Photographing The Jungle Giants in the Wild
By
Michael Kirkland
Meeting Summary
The "Photographing The Jungle Giants in the Wild" presentation shares images and information into the journey of two wildlife photo adventures. You will learn about the endangered Mountain Gorillas in Uganda, and some of the most intelligent and captivating animals on Earth, the critically endangered Sumatran orangutan. You will see beautiful images of these jungle giants in their natural habitats of lush, mist-covered mountains.
This presentation will share valuable information for considering to taking part in a wildlife adventure, including the challenges and rewards of photographing in a rainforest. It will also provide information on the physical nature involved, photographic equipment, clothing recommendations, meals and accommodations.
You will learn about a wildlife team that knows exactly how to create safe, ethical encounters while providing unmatched photographic opportunities.
More than a photography expedition, see how an experience like these can become a life-changing journey that connects you deeply to nature and wildlife, leaving you with extraordinary images, while actively supporting conservation efforts
Quick recap
Michael presented a detailed account of his wildlife photography tours, focusing on trips to Uganda to photograph gorillas and Sumatra to photograph orangutans. He shared insights into the preparation, experiences, and challenges of these tours, emphasizing the importance of research, equipment, and guides. Michael highlighted the endangered status of the Tapanuli orangutan and discussed the impact of palm oil plantations on their habitat. He also shared his process for post-processing images and mentioned future photography goals, including capturing mandrills in Gabon. The conversation ended with a brief overview of upcoming club programs and events.
Summary
Clarifying Photoshop Credits System
The meeting began with technical difficulties regarding audio and muting issues, which were eventually resolved. Don joined the call and expressed interest in the program, mentioning he had previously dropped out due to its technical complexity and irrelevance to his work. Sandwich explained the concept of credits in Adobe Photoshop, clarifying how they are used for generative fills and other features, and noted that other software like Luminar and OnOne also use a similar system. Sharon and Don shared their experiences with Adobe Elements and expressed confusion about the credits system, which Sandwich helped clarify. The group discussed the potential benefits of understanding these features for future reference.
Endangered Wildlife Photography Presentation
Jennifer introduced Michael, who was scheduled to present his wildlife photography, particularly focusing on endangered species. Michael was described as an accomplished photographer who captures animals in a way that makes them appear as if they are not in enclosures. Jennifer mentioned her own passion for endangered species photography and expressed excitement for Michael's presentation.
Wildlife Photography Tour Presentations
Michael presented on two photo tours, focusing on wildlife photography experiences. He shared his background in photography and detailed a tour in Uganda to photograph silverback gorillas, which included visiting the Ellen DeGeneres Gorilla Fund and trekking through the rainforest to reach the gorillas. Michael emphasized the importance of patience and control in photography and highlighted the role of guides like Zach Mills in facilitating wildlife tours. He also mentioned a second tour in Sumatra, though details were not provided in this transcript segment.
Mountain Gorilla Photography Experience
Michael shared his experience of photographing mountain gorillas in Uganda's Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. He described the strict guidelines for gorilla treks, including a maximum group size of 5 people, one-hour viewing time, and maintaining a 50-foot distance while wearing a mask. Michael captured images of the Nisaki gorilla family, which has 9 members, focusing on their behavior, habitat, and interactions. He highlighted the challenges of photography in varying light conditions and the importance of having guides and porters to navigate the dense forest and spot gorillas. Michael also touched on the environmental issues affecting the gorillas, such as encroachment from palm oil farming.
Uganda Photography Trip Preparation
Michael discussed his travel preparations for a trip to Uganda, including necessary vaccinations and precautions against malaria. He shared his experience of being interviewed by Zach to ensure he was prepared for the physical demands of the trip, which involved walking at high altitudes. Michael also explained his photography equipment and techniques, mentioning that he primarily used a 24-70mm lens for most shots, with a 70-200mm lens for close-up images of gorilla hands and feet.
Wildlife Photography Tours Recap
Michael shared his experiences on two wildlife photography tours. In the first, he photographed gorillas in Uganda, where guides provided minimal instructions, emphasizing eye contact and natural behavior. The second tour, in Sumatra, focused on orangutans and lasted seven days. Michael and a group of five people, including four from the UK and one from Canada, stayed in private bungalows with basic amenities in a rainforest buffer zone. They had flexible access to photograph orangutans and enjoyed meals and laundry services on-site.
Orangutan Encounter in Rainforest
The group stayed in bungalows near a rainforest where they encountered a male orangutan during a guided walk. They observed the orangutan for about half an hour, noting its distinctive cheek pads and throat sac used for communication. The group also saw a mother orangutan with an infant in the Gunung Leuser National Park, where they had meals prepared by two women.
Orangutan Conservation and Behavior
Michael shared his experience observing orangutans in the rainforest, emphasizing the importance of not feeding them due to safety concerns and the risk of spreading disease. He described the natural behavior of orangutans, including their use of all four limbs and their role as "gardeners of the forest" by spreading seeds. The group, including Zach and other tourists, spent several days photographing orangutans, with Michael capturing images of a mother and infant orangutan. He also explained the differences between the three types of orangutans found in Sumatra and Borneo, highlighting their endangered status.
Orangutan Photography in Sumatra
Michael shared his experience photographing orangutans in Sumatra, highlighting their slow reproduction rate and the dense forest environment. He described the behavior of the orangutans, including their tree-dwelling habits, bark stripping for food, and teaching of offspring. Michael also discussed his choice of camera lenses for capturing images and mentioned encountering other filmmakers while photographing.
Rainforest Orangutan Conservation Experience
Michael shared his experience of a trip to the rainforest, where he encountered endangered orangutans and observed the impact of palm oil cultivation on the environment. He explained his preparation process, which includes extensive research before the trip and taking detailed notes and photos during the visit. Michael uses PowerPoint for his presentations and has a website to share his photos, though he hasn't sold any images yet.
Wildlife Photography Tour Insights
Michael discussed his experiences with wildlife photography tours, explaining that a typical tour costs around $6,000, which covers transportation, meals, lodging, and guides. He emphasized the safety and professionalism of tours led by Zach, highlighting the use of first aid certified guides and emergency communication devices. Michael also shared his background in photography, transitioning from military service to pursuing photography after buying his first camera. He encouraged others to pursue their passions, regardless of age, and mentioned his recent experiences on cultural tours in Java and upcoming trips to Vietnam.
Orangutan Conservation and Wildlife Events
Michael presented a detailed overview of orangutans, highlighting their three types and the critically endangered Tapanuli orangutan, which has fewer than 300 individuals remaining. He shared his experiences photographing wildlife, including a trip to Brooks Falls, and expressed interest in capturing images of mandrills in Gabon.