Capturing the Wild: My journey with Canon on a photography course
Words by Chloe Amber Bainbridge Lane, Career Course Student
Taking a photography course in the breathtaking Marataba Game Reserve was an unforgettable experience that deepened my passion for wildlife photography and transformed my skills behind the lens. Surrounded by sweeping landscapes, dramatic mountain backdrops, and an array of wildlife, Marataba offered the perfect setting to learn, explore and capture nature’s wonders.
Mastering the art of patience and precision
Over the next few days of the photography course, I learned that wildlife photography is an exercise in patience. Waiting for the perfect moment to capture an animal in action required both skill and persistence. The Canon instructor encouraged us to observe behaviour patterns, helping us anticipate key moments. This proved invaluable when I was able to photograph two European bee-eaters coming in to land on a tree branch. We had been watching these two birds for a while, and I managed to capture a beautiful picture of them.
The instructor covered techniques like shooting at fast shutter speeds to freeze motion and experimenting with low-light shots for more dramatic, moody images. These all helped me get beautiful photos.
Beyond technique: Telling a story
One of the most rewarding aspects of the course was the emphasis on storytelling. Each photo session was a chance to capture not just an image, but a story.
This photo I got when I was sitting near to the river in Marataba. There was a herd of elephants, with two tiny babies. I got to witness magical interactions between one baby and its mother. I loved watching the dynamic between the mother and calf; the calf looked nervous with the vehicle and was trying to hide behind its mother – this is when I got this beautiful picture.
From this, I learnt how to compose shots that evoke emotion and convey the unique character of each animal. It was incredible to see how subtle changes in perspective or lighting could bring out the spirit of wildlife and the raw beauty of Marataba.
Reflection: A new perspective on photography
As the course concluded, I felt both inspired and accomplished. The Canon instructor equipped me with technical skills, but even more valuable was the fresh perspective on wildlife photography. Marataba taught me to slow down, observe and capture moments that are more than just images – they’re memories and experiences.
Looking back, this course was not just about photography; it was an adventure, a learning journey, and a deep connection with nature. Now, every time I look through my photos, I’m reminded of the beautiful moments and the thrill of capturing the wild in its purest form.
