Question 1

What Camera Gear Should I Take?

Accepted Answer

For most wildlife photography trips, I recommend a DSLR, bridge or mirrorless camera or similar. A  zoom lens in the 100-400mm range will offer adequate range for most encounters, although a teleconverter can give extra reach for photographing shyer animals.

On many tours, a wide-angle lens of 24-105mm or a GoPro is recommended for landscapes, sunrises/sets, and creative images of approachable wildlife.

Binoculars are handy for picking off animals at distance. I always suggest taking as much as you can, because you never know what opportunities might arise!

Tripods are rarely necessary, and a beanbag or monopod will usually be sufficient. We may provide tripods and gimbals in some cases, such as for hide photography sessions.

I will carefully take into consideration your equipment and skillset for each wildlife photography trip. Upon booking, you will receive a recommended kit list. If you have any queries about what to take, please feel free to contact me.

Question 2

What Cameras Do Professional Wildlife Photographers Use?

Accepted Answer

Wildlife photography professionals use a range of cameras from Canon, Nikon and Sony, prioritising fast autofocus, subject tracking, durability, and long-lens support over brand alone.

If you need specific camera recommendations, you can get in contact with me. I’m happy to offer advice or lease Sony kit out to you.

Question 3

Can I Hire Kit?

Accepted Answer

Yes! On some wildlife photo safaris and workshops, there will be the opportunity to use the latest Sony kit, as part of my partnership with Sony.

I also offer discounted kit hire with Lenses For Hire (10% on UK tours, and up to 25% for overseas tours).

If you intend to invest in any new equipment for a workshop or photo tour, I'm always happy to offer advice so you find the right fit for you. This gives you an opportunity to try out some of the fastest lenses and top cameras at very good costs. Just ask for my advice before booking.

Question 4

Are Workshops And Photo Tours Suitable For Beginners?

Accepted Answer

In most cases, yes! I often have beginners on my workshops and UK photo tours. As I work with small groups, I can provide help on a more individual basis to those who need it most.

Some wildlife photography trips are more suitable for beginners than others, so it's best to ask this when you send your initial enquiry.

Question 5

Is Photography Worth Pursuing?

Accepted Answer

Wildlife photography is definitely worth pursuing, particularly for those drawn to creativity, storytelling, and observation. As camera technology evolves, having a strong vision, patience, and personal style remains far more valuable than equipment alone.

Question 6

Are the All-Inclusive Photo Tours Suitable For A Chilled Holiday?

Accepted Answer

Depends! The focus of my workshops and wildlife photo safaris is on learning photography skills and building an impressive portfolio of images, which can require early mornings and long days out to maximise photography opportunities (with a break in the middle of the day).

Don't expect a "feet up" holiday, as this is about getting fantastic results and good value for money experiences.

That said, there are opportunities should you you wish to rest one day, soak up local culture or photo opportunities closer to our accommodation.

Question 7

What Does a Photography Package Include?

Accepted Answer

A photo tour package typically includes accommodation, guiding, local permits, and ground transport. Some tours have image review and editing sessions. International flights are usually arranged separately.

Some but not all meals will be included.

Question 8

What Meals Are in the All-Inclusive Photo Tours?

Accepted Answer

For some tour locations, breakfast is included, and sometimes other meals. 
(e.g. The  Rainforest Animals Of Panama has all meals included).

We will generally eat traditional, fresh, local cuisine. Anyone with a specialised diet or allergies should speak to me before booking, as in very remote rural areas, there can be a limited choice of food options. For most tours, it is easy to cater for vegetarian and vegan diets.

Not all meals are included, as it works in everyone's favour if we pay our own meal costs. That way, you don't end up paying more for food, especially if you have a smaller appetite.

For a few tours in the UK and Spain, we have the option of self-catering. Paul will volunteer to cook in order to be more flexible with mealtimes.

Do get in contact if you have any further questions.

Question 9

Do Photo Tours Have Single Occupancy Rooms?

Accepted Answer

In most cases, yes. Rooms are private and often en-suite (single/double occupancy).

For longer overseas photo tours (e.g. East India Tigers), we can offer shared and single occupancy. A single supplement may be offered, with any charges kept as low as possible. As the lodges and hotels we use for such trips are mostly small, family-run places, they may apply single supplements in order to cover their limited room capacity.

If you’d prefer to share, we’re usually able to match guests with someone of a similar age and the same sex who is also keen to share, which can be a great way to keep costs down. Just let us know your preference in advance.

Question 10

What's The Weather Like?

Accepted Answer

It is always best to contact me directly through the Contact form if you have any concerns about weather on a wildlife photo safari. A full recommended kit list will be sent to you upon booking, so you are wearing appropriate clothing for our scheduled activities.

Question 11

Will We Be Up Early?

Accepted Answer

Yes. The best conditions for photography and animal behaviours are often around sunrise and sunset, so I'll try to ensure that we are in good locations at these times.

Question 12

Is There Much Walking?

Accepted Answer

Most photo tours require minimal to light walking on even terrain, and use transportation between photography locations. There are often plenty of photo opportunities even around our accommodation.

Even in more mountainous locations (e.g. Abruzzo Adventure, East India, Raptors Of The Pyrenees), walking is generally very short distance, and many species can be observed from roadsides. There are optional longer walks across moderate terrain for certain trickier species.

When you contact me for a tour enquiry, please let me know of any mobility issues or concerns. I can recommend tours suited to your level of fitness and mobility.

Question 13

Will We Cover Photoshop/Editing?

Accepted Answer

My international and UK photo tours will try to include some basic guidance on image processing and selection, to help you make the most of your images. This will be during the evening or during any spells of poor weather. We'll also explore creative ideas and techniques that we'd like to explore over the coming days.

I won't be teaching in-depth Photoshop or Lightroom from scratch on a regular photo tour. I offer a longer dedicated course for this purpose. Do however feel free to bring along some of your photos and I'll be happy to lend some critique, if time allows.

Question 14

How Do I Get To The Wildlife Photography Trip Location?

Accepted Answer

A Welcome Pack will be sent to you upon booking, with full details of where and when to meet.

For UK-based workshops, I usually try to meet people at a landmark or station close to our photo locations.

For overseas tours, we usually meet at the airport, either in the UK or at our final destination.

Please ask my advice through the Contact form if you have any travel related questions or queries about flights.

Question 15

The Tour Is Fully Booked - How Can I Book A Spot?

Accepted Answer

For popular tours, I have a waiting list for the current and following year. Details of new tours are sent out to those who subscribe to my eNewsletter.

It is best to Make An Enquiry on the relevant tour booking page, to register your interest. I will get in touch as soon as possible about whether a place is available. If a trip is over-subscribed, I will often offer an additional tour, so you shouldn't have to wait too long!

Question 16

When Do We Receive Our Final Joining Instructions?

Accepted Answer

Your Welcome Pack and Final Instructions (including kit lists, and details of where and when to meet) are typically sent out 2-3 months prior to departure. In the event of delay, please contact me directly through the Contact form.

Question 17

Will Paul Be Taking Photos During The Wildlife Photo Tour?

Accepted Answer

Yes I will. I will always prioritise your photography and be there for you to ask me questions at any time. There is a lot to learn from watching a professional wildlife photographer at work, from their shooting position to compositional choices. You can look through my camera any time to see the choices I make.

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