Meet Jeff Smith
Our Photographic Ambassador
Hi, I’m Jeff Smith, a professional photographer and cinematographer in the U.S. When not shooting for my production company, I’m often in remote locations with a still camera, chasing wildlife. I’m also a wildlife photographer and your Photo Concierge.
You Chose a Great Wildlife Photography Spot!
You’ll ride in vehicles used by famous photographers, guided by expert guides. I’ve spent hundreds of hours in the Serengeti with Africa Dreams Safaris, experiencing incredible moments with the local wildlife.
The Serengeti is far from Main Street, USA. I want you to be photographically prepared and avoid surprises. Trust me, you’ll return with epic photos that amaze your friends and family. This section contains articles answering common photographic questions for all skill levels.
Feel free to click the ‘ASK JEFF’ button at the end of each section for specific questions you might have unique to your camera, lens, and equipment setup. Once you hit send, through the magic of the internet, it will track me down and I will answer usually within 24 hours.
Photo Tips
What Camera Should I Take?
Ahhhh, the million dollar question, "What camera should I take?" Most of you reading this already have a camera. Some of you may be pros. Some may be filmmakers or...
What Lenses Do I Need?
Now here is where you really should start paying attention. The driver guides that Africa Dream Safaris employs are wizards at getting you quite close to the wildlife in the...
How Close Will I Get?
I put this section right behind "What lenses should I take?" because they relate to one another. It's everyone's question before they go on safari "How close will we get?"...
Helpful Camera Accessories
In the Serengeti, you are not getting out of your vehicle. Ok, maybe a few times for breakfast or lunch in the Bush after your guide has scoped out a...
Settings You Should Know
No matter what camera and lens setup you take to Africa, it's dead weight unless you know how to use it. Today's cameras are computers and complicated ones at that....
Weight & Packing Your Gear
Here's how this works. Most people fly from the United States to Amsterdam and then jump on a KLM flight to Kilimanjaro. It's not the only way in, but it's...
Camera Batteries
This is a big deal. So pay attention. You may have never run your battery dry shooting pictures at home. But you may very well in Africa. Around every corner...
Shooting from your Safari Vehicle
I did an entire video on this topic. You can see it here: For more information on the safari vehicles you'll be in, visit: SAFARI VEHICLE SPECIFICATIONS You'll...
