THE PROGRAM
WILDLIFE PHOTOJOURNALISM PROGRAM VIDEO
WILDLIFE PHOTOJOURNALISM PROGRAM GALLERY
WILDLIFE PHOTOJOURNALISM PROGRAM LOCATION
PROGRAM FAQ's
What dates does the program run?
- Program 1: 1 – 28 February
- Program 2:Â 1 – 28 March
- Program 3: 1 – 28 April
- Program 4:Â 1 – 28 May
- Program 5:Â 1 – 28 June
- Program 6:Â 1 – 28 July
- Program 7:Â 1 – 28 August
- Program 8:Â 1 – 28 September
- Program 9:Â 1 – 28 October
- Program 10:Â 1 – 28 November
What will I get out of the program?
The wildlife photography program focuses on nurturing students with a passion for establishing successful independent photography ventures capable of enduring economic fluctuations. During your month-long stint in South Africa, you’ll explore opportunities to capture stunning wildlife, breathtaking landscapes, and vibrant local cultures. Additionally, through our collaboration with a shark cage diving operator, participants can seize the rare chance to photograph the majestic great white shark, among the planet’s most captivating marine creatures.
Am I eligible for the program?
Anyone can come on this program. It is ideally suited to:
- Current or graduated students enrolled in academic institutes and studying towards a journalism, conservation, or photography major
- Aspirant photographers
- Photographers who want to improve
What is the program schedule?
This wildlife photography program offers an incredible opportunity to experience many aspects of what South Africa has to offer. We enjoy a good relationship with various organizations along the Garden Route, which allows us to provide students with diverse experiences with African wildlife and our local communities.
As a student, you will receive instruction in both basic and more advanced photography techniques. With a focus on wildlife and travel photography, students will deepen their understanding of how photography can be used to tell a story, to promote conservation efforts, and to have an impact on the community-at-large. Students will learn how to survive and make money in today’s markets, how to prepare for a shoot, and how to work professionally in the field/on location. Additionally, you will learn how to edit using Adobe Lightroom and (to a far lesser extent) Adobe Photoshop.
Daily work will be split between tutorials and practical work in the field. A sample syllabus is provided here as a guideline. In general, the month will follow a schedule of 5 days on and 2 days off per week. However, please note that the actual schedule may vary based on several factors.
How long is the program?
The wildlife photography program lasts 1 month beginning on the 1st (arrival day) and ending on the 28th (departure day) of each month. If you choose to arrive early (before the 1st) or depart late (after the 28th) then we will ask a fee to cover additional accommodation. Food is not included on additional days.
Do I require a visa?
No. You will not be employed. On this program, you are entitled to enter South Africa on a temporary visitor’s permit (e.g. tourism permit). Tourist visas are usually issued for three months/90 days upon entry to South Africa. However, we do recommend that you contact the South African Embassy or Consulate in your country and confirm this fact. If your application period is for a period longer than three months, or if you plan to travel in South Africa before or after the course for a period extending 90 days, you will have to apply for a volunteer VISA application through your home embassy.
Quickly evaluate the visa status of your country when visiting South Africa hereÂ
Who owns the media I collect?
All media (video and audio) collected by you will belong to you. Gloworm and the program instructor retain the right to use the media for marketing purposes only.
What equipment will I have access to?
Many students prefer to work with their own cameras and lenses, and as such these are not supplied to students.  During specific tutorials, certain specialist lenses and filters are provided. Various cameras and lenses can be hired for the duration of the internship.  It is preferable to pre-book these to avoid disappointment.
In terms of photographic gear, students need to bring their own cameras, lenses, and tripod. There are additional lenses supplied by the program instructor for tutorial work only. Top-end lenses and camera bodies are available as rentals should a student require additional equipment.
In terms of photo processing, you must bring your own laptop to complete editing and slideshow development. This should have at least 4GB RAM and be pre-loaded with Adobe Lightroom Classic (required) and Adobe Photoshop (recommended).
Where do I stay?
White Shark Research Interns will stay at our luxury shark center for the duration of the program. The facility offers single sex dorm accommodation or single private accommodation if you request. Catered daily meals will be provided throughout your stay.
Address – 182 Aalwyn Way, aalwyndal, Mossel Bay, South Africa
What must I pack?
If you are getting ready to pack to attend the wildlife photography program, here is a rough packing list of items you should consider bringing.
Clothing
- Work clothes. Bring what you are comfortable in, but ensure that you have warm, strong work clothing of neutral colors, solid work shoes such as hiking boots or trainers, a good sun hat with a wide brim and a warm hat/beanie. Gloves can be helpful for early mornings. Bring a tracksuit or something similar to lounge around in during the evenings, which can get cold. Also, face buffs help keep off the cold in the evenings.
- Social clothes. Mossel Bay is a small town, so social clothing should reflect a casual, non-formal style.
- A swimming costume.
Video and electronic gear
- DSLR / Mirrorless camera, lenses, tripod and personal accessories
- Minimum of 1TB storage hard drive.
- Laptop.
Editing programs
- Adobe Lightroom (or equivalent)
- Adobe Photoshop (or equivalent)
Miscellaneous
- Toiletries &Â strong sunscreen (There are also plenty of shops to purchase from.)
- Prescription medication
- Passport & photocopy of passport
- Bank cards (Inform your bank of your travels.)
- Spare cash (rands)
- Phone & cables
- Sunglasses
Fly me to the moon guesthouse – 182 Aalwyn Way, Aalwyndal, Mossel Bay
Where must I fly to?
If you are travelling by plane to the wildlife photography program, please fly to George Airport, South Africa. We will pick you up and drop you off at George Airport. If you are travelling by bus, there is a bus stop in Mossel Bay just a few minutes from the guest house. We will pick you up and drop you off.
Pickups and drop-offs will be organized for you on the 1st day of the month (for arrivals) and the 28th of the month (for departures).
The program begins with paperwork and orientation on the 1st of the month. There is no need to arrive prior to the 1st; however, arriving earlier in the day is preferable, as it gives you some time to settle in before the program begins. You can schedule your departure for any time on the 28th.
Do I need travel / medical insurance?
Yes. When you are accepted into this program, you agree to our liability and copyright documents, as well as an agreement that you are knowingly partaking in potentially dangerous activities. You will not be covered for accidents or illnesses, so please do organize your own medical and health insurance. You may apply for a normal travel insurance policy. Chances that you will be injured by a predator are very slim if you follow the safety guidelines and do not try anything foolish of which we would not approve. However, you will be filming wildlife which can result in accidents. It is important to be covered in case of an emergency or accident. Be sure to have insurance coverage for your entire stay in South Africa.
How does the catering work?
Catering is supplied daily with three nutritious meals. A cooked breakfast and dinner, with a light lunch. If the team is out and about during lunch, we will have a packed lunch that was prepared in the morning.
If you have special dietary requirements, the program coordinator can assist you upon request. Some meal plans will require an additional fee to supply.
Do I need Malaria or other medication?
South Africa is far from Malaria areas, and there are no strange African diseases which you could pick up (that is if you respect the same safety rules as anywhere else in the world).
Please ensure that you bring any medication required. If you will require medication whist in South Africa, please contact us to ensure that it is available.
Participating in the Photography internship in South Africa was one of the best experiences of my life. Living on campus with a group of like-minded photographers was great to share ideas and content. We worked hard but got to experience the best of what South Africa has to offer and learn many different photography techniques using the best equipment. From safari’s to townships and road trips, we saw, photographed and experienced so much! Made friends for life!
We spent a month last year as interns and throughly enjoyed the program. There was so much to do from hiking and wildlife photography to underwater shark experiences. The staff was great and knowledgeable. Our accommodations were amazing. I would highly recommend this program, it’s an experience of a lifetime.
I have enjoyed a lot my time in South Africa, and learnt so much! I did not have so many expectations since I didn’t really know how to use a camera before but in the end, I am really proud of what I have achieved, and I can say I am really satisfied about my path. Special mention to my teacher Frikkie, who is the best teacher you can have. He taught us also a lot of useful tricks, and that is why I would recommend this course also to non-beginners photographers.
You have the opportunity to learn while you visit beautiful places and make very interesting experiences. Thank you so much for this month together!
I learned so much from Frikkie and all the other instructors in how to improve my photos and tell stories with them. Everyone at the guest house got along so well, and I could tell all the instructors and administrators really knew what they were doing. That and Janine is one of the best cooks in South Africa. This trip was one of the best choices I’ve ever made.
I really didn’t know what to expect by such an incredible program presentation. When I first arrived at the house I had a warm welcoming by group and staff, the place was so beautifully immersed in the nature of this little and quite town. The program was absolutely outstanding. I really loved the thing that you are able to live the real African lifestyle since you’re not living in a hotel. You get to experience the real culture of this vibrant country!
My photography skills have really improved and I’ve come home with a collection of images I’m proud of. The accommodation and meals were also very good. Thanks Frikkie and the rest of the team!
Frikkie is so knowledgeable, and he tailored his instruction to each of our needs. He clearly loves this work, and he took such pleasure in introducing us to new experiences. His feedback helped me grow as a photographer, and I am proud of the work I created. After completing the program, I am confident that I will be able to pursue a professional career in photography.
I participated in the Wildlife and adventure photography internship during June this year (2014) with Africa Media, and can honestly say I had the best experience of my life. With apprehension and fear before and during my first arrival, Oceans staff helped me settle in and feel right at home. I can honestly say my knowledge and photography skills have developed in ways I have never imagined; I left Africa a more advanced photographer with a colourful portfolio and a renewed passion for photography and adventure, not to mention unforgettable memories and friends from all over the world.
In the month I spent as an Africa Media intern, I met and stayed with some of the most amazing people I’ve ever met. The staff is not only knowledgeable about their craft, they’re passionate. They truly care about each and every one of their interns. Their attitudes toward their job and toward their life were absolutely inspiring and I think anyone would be lucky to spend time with them.
PACKAGE DETAILS
- Entry to reserves, sanctuaries and tourism platforms
- Practical training program
- Theoretical training program
- Professional tutor and guide
- Airport transfers and local transport
- 28 days of comfortable accommodation
- 28 days of delicious and nutritious meals
- Stay connected with internet access
- Flights (international/domestic)
- Photographic camera and lenses
- Editing laptop and hard drive
- DAN Insurance / Travel Insurance
- Staff / Crew gratuities
- Alcohol and snacks
- Laundry service
PROGRAM PRICE
$3550Â / 28 nights
Connect with Program Instructor
Book direct from Gloworm
PROGRAM INSTRUCTOR
Media Training Institute
