Kenya Photo Safari (August 20th – 31st)

About RoTP Photographic Safaris

If you enjoy photography and being close to nature this is the trip for you.  Rule of Thirds Photography (RoTP) has put together a program that puts you right in the middle of fabulous African wildlife with many only feet from our vehicle.  We will meet in Nairobi, Kenya after your commercial flight from your home and proceed by vehicle to our lodges.  You will be in the midst of exotic African scenery to photograph, including the brilliant sunrises, acacia trees and distant scenic landscapes.

There is a reason why we choose Kenya for our wildlife safaris.  With its wide open sweeping grass savannas, spectacular landscapes, elegant accommodations and most importantly the sheer abundance of flora and fauna.  Your guides and professional photographers will assist you to capture the most inspiring photos possible at your own pace.

There are ample photo opportunities for everyone in the group.  If you are an avid birder, enjoy landscapes, or after the “Big 5″ we’ll have each covered off for your enjoyment.

We will also visit the colourful  Maasai people and the Samburu communities who have been the custodians of the wild animals, learning to live in harmony with them through the years. We will learn about their livelihood and their practices,and also with their permission, we will photograph them as they demonstrate part of their culture in song and dance.

Maasai girls in ceremonial attire

Professional Photography instruction and shooting

We will be shooting with you everyday, giving you hands on guidance and advice on wildlife behavior, long lens shooting techniques, maximizing your camera and digital workflow & processing with both Photoshop and Lightroom.

This trip is for everyone from just purchasing your first SLR to the very serious photographers, all who want to capture the best photos possible.  We will work with you every day to ensure you are getting some spectacular photos to share with family & friends when you get back home.  We will not be racing around the park in an attempt to capture a picture of every animal in the park, but rather to spend time to capture the “one” photo that makes you smile each time you view it.  We will be shooting during the best light of the day and with the help of our driver,s will get the best angles possible.  During this time we will cycle between vehicles to ensure we get time to shoot with you and provide you with dedicated one-on-one time with a professional wildlife photographer.  We simply don’t throw you into a vehicle and wish you luck… we are going to be with you all the way.  When we are not with you shooting during the day, we will always share tips and tricks with everyone and you certainly are free to ask us any questions at any time.

Depending on the day, we may have a mid-day break.  During this time we’ll head back to camp to perhaps take a nap or download images.  We however, will encourage you to participate in our image review/critique and workshop portion of the day.  It is during this time we’ll focus on topics that are relevant to everyone in the group.

How is our workshop different?  Often photo tours/workshops are divided into three distinct categories: photo tours, photo workshops, or photographic courses.  Tours usually involve lighter photographic teaching content and more on the touring.  Photographic courses focus more on the technical training and often don’t involved real life shooting.  Our workshops involve real life shooting experiences side by side with a pro photographer combined with additional training specific to digital processing, etc.

We like to share knowledge that will help you to understand the fundamentals of photography. From the moment you get to a location and shooting, downloading images, to printing and sharing your images on the web.

Leopard Eyes

Itinerary

Day 1 – 3 – (Aug 20-24) Samburu – The Samburu National Reserve is located on the banks of the Ewaso Ng’iro river on the northern hemisphere.  A large abundance of animal and bird life including all three of the big cats (lion, cheetah and leopard) as well as elephants, buffalo, hippos, Grevy’s zebra, reticulated giraffe along with over 350 species of birds (an absolute birders paradise) .  You may not know this but Samburu is the setting for the movie “Born Free”.

Day 4 – 6 – (Aug 24-27) Nakuru – Lion Hill – Lake Nakuru is one of the Rift valley lakes.  Because of the lake’s abundance of algae it is famous for its vast quantity of flamingos along with other birds that line the shoreline.  Warthogs, baboons, Rothschilds giraffe and other large mammals including black & white rhinos (the largest concentration in the country).

Day 7 – 10 – (Aug 27-31) Maasai Mara -  Also known by the locals as ‘the Mara’ it is famous for its exceptional population of big game.  The annual migration also known as the “Great Migration” consists of zebra, gazelle, maasai giraffe and thousands of wildebeest.   Migrating happens every year each year from July to October. Known throughout the world, the Mara is an extraordinary location to photograph a multitude of African wildlife species with special emphasis on the big cats.

Day 11 Maasai Mara / Nairobi – After our early morning game drive we make our way to Nairobi to enjoy a fairwell supper and catch our evening flights home.

RoTP have personally put together this Safari adventure with specific needs of every photographer in mind.  Our experience and knowledge of the complex logistics of travel in Africa and our relationship with trusted local operators and outstanding guides who all have a proven history of success, allow us to put together an experience you will truly enjoy.  Utilizing our experience and knowledge we seek to elevate your photography skills to the next level.  Our personal service and attention to detail ensure not only a trip of a lifetime, but also one that allows you to capture the best wildlife images possible.

Elephants on the move

Accommodations

RoTP and our partners have chosen luxurious accommodations that are convenient and easily accessible to the wildlife that we are seeking.  With luxurious rooms or perhaps a tented camp (no not the type you used for your family vacation); we begin to spoil you from the time your vehicle pulls up to the last day.  After a day on safari you can relax in your room, enjoy a drink with your travel companions in the lounge, or relax at the pool; the options are numerous.

Travel

Unlike other safaris that crowd 8 people into a vehicle, we focus on photographic opportunities.  That is why we allow only 3 people per vehicle which allows you to have one complete row in the vehicle, so you have your own seat and an additional seat next to you, to place you camera gear and bags.  This arrangement provides complete freedom to shoot from either side of the vehicle at will and not be challenged with cramped vehicles.

Leaders/Instructors

Kelly Bolin - An adventurer, teacher, and avid wildlife and nature photographer are only a few words that describe Kelly. Respecting the natural environment and striving to capture the essence of the rich wildlife, people, and culture of the travel destinations Kelly has travelled are key to successful photography.

In addition to wildlife and nature photography Kelly is actively involved in humanitarian relief efforts in Africa and does documentary photography work for “A Better World”, a humanitarian relief organization.

With almost 35 years of photography experience and current on photography and image processing technology, Kelly is passionate about delivering the best out of the environment around him.

Mike Wanini - A native Kenyan, Mike has a keen understanding of wildlife behavior after many years as a driver/guide leading groups to many of Kenya’s wildlife parks.  Mike is a very accomplished photographer and currently works consulting customers at McBain Camera.

Costs

$7,900 U.S. gives you an experience of a lifetime in beautiful Kenya, great accommodations & food, and a great appreciation for Kenya, its people and wildlife.  ($1,500 deposit, remainder due in instalments).

If you have a non-shooting spouse (partner, child or friend) joining you, you will receive a discount, however they will be asked to sit in the passenger seat next to the driver and will not receive any personal one-on-one instruction by one of our professionals, but certainly can participate in our workshop section of the day.

What is included?

• Lodge accommodations (single room supplement)
• All meals at the lodge
• Park fees
• Professional photography instruction
• Guided services
• Sales tax
• All transportation costs while in-country

What is not included?

• Commercial airfare to Nairobi
• Tips & Gratuities to guides & camp staff
• Insurance
• Additional days beyond trip dates

I’m interested, what do I do next?

Contact us directly at workshops@ruleofthirdsphotography.com