Gorilla Photography in Uganda – Gorillas are playful and friendly mammals with 98.3% of their genetic makeup being similar to that of humans. They have small eyes, broad shoulders, broad chests, and stocky bodies.
Gorillas are found in two of Uganda’s national parks: Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga National Park. These parks are home to half of the world’s mountain gorilla population.
It is important to note that Uganda has 19 habituated gorilla families, with 17 located in Bwindi and 2 in Mgahinga.
Due to the unpredictable behavior of gorillas, photographing them requires great practice, skill, and patience to achieve rewarding results.
Guidelines for Gorilla Photography
- Be Patient, Observant, and Quick: Take your time and observe the gorillas when you first arrive. Do not rush to start taking photos immediately. Allow the gorillas to become accustomed to your presence. After a few minutes, you will be able to capture worthwhile images.
- Lower Yourself for Better Shots: Get closer to the ground by kneeling, squatting, or sitting to take more intimate shots. This position allows you to capture the genuine expressions and emotions of the gorillas, as well as the surrounding environment. It creates a vibrant connection between the subject and the viewer.
- Focus on Their Eyes: Focusing on the gorillas’ eyes draws the viewer to the subject and gives the image a deeper meaning. Avoid using flashlights, as they can intimidate the gorillas. Instead, photograph gorillas positioned in natural sunlight, which creates a clear interaction between light and shadow. This adds depth and emotion to gorilla portraits, allowing the viewer to connect with the gorilla’s expressions.
- Use a Wide Aperture: A wide aperture (ranging from f/1.2 to f/2.8) creates a blurred background and foreground, softening the overall image while emphasizing the subject. This technique helps to produce colorful and striking gorilla portraits.
- Take Advantage of a Telephoto Lens: Using a long telephoto lens allows you to take detailed shots from a distance without distracting or disturbing the gorillas in their natural habitat. It is especially useful for capturing portraits or photographing small or distant gorillas.
- Use a Wide-Angle Lens: A wide-angle lens is helpful when gorillas approach you, allowing you to capture them along with their surroundings. This technique enables you to include background details, providing a more complete view of the scene.
By following these guidelines, you can capture interesting and meaningful gorilla photographs that highlight the beauty and emotions of these incredible creatures.
