Gorilla Photography in Uganda
Gorillas are playful and friendly mammals with 98.3% of their genetic component being similar to that of humans.
They have tiny eyes , broad shoulders and chests and are generally stocky animals .
Gorillas are found in two of Uganda’s National parks that is Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga National Park. These parks provide home to half the world’s mountain gorilla population.
It is important to note that Uganda has 19 habituated gorilla families, 17 of which are based in Bwindi and 2 in Mgahinga
Due to gorilla’s unpredictable behavior, their photography require great practice, skills and patience to get a rewarding effect .
Below are some of the guidelines to follow when taking gorilla photos.
Be patient, very observant and Quick
This strikes a balance between the captivation and the results. Do not rush to start the shots immediately on arrival . Take time and take the gorillas to your presence , a few minutes later, be sure to take a worthwhile image
Bend yourself into lower heights for brilliant shots.
Get yourself lower to the ground to catch as intimate as possible shot while kneeling, squatting or sitting . This enables you capture genuine expressions and emotions of these gorillas as well as the surrounding giving a vibrant connection between the surrounding in question and. The viewer .
Put your emphasis and focus on their eyes.
Focus on gorilla eyes binds the viewer to the subject sending a profound meaning of the image taken which is not the case with out of focus of the eyes. During this , do not use flashlights as they intimidate gorillas but instead look for gorillas well positioned at the brilliance of the sun to get a clear interaction between light and the shadow which adds great volumes to gorilla portraits .
Capturing gorilla eyes takes the viewer into a dive in the emotional expressions of the gorilla at the time which is heart warming
Employ the use it wide aperture
This produces a blur image of the background and foreground components like leaves , trees , vines thereby creating a colourful and soft portrait reasonating with the subject.
This wide aperture ranged from f/1.2 – f/2.8
Take advantage of the long telephoto lens from more detailed shots
This allows you to take detailed shots giving no changes to distractions for both small or distaht gorillas . It can also be employed in portraits without disturbing the gorillas in their natural habitats .
Use wide angle Lens
This enables a complete view incase some gorillas approach you giving an opportunity to capture them on wide angle enabling you to include th background details .
By and large , the above are some of the guidelines to capture interesting gorilla pictures .
