Wildlife Photography – Weekend Workshop
Join Photo-Africa and Moya Wa Tenga Safaris as we set out to capture one of nature’s most fascinating phenomena – Great White Sharks Breaching off Seal Island in Cape Town - on camera!
From 8 to 11 July 2011, we will be taking over the Boulders Beach Lodge in Simonstown as we set up base and prepare to capture the natural predation and breaching of these magnificent beasts. We have linked up with the best operator to provide you with the greatest opportunity of photographing the predatory behavior of these amazing creatures. Chris & Monique Fallows, of Apex Predators, have been involved in the filming of a number of documentaries over the years and their expertise and experience will provide us with the best chance of capturing these majestic predators on camera.
This photographic workshop will be led by Gerry van der Walt and Andrew Beck. Gerry is a wildlife photographer, owner of Photo-Africa, and field guide who combines a passion for nature photography with an in depth knowledge of African wildlife. Andrew, the owner of Moya Wa Tenga Safaris, is a qualified conservation biologist and field guide who is passionate about photography and wildlife conservation in South Africa.
Please note that this inaugural white shark workshop will be limited to 10 photographers.
Photographic Goals
The main goal of this photographic weekend workshop is to gain a greater understanding of how to use your digital camera to capture fast moving wildlife subjects, in this case, the breaching behavior of the great white sharks around Seal Island.
Other than that we will also be photographing:
- Penguins on and around Boulders Beach.
- The 64,000 strong Cape Fur Seal colony.
- Birdlife around Boulders Beach and Seal Island.
- Landscapes and seascapes during the weekend.
The first part of the photography workshop will be conducted on Saturday morning during which we will focus on the technical and creative aspects of wildlife photography. This will be followed by an afternoon shooting the penguins at boulders beach and prepping equipment for the following days main activity – the breaching of the great whites.
On Sunday afternoon, each photographer will have the opportunity to show a few of their best images during an informal crit session and debriefing, providing an excellent opportunity to review the mornings shoot and any problems that photographers might have had. Our goal is to do our utmost to help photographers attain their own personal photographic goals during the trip.
The Itinerary
Friday 8 July 2011
You will be met at Cape Town International by one of the tour leaders before heading off on your scheduled transfer to Boulders Beach Lodge in Simonstown. The rest of the evening will be spent getting to know the group and finalizing the arrangements for the rest of the weekend.
Saturday 9 July 2011
After breakfast we will commence with the morning workshop. After breaking for lunch we will head down to Boulders beach to spend some time photographing the penguins as they go about their daily activities. African penguins at the Boulders Beach colony in Simons Town notably less nervous than other African penguins, and are unusually tame and accustomed to people. This provides excellent photographic opportunities.
Sunday 10 July 2011
After an early breakfast we will make our way to the nearby Simons Town Harbour. The day will then run more or less as follows:
- 06h50: Meet crew at Simon’s Town Pier. Guests are welcomed aboard and a full safety and weather briefing is given before departure.
- 07h00: Depart for Seal Island, False Bay. (25 to 35 minute boat ride)
- 07h35 to 12h30: Arrive at Seal Island, False Bay shortly before sunrise. This is the optimum time to have a chance of observing the natural predation behavior that makes Seal Island so unique. The great whites of Seal Island are now world famous for their highly athletic breaches in pursuit of Cape Fur seals which they hunt in the area. We will observe natural predatory behavior for as long as possible; however it is usually the first hour and a half that is the most intense.
After this period the crew will try a short decoy tow using a fake cut out carpet seal where they try to get the sharks to breach. It is a very unique way to elicit predatory behavior and has been very useful to help us identify different strategies adopted by the different sharks. After the decoy tow, we will do an inspection lap around Seal Island looking for any signs of bitten or injured seals. These observations are recorded for research & conservation purposes.
This is a great opportunity to get close to the 64 000 strong Cape Fur seal colony that has made Seal Island their home. Thereafter we choose the best spot to anchor up based on weather conditions and attract sharks to our vessel. Once a shark approaches, a small piece of bait is put in the water to keep the sharks interested around the boat for identification and viewing purposes. At no point are the sharks purposefully fed or handled. We do not use shark livers or any other attractants that have a negative impact on the environment and all efforts are made to avoid the sharks coming into contact with our vessel.
If the weather conditions are favorable, i.e. good visibility and workable seas, the cage is lowered into the water for cage diving. Safety precautions and operational procedures are then explained to the diver wishing to enter the cage. It is important to know that the sharks come very close to the boat so it is not necessary to dive in order to see them. So for those guests not wishing to dive they will still have excellent views of the Great White Shark.
Lunch which usually consists of rolls with cold meats as well as a vegetarian option, accompanied by soft drinks, fruit juice, bottled water and a variety of snacks are available throughout the course of the day.
12h30: Boat will arrive back in Simon’s Town Harbor depending on the weather conditions and shark activity.
After a short break and a shower to freshen up after the mornings activities, we will convene in the conference room for an informal crit session and debriefing, providing an excellent opportunity to review the mornings shoot and any problems that photographers might have had.
Monday 11 July
Shortly after breakfast you will be transferred back to Cape Town International for your onwards travel arrangements.
Cost
- Workshop Cost: R 5 500.00 per person sharing (Full package – includes accommodation and breakfast at Boulders Beach Lodge)
- Workshop Cost: R 3,750 per person (Exclusive of accommodation option; for photographers from Cape Town area)
- A 25% deposit is payable to confirm your booking.
- Balance is due 30 days before safari.
- Rates are based on double occupancy so please contact us for details on single supplements
Included
- Return transfers from Cape Town International Airport. (Please contact us for preferred flight details)
- Three nights accommodation at the Boulders Beach Lodge on a bed and breakfast basis.
- Photography Workshop & Notes.
- Entrance to Boulders Beach.
- Half day White Shark Boat Trip.
- Dive Gear (Small to XXL are available).
- Light lunch, snacks, fruit and refreshments on board the boat.
- The services of professional field guides & Photographic guides.
- Use of prime lenses for both Canon & Nikon cameras on a first come first served basis.
Not Included
- Flights
- Items of a personal nature.
- Meals not mentioned in the itinerary.
- Gratuities. (at your discretion)
- Travel insurance.
- Visas (if applicable).
Should you have any questions, or would like to book for this photographic weekend, please don’t hesitate to contact us at info@moyawatenga.co.za
We look forward sharing this incredible experience with you!
Gerry van der Walt & Andrew Beck
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