Mountain Gorilla Photography Tips

Capturing the Majesty: Mountain Gorilla Photography Tips

Mountain Gorilla Photography Tips — Embark on an unparalleled photographic journey with Trek Africa Expeditions as we unveil invaluable tips for photographing the majestic Mountain Gorillas. Our natural photography expert shares profound insights, ranging from wildlife photography tutorials to seasoned advice. Whether you are a seasoned photographer or a novice with a point-and-shoot camera, these tutorials are essential reads before venturing into the rainforest to encounter Golden monkeys, Chimpanzees, and the awe-inspiring Mountain Gorillas.

Discovering the Endangered Primate Species

Encountering Mountain Gorillas is a unique privilege. With an estimated number of close to 1080 Mountain Gorillas remaining, these magnificent creatures stand as an endangered primate species. The remaining Mountain Gorillas inhabit four National Parks: Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park in Uganda, Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda, and Virunga National Park in the Democratic Republic of Congo.

During our Mountain Gorilla Photography expeditions, you’ll have the opportunity to photograph these incredible animals in Uganda’s Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park, home to the largest group of Mountain Gorillas. Witnessing their lives in this habitat is a truly humbling and emotionally rewarding wildlife photography experience. The intimate glimpses into the family dynamics of these remarkably human-like animals, captured through insightful images, become lasting memories.

Close Encounters and Etiquette

Embarking on our Gorilla trek, you’ll be briefed on the dos and don’ts when in the presence of Mountain Gorillas. Acting subservient, avoiding prolonged eye contact, and maintaining a crouched posture are crucial, as towering over or staring down Gorillas is considered threatening behavior. Adhering to a distance of seven meters is mandatory to protect these creatures from human germs and potential disease transmission. However, the gentle nature of Gorillas often results in voluntary closeness during encounters, providing thrilling and privileged moments.

Photography Tips for Mountain Gorillas

What Equipment to Bring?

Trek Africa Expeditions recommends an SLR camera with a range of lenses. Given the close proximity to Mountain Gorillas, the 70 – 200mm f2.8 lens is advantageous. Wider habitat shots from a 24-70mm lens are effective, and detailed shots at 300 or even 400mm provide stunning close-ups, especially when shooting through foliage. Opting for faster lenses with wider apertures is essential, as Gorilla photography often involves cloudy conditions and shadowed environments.

Camera

A quality digital SLR, preferably full-frame for enhanced low-light performance, is ideal for wildlife photography, including capturing Mountain Gorillas. While full-frame SLRs excel in low-light situations, cropped sensors are also more than acceptable for the task.

Lenses

Choosing lenses requires a balance. Long telephoto zooms, while ideal for safaris, might be excessive for Mountain Gorilla photography. The recommended lenses include a medium telephoto like the Canon EF 24-70mm f/2.8L II USM coupled with a Canon EF 70-300mm f/4-5.6L IS USM. While premium equipment is desirable, practicality often calls for more budget-friendly alternatives, emphasizing the importance of understanding your equipment.

Trek Africa Expeditions, driven by a passion for wildlife and client satisfaction, stands apart from the rest. Our award-winning Mountain Gorilla Photography safaris offer a unique and unmatched experience. Contact us, and a destination specialist will provide inspiration, advice, and assistance in creating your next extraordinary trip.