Summary

Babanango Private Game Reserve is a stunning 22.000 hectare nature reserve, with arguably the most stunning landscapes of the entire province of KwaZulu-Natal. Think of mountainous savanna, rolling hills, rocky outcrops, forests and meandering streams and rivers. And aloes... Lot's of aloes! Having those aloes as an interesting foreground, combine this with the almost total lack of light pollution, and you have the perfect setting for an epic astrophotography workshop! Join us and learn about how to take those amazing photos of the milky way, how to shoot star trails and about other night-photography techniques, as well as how to successfully edit such images.

Although the focus of this particular workshop is on astrophotography, there will be ample opportunity to enjoy landscape, wildlife and macrophotography. We will be out and about most of each day, and can tailor the workshop to the participants needs and interest. 
​WHEN
3 - 7 July 2023
PRICE
R21, 900 Per Person
FOCUS
Astrophotography, but also landscape, wildlife and macro photography
GROUP SIZE
6 MAX
(Please note, we need a minimum of 2 guests to run this workshop)
INSTRUCTOR GUEST RATIO
1:3
DURATION
5 DAYS - 4 nights
ACCOMMODATION TYPE
Luxury suites
NUMBER OF DESTINATIONS
2 lodges in the same reserve

In Detail

Astrophotography
This workshop is tailored around astrophotography, with the new moon allowing for extra dark nights, and all the aloes will be in full flower. This is of course an epic combination! During the day there will be theory tuition where we help you work on your astro-images, and teach you various techniques on making them really stand out. 

Having said that, we will also be out most of the days, doing game drives, allowing us to shoot wildlife, landscapes, macro etc. So all in all it is a truly allround workshop, and a great option for anyone, beginner or advanced, to hone their nature photography skills.  ​
Key highlights
           Photograph:
  • The night sky in one of the cleanest light-pollution free areas in South Africa
  • A kaleidoscope of different yet stunning landscapes
  • Free roaming wildlife such as zebra, giraffe, antelope
  • Hundreds of flowering aloes and the bird & insect life they attract

           Enjoy:
  • Superb luxury accommodation and food at Zulu Rock Lodge and Babanango Valley Lodge
  • Almost zero light pollution, while photographing in the middle of nature 
  • Probably the world's best instructor to participant ratio, allowing for a steep learning curve
  • Having highly experienced tutors watching over your shoulder helping you on the spot as you craft your image
  • Spending time with like minded people in one of the most beautiful reserves in South Africa

           Learn about:​
  • Creative Composition: The basics and beyond, such as The Element Approach, Balancing Composition etc. 
  • Basic to advanced techniques in digital landscape photography. There are two instructors (on groups of 4 or more participants) meaning that virtually all levels of photographer can be catered for. 
  • Workflow & digital asset management. 
  • ​How to create awe-inspiring Astrophotography and Star-trail images. 
  • How to create panoramic images. 
  • How to create time lapses (optional) 
  • Advanced composition for landscape imagery 
  • Post-production using Lightroom and Photoshop
itinerary
Day 1
We meet up around lunchtime at Zulu Rock Lodge for an orientation talk, and then head out for a sunset game drive, We spend a relaxed evening at the lodge getting to know each other and discussing the days ahead as well as getting a feel for the photography sessions that will be planned.
Day 2
We go out before dawn for a sunrise shoot at a beautiful rocky area, whereafter we continue on a game drive back to the lodge for a late breakfast. We then transfer to Babanango Valley Lodge & have some rest as we have a late night ahead. After high tea we head out for a game drive to a high point in the reserve, where we'll spend quite some time photographing the milky way! Basically as long as we need haha! Our dinner will comprise of hearty snacks while shooting in the middle of the bush. 
day 3
A similar day as day two, with an early morning shoot & game drive. Then after breakfast we will have time for seminars, learning how to edit images, stitch panorama images together etc. After the afternoon game drive, we have a bush dinner, and while the chef is doing his magic, we will be shooting the milky way again. 
day 4
​Today participants have the option to sleep in a little and rest, or join us on a sunrise shoot and morning game drive. Late morning and early afternoon we have teaching sessions again for those who want, or you can rest at the lodge. After dinner, we have a night drive where we can look for nocturnal animals, or if you prefer we can do another astrophotography shoot.
day 5
Our last day, we do a dawn shoot followed by a game drive. We have our last breakfast together, check out and we'll all go our own way again. 
dates
This is an annual workshop. The 2023 edition starts in 3 juli, and ends 7 juli.
Dates for 2024 are not set in stone as yet, please email us to be informed of dates for 2024 and receive a 10% discount of the price...
Price
R21, 900 Per Person. Minimum 2 participants, maximum 4 participants.

Workshop Includes:

  • All lodging in single rooms.
  • All meals for the duration of the workshop
  • Private safari vehicle and safari guide, 
  • Photography guidance by an instructor from the Nature's Light team
  • All tuition including teaching material and hand-outs
  • All entrance fees and photography permits

Workshop Excludes:
  • Transport to and from Babanango
  • Non-meal time snacks
  • Possible extra excursions/activities and/or additional days
  • Tips for staff
  • Travel insurances (mandatory!)
  • Photographic gear rental (if required)

The Nature's Light Terms and Conditions apply to your booking with us. For more information see: 
Nature's Light Terms and Conditions