THE APPRENTICE SHOOT WITH A PRO
THE TIGER KINGS
Learn to take great big cat photos on a UK safari as our Apprentice spends a VIP day at Longleat with pro wildlife photographer Ben Hall
CANON PRO
NAME: BEN HALL
CAMERA: CANON EOS-1D X Mk II
PROFESSIONAL CANON wildlife photographer Ben Hall, 43, is based in Cheshire, and started photography in his teen years. Turning pro in 2003, he’s since won countless bird and wildlife photography awards. He runs group and 1-2-1 photography workshops throughout the UK, focusing on iconic British wildlife, as well as running trips to more exotic locations overseas, photographing everything from big cats to bears. For more information visit www. benhallphotography.com
APPRENTICE
NAME: SIMON CARDER
CAMERA: CANON EOS R5
SIMON, 56, is an internal auditor and semi-pro wildlife photographer based near Bath. When he is not working he spends his time shooting everything from insects to birds around Somerset and further afield. Simon is a published and award-winning photographer himself. He asked for our help to perfect his safari photo techniques, trying a 500mm telephoto prime lens, and getting to grips with all the new AF settings on his R5! Find his portfolio and more info at www.simoncarder photography.com
The Canon Magazine
HOT
SHOT
#1
Lens Canon EF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS II USM
Exposure 1/500 sec, f/4, ISO1250
SIMON’S COMMENT
" We started our VIP photo experience at Longleat in the 4X4 zebra truck. Our guide was able to drive off-road to position us perfectly on either side of the lions, ensuring that we had better backgrounds, instead of the fencing of enclosures. This female came so close that I only needed my 70-200mm lens. I shot at f/4 to make sure her whole head was sharp in shot. We needed to adjust the white balance, as the grass had added a green colour cast to the lion’s fur. "
PRO TIP
OUT-OF-FOCUS FOREGROUNDS
BY INCLUDING a foreground you’re creating the perception of depth. Look for natural foliage that you can use in-between you and the subject, and set a wide aperture to blow it out of focus. It also gives you shots that give that ‘wild’ feeling of spying from the undergrowth.
TOP GEAR #1
Pro Canon EOS body
BEN USES the flagship Canon EOS-1D X Mark II DSLR for all its pro-quality features. Being weather sealed with a robust body is key when working out on location. The EOS-1D X Mark II meets the durability requirements, it also has top-class performance with its superior 14fps burst speed, intelligent autofocus tracking and high ISO image and colour quality.