Learn how to back up and protect your wildlife photos in the field. My CKGR workflow shows how to keep your files safe even in the most remote safari camps

What camera gear should you pack for a self-drive safari? Here’s my complete kit list — cameras, lenses, and must-have accessories for photographing Africa’s wildlife independently

Wildlife photography is about respect as much as creativity. Discover the ethical lines I refuse to cross and why integrity matters more than getting the perfect shot

Not sure if you should upgrade to the Canon R5 Mark II? In this post, I break down what’s new, why gear alone won’t improve your shots, and when it actually makes sense to upgrade your current setup

Thinking about visiting the Central Kalahari for wildlife photography? Discover what makes this remote safari destination unique, the best time to visit, and whether it’s worth the trip for photographers

Plan your safari photography trip with our month-by-month guide to Africa’s best seasons. Learn when and where to capture iconic wildlife moments for stunning photos

Choosing between a 600mm prime and a 100-500mm zoom for safari photography? We break down the pros, cons, and use cases to help you decide which lens fits your needs

A wildlife photographer in the CKGR faces the frustration of missing predator sightings, until an unexpected, coordinated jackal hunt of a springbok unfolds before him. In this short piece, he reflects on the raw power of nature and the value of stepping back, putting down the camera, and simply observing the wild

Both types of safari—guided and self-drive—have a place in your wildlife photography journey.

But they couldn’t be more different.

If you’re planning your first trip (or your tenth), here’s what I’ve learned after years of switching between the two, and some honest thoughts about when to pick one over the other.

Even after countless safaris, expensive lenses, and thousands of shutter clicks, I still make mistakes. Some are technical. Others are mental. But they all sneak up on me when I least expect them.

And I’ve learned the hard way that safari photography is not about perfection; it’s about reacting fast, staying humble, and constantly learning.

Here it is: five safari photography mistakes I still make—and what I try to do differently each time.