Wildlife photography doesn't come without it's challenges. Many times I've sworn under my breath, "mother nature is not co-operating!".
Patience is key, and it's not easy when the hot African sun is beating down on you and there's not an animal in sight. And when you do spot an animal, its either too far away, hiding behind a bush, or it magically disappears the second you bring your camera up, ready to snap that perfect shot.
Taking great photos of animals in their natural habitat takes a lot of time and effort, and often it's by pure chance that you capture that special moment.
A great place to practice your wildlife photography is a wildlife rehabilitation centre. These pics were snapped at Moholoholo Wildlife Rehabilitation Centre in Hoedspruit.
You might argue that the animals are in captivity, and that it's not really same. And well, it's not. You have to battle the fences with your lens before hitting that shutter button, and the fences alone can cause havoc with your focus.
But don't be fooled into thinking that the animals here are any less wild than the ones you'd find in the Kruger Park (this isn't a zoo) and, they are just as beautiful. By visiting centres like this one, not only are you making a contribution to conservation, but you are also getting a rare opportunity to see these animals up close.
Before visiting a rehabilitation centre, do your research. Not all rehabilitation centres are what they claim to be.
This is a great way to practice, especially when it comes to close ups of the animals and their facial expressions. For more info on Moholoholo, click here: http://www.moholoholo.co.za/
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