Pro Safari Photographer Rich de Gouveia: Low-light Techniques, Best Lenses, "Making" Photographs to Represent Something, and Much More

In this episode of The Wild Photographer, I sat down with safari expert and photographer Rich de Gouveia to unpack what really makes an African photo safari successful—and the conversation goes far beyond just cameras.

One of Rich’s biggest takeaways is that great safaris start long before you arrive. Thoughtful planning—built around what you actually want to photograph—can shape everything from destinations to lodge choices.

Rather than chasing a checklist like the Big Five, he emphasizes designing trips with intention, even dedicating days to a single subject or story.

Time is another critical factor. Rich suggests a minimum of three nights per location, and ideally a 10–18 day trip overall. That pacing allows you to settle in, understand animal behavior, and avoid a rushed safari experience.

A major theme throughout the conversation is the value of knowledge—specifically having a guide who understands both photography and wildlife behavior. Anticipating what an animal will do next can dramatically improve your chances of capturing meaningful moments, turning photography into more of a strategic “chess game” than a reactive process.

From a technical standpoint, one of the biggest challenges in Africa is low light. Many of the most compelling moments happen at dawn and dusk, requiring photographers to push their gear—and their comfort zones—with higher ISOs and fast lenses.

But perhaps the most powerful idea Rich shares is about storytelling. Great images aren’t just about sharpness or rarity—they need to represent something. Whether it’s behavior, environment, or emotion, the goal is to create photos that go beyond “I saw a lion” and instead tell a deeper story about the wild.

This is just scratching the surface of a fantastic conversation full of insight...I learned a lot as well! If you’re dreaming about an African safari—or looking to elevate your photography while you’re there—the full episode is well worth a listen.

Happy photographing!

Court