Aperture Academy has put together the ultimate wildlife photography and Photoshop instruction workshop for photographers serious about getting the best possible wildlife images. For the wildlife photographer, few places on the planet compare to Africa. And Kenya's Masai Mara is synonymous with premier 5-star safari destinations.

There's a reason for this reputation. With its massive sweeping grass savannas, awe-inspiring landscapes, well-developed park infra-structure, elegant accommodations and most importantly, the sheer abundance of wild animals found with relative ease, wildlife photographers are virtually guaranteed an amazing portfolio of images. Written words do little to adequately describe the grandeur, but suffice it to say, Africa and its raw, untamed beauty will stay with you long after you return home... and most likely inspire you to plan your next visit!

We have designed a comprehensive itinerary that allows extensive time in the field at two of their favorite wildlife parks in Kenya. Each park has its own unique ecosystem with different landscapes and assemblages of animals. Most importantly, all the parks we visit provide unparalleled wildlife photography opportunities.

Whether you're an avid birder, a landscapist looking for the perfect savanna sunset, or in search of the "Big 5," Kenya and its world class parks provide ample opportunities for the photographer with a taste for refined adventure.

A word of warning: this photo workshop is not for the person interested in frantically rushing around from spot to spot grabbing as many "happy snaps" of animals as they can. Rather, it is designed with the serious photographer in mind, those who are in search of award-winning images. This is a photo safari designed by photographers for photographers.

Along with your Aperture Academy Instructors, you will be guided by highly experienced local wildlife guides who know the parks and the animal behavior like the back of their hands. (We've worked with these guides in the past and can attest to their amazing skills.) Our goal is to put you in the optimum spot for getting the perfect shot and this can often take time. You will also be among other like-minded photographers who are willing to patiently wait for those unique moments that make the difference between a mere snap shot and a great image.

Great effort will be made to help ensure we are shooting our subject matter from the best angles, with the best light possible. Patience and maximum time in the field is necessary. Of course, individuals will always have the option of bypassing the daily game drives and sleeping in and having a leisurely breakfast, or perhaps choosing to spend the afternoon by the pool reading a good book. However, our primary goal is to give you the best opportunities to get amazing images that you'll be proud to have in your portfolio... and that requires starting our days well before sunrise.

During mid-day sun, when the animals tend to bed down and take their naps, we'll return to our base for a break, at which time you will be free to choose a variety of options including siesta time, downloading of images, image review and critiques, Photoshop lectures and teaching sessions. After this break, we will continue with our afternoon game drives until sunset, thus ensuring we are out during the best light of day. We've planned in ample freedom to deviate from this schedule if we come upon an event in the making while in the field, such as a river crossing or a hunt in progress.

→ Group Size

We have designed this trip with superb comfort and quality in mind. For these reasons, we have purposely limited this workshop to only 12 photographers (three per vehicle) with additional space for four non-photographers (one per vehicle). Having a small group allows us to be highly efficient while ensuring personal attention and the ultimate intimate safari experience. An added benefit to having four vehicles is that it greatly increases our ability to locate and photograph elusive subject matter. These parks are huge and though the wildlife is abundant, it can also be spread out over large distances, especially with prime subject matter like hunting events. Our strategy will be to fan out, thereby increasing our search radius, but staying close enough to quickly respond to radio communication if one vehicle happens upon a special or rare event, i.e., lion hunt or feeding, leopard sighting, cheetahs with cubs, etc. From experience, we know that having multiple vehicles spread out with numerous sets of eyes searching is far better than a single group closely clumped together. After all, this once in a lifetime trip is about getting amazing images!!

→ Price Per Person (based on double occupancy)

Photographer Price: $8,995

Price includes: Luxury Accommodations, all meals, all park fees, all game drives, bottled water, photography and Photoshop instruction, Masai Mara charter flight back to Nairobi, and all local guides and drivers.

Price does not include: International airfare to/from Nairobi, optional activities such as hot air balloon rides, local village photo excursions, alcoholic beverages, driver and local guide gratuities (tips), additional days beyond trip dates, trip insurance.

Payment Schedule: To secure your spot, a non-refundable deposit is required.

→ Getting to Africa

A wide variety of national and international airlines are available that regularly fly into Nairobi, Kenya. Examples include: KLM, United Airlines, Continental Airlines, Lufthansa, British Airways, US Airways, Virgin America, Emirates Airlines, Swiss International and Iberia. It is best to compare the flights and pick one that best suits your individual preferences, or if applicable, accepts your personal mileage credits if you're interested in cashing in frequent flyer miles. At the time of this posting, depending on how far in advance you purchase your tickets and which carrier, ticket prices from San Francisco are ranging from $1500 on up. From the US, there are no direct flights. Flight durations from the west coast of the US range from 20 hours on up depending on carriers plus connecting time, so plan accordingly in order to arrive on scheduled safari Nairobi departure date.

Also of note, each airline tends to have specific baggage allowances. We personally like KLM Royal Dutch Airlines due to their relatively generous baggage allowance policy (as of this writing, two bags per person are included in the ticket price). Additionally, there is an approximate eight hour layover in Amsterdam, which breaks up the flight nicely and allows a brief exploration of this fascinating city if you so choose. There are lockable storage lockers at the airport to secure your bags and gear while you explore and a short train ride from the Amsterdam Airport drops you off in the city center from where walking and water ferries can get you to many places of interest.

→ Timing

Traditionally, August in Kenya coincides with the annual migration of approximately 1.4 million wildebeest and over 200,000 zebra, and a multitude of other plains animals that make their way to the grassy savannas of the Masai Mara. With a plethora of prey animals, an abundance of predator species are not far behind. We will seek out anything and everything of photographic interest, but will especially target opportunities like prey events, big cats (and small cats), migration river crossings, the classic Big 5 animals (lion, leopard, elephant, rhino, buffalo), giraffe, hyenas, crocodiles, hippos, exotic birds and the list goes on....

→ Visa Requirements

Currently, for US citizens arriving in Kenya, a travel Visa is required. As of this writing, a single Visa entry is $50 and a multiple Visa entry is $100. Visas currently can be purchased on arrival into Nairobi or secured through the Kenyan Embassy in Washington DC before trip departure. If securing your Visa before US departure, we would recommend doing so at least 2-3 months in advance to avoid any unforeseen delays. If not a US citizen, please contact the Kenyan Embassy to determine your specific requirements. For more information on Visa requirements, go to: http://www.kenyaembassy.com/visa.html

→ Vaccination and Medical Recommendations

We recommend you contact your travel physician or health care provider for the most up to date recommendations. More information can be found at: http://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/destinations/kenya.htm

We will be visiting the most outstanding wildlife parks in Kenya. Each is unique, and together represent the amazing diversity found in Kenya.

• Day 1 - Depart USA.
• Day 2 - Arrive in Nairobi and overnight at Serena Nairobi.
• Day 3 - Depart to Lake Nakuru National park Overnight at Sarova Lion Hill Game lodge.
• Day 4 - Morning and afternoon game drives L. Nakuru. All meals and overnight at Sarova Lion Hill Game lodge.
• Day 5 - Morning Game drive, Breakfast, Lunch, then depart for Mara Ashnill.
• Day 6 - Exploring Mara with Morning and evening game drive all meals and overnight at Mara Ashnill.
• Day 7 - Morning and evening game drive, all meals, and overnight at Mara Ashnil.
• Day 8 & 9 - Two days of morning and evening game drives exploring Lower Mara. Meals and overnight at Mara Serena Game Lodge.
• Day 10 - Today we will have our last Morning Game drive at Lower Mara, back to the camp for full breakfast, Check out and transfer to Mara airstrip for charter flight Nairobi Dayroom and transfer to the airport for international flights.

Masai Mara National Reserve

The Masai Mara is located in south western Kenya and is a continuation of the Serengeti National Park in Tanzania. Known throughout the world, it is undoubtedly the crown jewel of Kenya's National Park system and arguably one of the most impressive wildlife areas in all of Africa. It is an extraordinary location to photograph a multitude of African wildlife species, with special emphasis on the big cats such as leopards, lions and cheetahs. BBC's "Big Cat Diary" series is filmed here, if that's any indication on how good the viewing and photography potential is. It is also where we will concentrate the bulk of our photographic efforts. This reserve is massive, so we will plan to stay at two different locations while in the park, to maximize our wildlife subject material. As far as animal subject matter, all members of the "Big Five" (lion, leopard, elephant, African buffalo, and black rhino) are found in the Mara, but those species represent only a minuscule percentage of all the animal species in the park. Expect to see wildebeest, hyenas, cheetahs, jackals, bat-eared foxes, hippos, crocodiles, multiple species of zebra and giraffe, warthogs, impala, gazelles, elands, not to mention over 400 species of birds, and the list goes on. Additional options for local cultural interactions and sunrise hot air balloon rides over the savannah will also be available to those interested.

A Final Note.

We have personally put together an African Wildlife Photo Tour designed with the specific needs of the serious photographer in mind. Working in conjunction with trusted local operators and outstanding guides who have a proven history of success, we have assembled a cohesive team that we believe surpasses the other options that are available to the discerning client.

Utilizing in-field shooting techniques and suggestions, and in-depth Photoshop discussion, tips and techniques, we seek to elevate your photography to the next level. Through personal service and attention to detail, our ultimate goal is to provide you with an experience that ensures not only a trip of a lifetime, but also one that allows you to capture the best wildlife images possible.

Lodging

Accommodations are chosen for a combination of their strategic locations and easy access to wildlife assemblages, as well as for their luxurious standards. Just because we are spending our time out in the bush doesn't mean we have to rough it. Kenya is well known for high standards in the safari industry and the infra-structure to support these high standards is among the best on the continent. Our accommodations are first class and range from classic upscale safari style lodges with modern conveniences to sublime tent style camps.

A word of clarification regarding the tent camps. These are not the standard tents you grew up with while on family vacations. Perhaps the only similarity is that they are made of canvas, but that's where it stops. The interiors are impeccably clean and huge, with plenty of room. Ceilings are over 10 feet in height. One sleeps in large 4-poster beds with fresh linens atop beautiful hardwood floors. Each tent has its own private bathroom with flush toilet, sinks and hot water shower, numerous lights, power outlets for charging batteries and laptop computers, comfortable seating and a writing desk for you to record your journal entries.

A short walk to the main lodge provides a relaxing oasis to convene over a freshly prepared cocktail, glass of wine or any of drink of your choice. Scrumptious meals are prepared by expert chefs and staff who cheerfully greet you each morning at your tent entrance with made-to-order fresh-brewed tea or coffee along with traditional English biscuits. Following a full day of shooting, you have the opportunity within the confines of your luxury tent for relaxing in a toasty warm bed while listening to the wild sounds of the savannah under a clear starlit night - an experience that comes close to true bliss.

Travel

As photographers, we cringe every time we see a photo safari vehicle loaded with multiple passengers per row attempting to get good shots of wildlife. Nothing could be more frustrating than sharing your row of seats with someone else with the action happening on one side of the vehicle. Either you have to routinely switch places with your seat mates to snap off a few shots or you sit and helplessly watch the action take place, unable to get in a position to get the image. Talk about a maddening exercise in frustration. For this reason, we limit our client numbers to allow every shooter his or her own row of seating every time we go out to photograph. Not only does this allow ample room to spread out all your needed equipment for easy access, but it allows you the freedom to quickly change positions should the action change position.

The vehicles we use are rugged and highly reliable Toyota 4x4 Landcruisers (no mini-buses) with an open air pop top to allow unconstrained shooting. They are rigorously maintained, inspected, cleaned, and tested before and after every safari. All vehicles are equipped with two spare tires, a first aid kit, and a radio to communicate with the main office, park rangers, base camp, Flying Doctors, and the Kenyan police. They are spacious, comfortable vehicles capable of challenging off-road terrain, while large enough to provide an ideal mobile photo platform.

• To get the most out of your images, a good quality DSLR or Mirrorless Camera is strongly encouraged. Simple point and shoots will often result in frustration and disappointment.
• To maximize your ability to get frame filling wildlife images, a high magnification big lens is strongly recommended (400-600mm). If you do not own one, we can recommend companies such as www.borrowlenses.com that offer lens rentals at reasonable prices.
• Mid range lenses (70-200mm) for close distance wildlife and wide angle (20-24mm) for landscapes and environmental are also recommended as a wide variety subject matter will be presented to us on a daily basis. Most shooting (90%) will be done from safari vehicles so a tripod is not critical, however we bring a small one for our time in Lake Nakuru where we are allowed to leave the vehicle. Multiple camera beanbags are strongly recommended so they can be strategically placed on the safari vehicle hard surfaces when shooting. They help provide a stable platform when shooting with a big lens, as well as protect both the lens and vehicle from scratches. A minimum of two beanbags is recommended.
• Do not pack beans, as we will purchase beans once in Nairobi for those that brought camera beanbags. Bring plenty of camera batteries - it's not uncommon to shoot 500 or more shots on a single game drive if the action is really good. Bring plenty of camera memory "cards" as you might be surprised how many images you shoot if a successful hunt is going down. We will typically bring a card wallet with about 75GB worth of cards for the day. Bring plenty of digital storage devices, because today's high-res cameras eat up memory.
• If you are heavy on the trigger finger, have a high resolution camera and shoot in RAW mode, a minimum 500GB external hard drive is not a bad idea. Better to have room left over than not enough storage. Bringing multiple storage units for backup is recommended. Would hate to have a hard drive fail and lose a trip's worth of images. Bring camera and sensor cleaning products. Things can get very dusty and dust on the lenses and sensors is common, especially if you are changing lenses out in the field. A strobe is not necessary, but feel free to bring it if you really want to. Bring the usual suspects, battery chargers, lens cleaning cloths, dust blowers, etc.
• A laptop is critical if you wish to view, edit and process, not to mention take advantage of the Photoshop instruction offered.

Need Gear?    Visit BorrowLenses for a special package designed specifically for Aperture Academy students for this workshop.

Meet our master instructors and learn what qualifies them to give you a great experience during your workshops! While you're joining us, you will receive comprehensive digital photography instruction and tutoring by our team of award-winning photographers.

Stephen W. Oachs is an award-winning photographer, successful entrepreneur and technology veteran, who began his journey in photography the moment he picked up his first camera.

Completely self-taught, Stephen's unique and distinctive style has earned him recognition as one of today's finest nature photographers. He was recognized in 2007 as wildlife photographer of the year by the National Wildlife Federation and was awarded best nature photographer in 2008 by National Geographic.

Stephen has received many other awards and achievements. His work has graced the pages of such notable publications such as National Geographic, Popular Photography, Outdoor Photographer, National Wildlife Magazine and many others.

In 2009 Stephen founded The Aperture Academy, a unique combination of fine art photography gallery in conjunction with classroom and workshop instruction. Students of the Aperture Academy receive hands-on instruction designed for their individual skill levels, which includes everything from learning to shoot in the field to digital post-processing techniques.

Whether trekking through the wilds of Alaska, enduring the raw challenges of nature or experiencing the thrill of life on the edge, Stephen captures rare and breathtaking moments of light and time. His exceptional eye is filtered only by his passion for life, deep affinity with nature and love of adventure.

The workshop fee is $8,995. A $2,000 non-refundable deposit is required to secure your space. On December 1st, 2022, 50% of the remaining balance will be due. The remaining balance is due in full on or before March 1st, 2023. Due to the exclusivity of this trip, and the limited number of seats available, refunds are as follows:

• 100% refundable: 150 days (five months) or greater (not including deposit)
• 50% refundable: 149-121 days (not including deposit)
• No refund within 120 days or less of the start date

• Kenya Wildlife Workshop - August 2019
• Kenya Wildlife Workshop - August 2018
• Tanzania Wildlife Workshop - August 2018
• Tanzania Wildlife Workshop - April 30th - May 11th 2017
• Tanzania Wildlife Workshop - April 19-30th 2017
• Kenya Wildlife Workshop - August 2015
• Kenya Wildlife Workshop - August 2014
• Tanzania Wildlife Workshop - September 3th, 2013
• Kenya Wildlife Workshop - August 2013
• Kenya Wildlife Workshop - August 1-14th 2012
• Rwanda Gorilla Workshop - August 15-18th 2012
• Kenya Wildlife Workshop - August 18-31st 2012