Can I take photographs of the gorillas? – Gorilla photography during gorilla tours

Gorilla trekking is an extraordinary journey into the tropical jungles of Africa to see the endangered mountain gorillas on an African Safari Tour. Can I take photographs of the gorillas? While in the dense bushes, the awe-inspiring moments are worthy to live, capture and keep beyond your gorilla trekking in Uganda or Rwanda. Filming is the best available option to capture the thrilling encounters of gorillas in the wild or you can opt to take photos of the majestic creatures.

During the preparation for the epic gorilla trekking adventures, visitors ask ‘‘Can I take photographs of the gorillas?’’ The obvious answer to this question is Yes, you are free to take photos of the primates during your mountain gorilla trekking tours. There are no formal rules to stop you from taking photos of gorilla, both avid photographers and visitors that are curious are allowed by the authorities to capture the creatures during the trekking for gorillas in the wild.

While on Uganda & Rwanda Primate tracking tours, photographing (shooting) mountain gorillas is one of the most thrilling typologies that draws you near to the beautiful countrysides. Travelers have the one-in-a-lifetime opportunity to see eye-to-eye with silverbacks – the upclose encounter is the best moment to capture the animals in the wild.

Mountain gorilla photography is an adventure that attracts ethics of jungle travels such as according respect to the home of gorillas and conserving the endangered primates. Gorilla photography is usually unpredictable, you can never tell what the experience will lead you into on a particular Gorilla trekking day in Rwanda or Uganda. Sometimes the trekking is much different from that you watched on a Gorilla documentary, giving you distinct  views of gorilla family members and feeding spots. Photographing mountain gorillas requires a lot of patience, this will give you time to capture the best gorilla moments on camera.

With the help of this gorilla photography guide, you will understand important information about capturing and filming of gorillas, how to prepare for the photography and some of the best equipment that you should carry along while photographing mountain gorillas in Uganda or Rwanda.

(Can I take photographs of the gorillas?, Gorilla photography, photographing mountain gorillas)

 

Ethical gorilla photography: Photography distance, minimized gorilla disturbance, and flashlights 

Gorilla photography offers the best moments for Primate photographers to unleash their imagination of the Gorilla trekking National Parks. This awe-inspiring experience is worthy the inclusion in your bucket list items to do in Uganda and Rwanda when on African Safari Tour.

Despite the excitement that travelers show while encountering mountain gorillas, it is very important to adhere to the ethics or guidelines for Gorilla photography. This ensures  both their well-being and the preservation of the primates’ natural habitat. This article will provide clarification on the gorilla photography guidelines, etiquette, and best practices for photography.

Essential gorilla photography practices to follow – Gorilla photography guidelines – Are there any specific guidelines or rules for taking photos of gorillas?

Maintaining a respectful distance – Can I take photographs of the gorillas?

Observing  a minimum distance during the trips to trek gorillas is paramount and a very key aspect for trekking mountain gorillas. The minimum distance between photographers and gorillas is 7 meters which should observe whenever humans are in the presence of these wild animals. This minimum distance is safety guideline to protect mountain gorillas from communicable distances since they share more 98% of their DNA with humans. Ensure that your gorilla trekking luggage and equipment contains a zoom lens to enable you capture close-up shots with breaking the guidelines about the 7-meter minimum distance. This guideline is indiscriminate of all persons; photographers, trekkers, guides, and rangers engaged in the gorilla trekking adventures in Uganda and Rwanda.

Minimum disturbance

Gorillas are humble creatures who prioritize their peace and privacy while in the wild. While trekking gorillas in Uganda and Rwanda, travelers are required to minimize disturbance by whispering ( low voices), maintaining the trekking pack or group, keeping still and calm while with gorillas. Travelers should maintain the guidelines to protect the home of gorillas in Uganda and Rwanda.

No flash photography is permitted

While planning a gorilla photography tour, it is important to know that flash photography is prohibited. The sudden burst of lights from a camera flash can startle and stress mountain gorillas and may make them agitated and aggressive. It is best recommended to disable the flash light function on your camera before you approach the gorillas. This is one of the strict rules to follow while doing gorilla photography in Uganda and Rwanda.

Following instructions

On the trek to visit the endangered creatures in the wild, observe the set guidelines given to you at the visitors’ center by the guide and armed rangers. These personnel have adequate knowledge about the gorillas and natural habitat. Protection for travelers in the wild is offered by the rangers who armed to safeguard from forest elephants and buffalos. The instructions given by the rangers and guides are helpful when surrounded by the mountain gorillas. You are taught on the best positions to make and how to overcome aggressive gorillas. Ranger guides are experienced and well equipped with firearms to make sure you are safe during the gorilla trekking adventures.

 

Best tips for Photographing gorillas during safaris – How to take the best gorilla photographs

1. Get Low for the best Gorilla Shots

The secret to captivating gorilla photographs lies in capturing their raw essence – from their perspective. While taking gorilla photographs, position yourself as low to the ground as possible so as to get the best shots of these gentle giants. At times it may even necessitate you to sit down or kneel while photographing the gorillas.

The best recommendable positions for capturing gorillas are; eye positioning or one may decide move lower and aim at the genuine impressions of the mountain gorillas and their lush green home. During the photography, the gorilla face expressions can be captured from a lower level.

 

2. Use a Wide Aperture

If you want to obtain the best  shots, ensure that your camera has a wide aperture, for example a f/2.8 for the vivid results. This is recommendable because it can make the background blur, leaves, vines, stems and other foreground elements cannot affect the photographs. In the end the photos created are soft, colorful and they define still nature in the gorilla habitat.

3. Focus on Their Eyes for the best photos

On the photography tours for gorillas, the eyes of the primates should be your central focus. You can make slow movements as you try to identify a suitable position for a clear shot of the eyes. Strong impact is felt when you focus on the sharp eyes whereas the focus not directed to the eyes is less effective and photos are undesirable.

Adequate light is essential on photography in the natural habitat for gorillas. Usually, the best shots are taken when there is enough light. Always focus on the gorillas that are illuminated with sunlight, such bright sighting produce ideal photos at 45 degrees. Look for the piercing lights to capture the magnificent creatures in the forest shadows.

 

4. Look out for the perfect backgrounds

When it comes to gorilla photography, the background of the gorillas is one of the few key factors to consider in order to capture the perfect shot. It is always important to focus on the subject using a harmonious environment to create a sense of balance and contrast with the background to highlight the gorilla’s presence. Portraits with a good background are likely to draw attention to and impression to the viewer.

The perfect background for gorilla photography in Rwanda and Uganda is a key aspect to consider for desirable images. Focusing on the subject in pristine surroundings translates a sense of balance and the gorilla is very much highlighted within the background. Viewers are interested in portraits whose backgrounds are impressive, therefore a good background is key for attracting viewers’ attention.

 

5. Use a Long Telephoto Lens – Can I use a telephoto lens or zoom lens for gorilla photography?

Travelers should carry the right equipment for photography in order to produce photos of high quality, which are unique and impressive. Ensure to travel with a telephoto lens as part of your camera gear or safari luggage in Rwanda and Uganda. This allows you to create shots of deeper details and disturbances are eliminated. The size of the subject is not a problem when doing your gorilla photography due to the precision while focusing on tiny and far away objects. You can make the  background blur and focus on the subject, and show the viewers the details that they are most interested in.