Latin America is extremely photogenic!
For close-up photography of birds and animals, a good SLR camera and telephoto lens is necessary. The minimum recommended size is 200–300 mm, and a zoom lens can be extremely useful for the Amazon and the Pantanal where the canopy is taller and where wildlife can be skittish, while a moderate zoom will be sufficient for the Galapagos Islands as the archipelago's wildlife have no fear for humans and can be photographed at close quarters. Patagonia, Antarctica and other stunning areas like the Altiplano and the Atacama desert and Iguazu falls will provide you with some of the most spectacular landscape photography opportunities and the continent's colorful people make for great portrait subjects.
For close-up photography of birds and animals in wildlife rich areas such as Antarctica, South Georgia, the Falklands, the Amazon and the Pantanal, a good SLR camera and telephoto lens is necessary. The minimum recommended size is 200–300 mm, and a zoom lens can be extremely useful on these trips and expeditions. Consideration should be given before travelling with any lens bigger than 400 mm as most interesting shots are taken using hand held equipment, especially on cruises.
The current crop of high resolution digital SLRs are outstanding and provide high-quality images equal to and in most cases better than their film SLR counterparts.
Other non-SLR format 'prosumer' mirrorless and compact digital cameras by Canon, Nikon, Sony, Leica, Fujifilm, Samsung and Olympus are gaining popularity because of improved image quality, increased flexibility and light weight. Many of our clients have taken 'National Geographic' worthy images using their iPhones - one just needs to be at the right place at the right time!
The latest high performance 3.5 ounce lightweight Go Pro video/photo cameras are incredibly versatile and allow one to record breathtaking video footage in high-definition format.
For those still using film cameras we are getting the best results using Fuji film. Photographic guides' personal preference is slower film (either 50 or 100 ASA) as this gives the best quality in normal light. However you may consider going up to 400 ASA for a longer lenses in low-light conditions.
IMPORTANT: BRING LOTS OF DIGITAL STORAGE OR FILM, AS THESE ARE NOT EASILY AVAILABLE AT REMOTE LODGES AND EXPEDITION BOATS. BRING SPARE BATTERIES.
