an animal is spotted or a particular behaviour is observed, the best chance of capturing it comes from as many people, as regularly as possible, being there to catch the moment.  This project needs volunteers to help collate a strong portfolio of photographic data to aid education and research.  You will have an incredible opportunity to develop your skills as a photographer and diversify your portfolio, to help with direct conservation efforts as well as learning about the local culture and challenges facing humans and wildlife in this stunning area of South Africa.

Role of the Photography & Conservation Volunteer

As a volunteer on this photography and conservation project you will be involved in the following activities:

• 1 week photography course where you develop your photography skills and understand the techniques in taking photos from a professional and experienced landscape and wildlife photographer
• share images onto the photographic database that can be used for the basis of research programmes to support the preservation and education initiatives
• conservation research participation through collecting of animal identification information
• hands on field work to conserve habitats including clearing invasive species, litter picking etc.
• education in the community activities

The photography project lasts 4 weeks. Those that wish to stay on for extra weeks will be working closely with the volunteers to assist them in gathering photo research still needed, and will play the role of the photographer on the research truck after their first 4 weeks on the photography project.  Speak to your Kaya advisor if you wish to stay longer. Read our blog to see how photographs can be used in monitoring wildlife.

What skills do I need to be a Photography & Conservation Volunteer In Kruger, South Africa?

For this project, enthusiasm for photography is essential.  Photographic knowledge and experience is helpful, but not necessary as you will develop your skills on this placement.  Volunteers will need to bring their own photographic equipment; as a minimum you should bring an SLR digital camera with 18-55 mm lens, battery charger and external hard drive (in the form of at least a 100GB external drive).  You also need to bring a laptop and access to Lightroom will be needed for editing purposes.  A tripod is recommended for those more difficult shots.

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