Background

Johan Jooste is a seasoned photographer from Namibia with 38 years of experience. He is also an expert on Namibia, having spent many years exploring and capturing the country's stunning landscapes and wildlife through his camera lens. He has a deep understanding of Namibia's natural beauty and offers workshops to teach others how to photograph it. Additionally, his photographs of Namibia are available to purchase on his website.

Landscapes

Look for interesting compositions, such as leading lines or contrasting elements.
Use a tripod to keep your camera steady, especially in low light or when using a long exposure.
Use a polarizing filter to reduce glare and increase color saturation.
Experiment with different times of day to capture the best light, such as golden hour or blue hour.
Use a wide aperture (small f-stop number) to create a shallow depth of field, which can help separate the subject from the background.
Use a cable release or self-timer to reduce camera shake when taking a photo.
Consider the weather and the season, as different conditions can create unique moods in your photos.
Scout locations before the shoot, and return at different times to see how the light changes.
Take multiple shots of the same scene from different angles and with different settings to ensure you get the best shot.
Lastly, don't be afraid to get close to your subjects and try new things!

Wildlife

Get close to your subject: Use a long lens or get as close as possible to the animal to fill the frame and create a more impactful image.
Use natural light: Try to shoot during the golden hours of sunrise and sunset for the best light.
Be patient: Wildlife photography often requires a lot of waiting for the right moment to capture an animal in the right pose or behavior.
Use a tripod: A steady camera is essential for sharp images, especially when using a long lens or low light.
Learn animal behavior: Understanding the behavior and habits of your subject will help you predict their actions and be in the right place at the right time.
Be respectful: Remember that you are a guest in the animal's home, so always approach wildlife with respect and minimize your impact on their environment.
Use appropriate techniques: Use techniques like continuous shooting, panning, or burst mode to capture fast-moving subjects.
Edit with care: In post-processing, be selective about the images you keep and edit with care to ensure that the final image accurately represents the scene as you saw it.

Birds

Use a fast shutter speed to freeze bird movement.
Use a long lens to get close-up shots without disturbing the birds.
Use a tripod or bean bag to stabilize your camera.
Use a high ISO to ensure good exposure in low light.
Use a shallow depth of field to isolate the bird from its background.
Use a shutter release or self-timer to eliminate camera shake.
Use burst mode to capture multiple shots in quick succession.
Be patient and wait for the right moment to take the shot.
Learn bird behavior and take advantage of their habits.
Respect the birds and their environment, and always follow ethical guidelines.

Insects & Lizards

Use a fast shutter speed to freeze the movement of the insect.
Use a tripod or stabilizer to keep your camera steady.
Use a close-up lens or a macro lens to get detailed shots of the insect.
Use a flash or external light source to illuminate the subject and reduce shadows.
Get down to the insect's level to shoot from its perspective.
Use a neutral-density filter to reduce the amount of light entering the lens and enable you to use a wider aperture for a shallower depth of field.
Be patient and wait for the perfect shot.
Try to shoot during early morning or late afternoon for the best lighting.
Try to shoot in natural habitat
Use a remote trigger or self-timer to reduce camera shake when pressing the shutter button.

Lizard photography can be challenging due to the fast movement and skittish nature of lizards. It's important to use a fast shutter speed to freeze the action and a high ISO to ensure a properly exposed image. Using a telephoto lens can also help you get closer to the lizard without disturbing it. It's also a good idea to approach the lizard slowly and quietly and to be patient while waiting for the right moment to take the shot. Additionally, consider the background and lighting to make sure they are suitable for the image you want to capture.

Trees & Plants

Use a tripod: Trees and plants can be tall and difficult to photograph without a steady camera. A tripod will help you keep your camera steady and avoid blur.
Get close: Get close to your subject and focus on a specific part of the tree or plant. This will help create a sense of intimacy and show off the fine details.
Use natural light: If possible, photograph trees and plants in natural light. This will give your photos a more natural and organic look.
Play with angles: Experiment with different angles and perspectives. Try shooting from low to the ground or from above.
Use a wide aperture: A wide aperture (low f-stop number) will create a shallow depth of field, which will blur the background and make your subject stand out.
Use a polarizing filter: A polarizing filter will help reduce glare and increase color saturation.
Use selective focus: Use selective focus techniques to draw attention to specific parts of the tree or plant. This can be done by using a wide aperture or by using a technique called focus stacking.
Consider the background: Keep an eye on the background and make sure that it doesn't distract from the subject. A simple background can make the subject stand out more.
Edit carefully: Finally, be mindful of your post-processing. Avoid over-editing your photos, and try to keep the colors and tones as natural as possible.

NAMIBIA