A mountain gorilla pictures safari is one of the most amazing wildlife travel experiences left in the world today. There is nothing quite like getting within touching distance of a silverback or baby mountain gorilla.
It's an experience you will never forget and the gorilla pictures you take in the hour that you are allowed to spend with the group will be fond reminders of this amazing experience. Here is how to make sure your photos turn out decently and how to visit these rare primates in their natural habitat...
Gorilla Pictures and Safari Tips
Because you are only allowed to spend one hour in the company of the gorillas, it pays to be well prepared beforehand to make the most of the photographic opportunities.
Light is going to be a challenge unless you are very lucky to find the group out in the open on a sunny day. In general it will be reasonably dark in the canopy and the apes will often be obscured by dense vegetation so many of your photographs might be blurred. It will be a very good idea to use bracketing here to get the best exposure and sharpness.
Remember that flash photography is NOT allowed under any circumstances. Take a look at the gorilla picture and you will understand why you shouldn't risk upsetting this guy with a bright light flash.
An ideal lens to take along is one with a 70 - 210 mm range because you are not allowed to come within 7 metres of the primates even though in practise they do sometimes come closer. A longer lens will be of no use because of the dense forest vegetation.
Being quiet around the gorillas ensures that they don't become agitated and possibly move off so you need a camera that is as quiet as possible.
To keep all your photographic bits and bobs handy it is a bonus to have a vest with a lot of pockets. You aren't allowed to put anything on the ground for fear of it arousing curiosity in the gorillas and causing them to pick it up (and contract human germs) so you will have to carry all your equipment at all times.
If you are familiar with its use, take a monopod with to stabilise the camera in low light conditions. And remember to pack something waterproof to store all your camera equipment in. You will be in a rainforest after all.