I’ve mentioned this before; wildlife photography is about getting that perfect shot.  You know the one I mean.  The one that elicits admiration and kudos from family, friends, and those in the industry.  But it isn’t always easy, particularly in a new location.  Unfamiliarity with the terrain, surroundings, and inherent wildlife, can make getting that perfect shot a daunting task.  So how do you counter this?  How do you even the odds?  There are a number of things you can do; research, preparation, and some luck will certainly help.  But there is no substitute for local knowledge.  And that is where hiring a guide comes in.

Some of the places you will visit are vast, and contain a number of different habitats that you can explore.  Yellowstone Park in Wyoming, as an example, is over 2 million acres in size.  Another example, Everglades National Park, is also quite large and contains a number of varying terrains, including a significant amount of water.  This has to be taken into consideration.  And what about wildlife?  Wolves, Bison, Alligators, and Snakes (including those that are poisonous) all pose considerable risk.

Safety

So how do you ensure that you get the images you want as safely as possible?  As you might imagine, there isn’t a simple answer.  Hiring a guide is certainly possible, but there are a number of things that come into play.  For example, you need to consider the following once you decide on a destination:

• How do I get to the destination?
• Is there more than one area within the destination you want to visit?
• Can I walk to each area, or do I need to drive?
• What wildlife should you expect in each area?
• What time of day is best to see this wildlife?
• What equipment will you need to capture the images you want?

Some of these you’ll know the answers to, some can be answered using the Internet, and for the remainder, you’ll need help.  That is where local knowledge is invaluable.

Hiring Guides

A hiring a guide can simplify the process immensely.  They will readily know the answers to these questions, that’s their business.  You should also know that a good guide costs money.  Expect to pay between $500 US/day to $1000 US/day for a good one, depending on the services they provide.  I’ve had some that ride along with me in my vehicle, while others provide a vehicle, meals, and accommodation.  It really depends on what you need.

Guides Themselves

Also, take the time to look at what other customers have to say about the guide.  Internet research is invaluable in this regard.  Failing that, here are some questions that you can ask that might help you determine a guide’s suitability:

• Have you ever provided guide services of this type before? It isn’t necessarily bad if they haven’t, they could be new to the industry.  But you would like some sort of experience in other areas, which we’ll talk about in a moment.
• If so, can you provide a brief description of them? Try to get a feel for how this experience is related to your needs.
• Are you a photographer yourself? This is important, particularly if they don’t have other guide experience.  Photography guides have certain practicalities that you want.  For example, they are quiet, they know wildlife, and they turn off the engine when stopping to photograph from the vehicle.  The little things that will promote you getting the best shot possible.
• If so, for how long? Obviously, more is better here.
• When approaching wildlife in a car, would you describe your steps for me? This will vary somewhat depending on the guide.  But what you want to see here is that they don’t approach too close.  That they turn the engine off to reduce vibration.  And they suggest getting out if that is safe, and possible.
• When approaching wildlife on foot, would you describe your steps for me? Again, this will vary.  But you want to see them using as much of the natural terrain to hide themselves.  You want them to stress being quiet.  And you want to hear them suggest slow, methodical movement.

Above all, don’t be afraid to ask questions.  It’s your money.  Don’t make the deal until you are satisfied.

Guide Standards

I doubt this will comes as a surprise, but not all guides are equal.   In my experience, they range from super experienced wildlife photographers and naturalists, to bozos with a boat that think they are guides.  Be careful!  For someone like me, bozos are not so bad.  My experience can compensate for them … as long as they listen.  But for those of you that are new, and relying on the guide, do your homework.  You don’t want to gamble your hard-earned money, or your safety, on these bozos.

Hiring a guide can be a valuable asset.  Their local knowledge can help you get the kind of adventure you hoped for.  But be careful.  There are those out there that are simply looking to take your money.