Dave Estment

Guest interview with Dave Estment. **All images below were taken by and are owned by Dave Estment.

Want to know how to take wildlife photographs in the African bush, that are worthy of National Geographic? If so, you don’t want to miss our guest interview with the highly acclaimed Dave Estment of Outdoor Video and Photographic.

We are absolutely delighted and honored to share with you our guest interview with Dave, who offers his insider tips on how to photograph wildlife on an African safari vacation.

If you want to know the specific details of shooting phenomenal wildlife photography then you definitely want to check out this interview with Dave. He is an exceptional photographer, videographer, and photography mentor.

See below for this exclusive interview:

Dave Estment of Outdoor Video & Photographic on Wildlife Photography

Q: You’re an incredible wildlife photographer and videographer! Tell us a little bit about what inspired you to photograph wildlife.

Thank you for the compliment! My background is a bit of a mixed bag, but interesting and exciting. I studied mechanical engineering and qualified as a toolmaker, which developed and honed my technical skills. This really helps in understanding the science of photography. I love technology and high-end toys like my pro Nikon camera and Canon video gear, which I have managed to accumulate over time.

Male lion

After my studies and some practical experience, my life’s journey took a sharp turn, and I raced Superbikes and GP bikes professionally for nine years, which put me in touch with the top Motorsport photographers in South Africa and abroad. But I was then on the other side of the lens, being the subject of their focus (excuse the pun!).

After my racing career ended, I started testing motorcycles for magazines. This is where my photographic “hobby” started becoming more professional. I was coached by the pros who told me my photos were useless, out of focus, had terrible composition, and didn’t have enough background blur.

A great lesson to learn here is that generally the pros know what they are talking about, and a hard taskmaster is something I have sincerely come to value over time. I am now that hard taskmaster, and my students really appreciate honest, constructive criticism.

Jackals

Then came the wildlife! I am a wildlife lover, having been an avid hunter (yes, ethics was a huge part of this controversial pastime) when I was younger, as many young South African men are, going on to qualify as a Professional Hunter in 1993. By then, my photography was being regularly published in the motorsport media, and it was a natural progression to trade in my rifle and handgun for my beloved Nikon gear.

My hunting has all but become a thing of the past. Instead, my wife Naomi and I have spent the last 15 years traveling Southern Africa in our 4×4 vehicle, camping where people are the least common species, documenting on video, and photographing Africa’s greatest asset: its wildlife.

NO NOISE, NO PEOPLE, NO DISTRACTIONS,

NATURE AT ITS BEST, MY BEAUTIFUL WIFE AND I AT OUR BEST, INSPIRATION FIRED FOREVER,

CAMERAS POISED,

AT PEACE.

Leopard

Q: Amateur photographers traveling to Africa for safari probably won’t be taking heavy photography equipment. What tips do you have for capturing excellent wildlife photographs without loads of equipment?

If you have weight and space constraints when traveling, then be practical and limit yourself to these items:

• Two or three lenses, one from about 18 – 80mm (wide-angle), one from 80 – 400mm or 50 – 500mm (Telephoto), and possibly a macro lens. Buy the best quality you can afford and try to have lenses with a maximum aperture of F4 or better—but F5.6 at worst (although this does come at a price premium).

• Two camera bodies, which helps a lot to prevent dust on the CCD because you do not have to switch lenses in dusty conditions. Also, if one fails, you have a backup.

• A good speedlight or flash. This helps a huge amount for fill-in photography and allows great night photography when combined with a high ISO setting.

• A good tripod (or possibly a monopod) with a medium sized ball-head attached, to allow camera pivoting and reduce camera shake.

• Plenty of memory on three or four cards—once again to allow for card failures, which could be disastrous.

• A good quality backpack-type camera bag, to keep things compact and allow for any walking you may have to do to find your subjects.

Very importantly, keep a good micro cloth and lens liquid handy to keep those lenses and equipment spotlessly clean, to ensure clear, sharp images you can be proud of.

This is just a brief intro into the magnificent universe of wildlife photography. It is infinitely complex and takes a lifetime to master, if ever, but I sincerely hope that this short article helps guide you on a magical safari experience.

See below for more images from Dave Estment:

Lilac-breasted roller

Martial Eagle

Ground Squirrel

Fish eagle barbel

About Outdoor Video and Photographic

Outdoor Video & Photographic (OV&P) is a joint venture between Dave Estment and his wife Naomi, based in Johannesburg, South Africa. Dave handles the outdoor and action photography, while Naomi runs the studio (OV&P Studio), specializing in modeling portfolios and product photography. Videography, they share.

Website: www.ovandp.co.za

Email: dave.e@mweb.co.za

Mobile: +27 82 882 7272

More of Dave’s wildlife photography can also be viewed on his wife’s blog: Naomi’s Notes (www.naomiestment.wordpress.com)

Don’t forget to visit the Well Designed Journeys blog on Friday, January 14 for Part II of our interview with Dave!

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