Gorilla Photography: photographing mountain gorillas in their natural habitat is one of the most rewarding yet challenging experiences for a photographer. You are often in a dark, dense forest with high humidity, tracking subjects that may be moving through thick jungle and mountainous terrain.
While in the presence of the Gorillas, you only have one hour to observe them and take the photos, so every second counts. To ensure you come back home with a collection of images that do justice to the experience, you need to be prepared both technically and mentally. Here are five essential gorilla photography tips for your gorilla safari.
1. Master Your Low-Light Settings
The Bwindi Impenetrable Forest and Volcanoes National Park are named for their thick, forested nature and the mountainous terrain. Even on a sunny day, the forest floor can be quite dark. Since flash photography is strictly prohibited to protect the gorillas’ eyes and prevent them from becoming disturbed, you must rely on your camera’s sensor. Don’t be afraid to push your ISO settings. Depending on your camera, ISO 1600, 3200, or even higher may be necessary to maintain a fast enough shutter speed. Aim for at least 1/200th of a second to avoid motion blur, especially if the gorillas are playing or feeding.
2. Focus on the Eyes and Expressions
Gorillas are humans’ close relatives, and their eyes carry an incredible depth of emotion. To create a powerful portrait, your focus must be pin-sharp on the eyes. Use a single-point autofocus mode rather than an ‘all-points’ mode, which might accidentally focus on a leaf in front of the gorilla’s face. If you are using a mirrorless camera with ‘animal eye-tracking,’ it can be a game-changer here. Capturing a silverback’s thoughtful gaze or a baby gorilla’s playful wink is what makes a photograph truly stand out.
3. Choosing the Right Lens
While it’s tempting to bring your largest telephoto lens, remember that you will be hiking through a thick jungle and steep terrain. A 70-200mm f/2.8 lens is widely considered the perfect tool for gorilla trekking. The f/2.8 aperture allows more light in, helping with those dark forest conditions, and the zoom range is ideal for capturing both full-body shots and tight portraits. A second body with a wider lens (like a 24-70mm) is also useful for capturing ‘environmental portraits’ that show the gorillas within the context of their natural home.
4. Composition in the Chaos
The jungle is messy. There are branches, leaves, and vines everywhere that can clutter your shot. Instead of fighting the vegetation, use it to your advantage. Use a shallow depth of field (a low f-number) to blur out the foreground and background, creating a ‘frame’ of green around your subject. This draws the viewer’s eye directly to the gorilla and helps manage the busy environment. Look for moments of interaction—a mother grooming her infant or a silverback patrolling his family—to tell a story through your composition.
5. Equipment Protection and Post-Trek Care
The rainforest is humid and often rainy. Bring a high-quality rain cover for your camera and plenty of lens cloths. If your lens fogs up, don’t panic—wipe it gently and wait for it to adjust to the temperature. After your trek, it is vital to clean your gear. Wipe down your camera body to remove moisture and dust, and store it in a dry place. Bringing some silica gel packets to keep in your camera bag can help absorb any lingering humidity.
The Most Important Rule: Put the Camera Down
While you want great photos, don’t forget actually to see the gorillas with your own eyes. Take a few minutes during your 1 hour with the gorillas to put the camera away and watch them. The connection you feel when looking into the eyes of a mountain gorilla is something no photograph can fully capture. Balance your gorilla photography goals with the life-changing experience of being in the presence of mountain gorillas at a 7 meter gap!
Experienced webmaster and copywriter with 16 years of experience in the East African tourism industry. Jerome possess excellent knowledge about gorilla trekking, wildlife safaris, chimpanzee tracking, and accommodations across major destinations in East Africa.
