In this course participants will be actively involved in conservation efforts, specifically the daily monitoring of two threatened species on Thanda Private Game Reserve – the African Wild Dog and Cheetah.

The team also monitors the Elephant, Buffalo, White and Black Rhino, Spotted Hyena and the Leopard populations on the reserve. The reserve also has Lion, which you will be sure to encounter while out monitoring the other species.

On morning and evening monitoring sessions with animal researchers we will focus on the study and photography of the two main species being monitored.

During and between the drives Christian will teach camera setup, basic principles, predicting animal behavior, field techniques and picture post-processing.

Learn how to take great wildlife pictures!

Photo Course with a Cause …

One Week - Conservation Oriented Wildlife Photography Course with Wildlife Photographer Christian Sperka at Thanda Private Game Reserve, Kwazulu Natal, South Africa.

present a Photography Course with Wildlife Photographer Christian Sperka.

Join us for a photography course that teaches how to achieve excellent wildlife photos while actively participating in endangered species conservation work!

Instructor Christian Sperka has spent a lot of time in South Africa photographing animals, primarily focusing on lions, leopards and cheetahs. He is an expert on wildlife photography and he will share his techniques and experience with the photography course participants.

Don't miss this great opportunity!

Benefits

What can you expect fromthis one-week wildlife photography course with Christian Sperka?

At the end you will have learned and experienced
- know how to setup the camera properly for wildlifephotography
- know all the basic rules about motion/ wildlife photography
- know how to react to different and difficult photographic situations in the bush (motion, flight, light, patience …)
- know how interpret animal behavior to be ready for your shot

You also get an insight into picture post processing – from review and selection to turning your good shot into an outstanding picture (Christianwill show/use Adobe Photoshop and Lightroom as well as ACDSee Pro and Paintshop Pro).

You should bring your own laptop to be able to get into post-processing right then and there.

Once you are registered for the course Christian will be personally in touch with you to advise you on any equipment or other course related questions you may have. As Christian will only take four course participants in one class you will get personal attention all the way.

2010 Courses
Course1 – August 16-20, 2010 (4 nights)
Course2 – August 23-27, 2010 (4 nights)

Location: Thanda Private Game Reserve, South Africa
Total costs per person: ZAR 9,600 (approx. USD 1,300)
(all inclusive except flights, transfers and alcohol)

Board and lodging: Basic rustic accommodation with home style cooking. Each person has their own chalet (discounts available for double occupancy)

How to get there: Thanda is accessible from the N2 motorway. The closest commercial airport is Richards Bay and the closest international airport is Durban. We can arrange transfer fromRichards Bay.

The course starts midday on Monday.  Contact This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it for more information and/ or bookings.

The survival of Africa’s critically endangered species is in your hands, the current generation. Scientist have estimated that if we do not stem the tide threatening over 400 endangered animals and species of wildlife in Africawithin the next 20 years, they will be lost
forever.  Wildlife ACT is a passionate and experienced teamthat implement and manage tracking and wildlife conservation projects on reserves across Zululand, South Africa, using endangered species volunteers and forms a critical step in the conservation of critically endangered animals like the Wild Dog, Cheetah and Black Rhino to name a few.

Program (typical day)
- Sunrise to ~ 9 a.m.
Morning monitoring drive
- ~ 9 a.m.– 11 a.m.
Breakfast and relax time
- 11 a.m. – 12 p.m.
Photography coursemeeting
Topic of the day
- 1 p.m.– 3 p.m.
Lunch and relax time
- 2 p.m.– 3 p.m.
Photography clinic
Christian is available for Q&A
- 3 p.m.– sunset
Eveningmonitoring drive
- after sunset
Dinner

Materials Required
- A digital camera (with the ability to adjust aperture/shutter speed/ ISO speed = a digital SLR)
- At least a 300mm lens
- A laptop is optional but recommended for post-processing sessions