CONSERVATION PHOTOGRAPHY WORKSHOP, ZIMBABWE

Explore the potential of conservation photography.

THE DESTINATION

For the duration of your wildlife photography workshop you will be based at Imire Rhino and Wildlife Conservancy in Zimbabwe: a small, family run conservancy, established in 1972 as a reserve committed to the conservation of Zimbabwe’s diverse wildlife – particularly its endangered Black Rhinoceros populations. It has since evolved into one of the forefront pioneers of wildlife conservation in the country, having released 11 black rhinos back into the wild, to northern Zimbabwe’s Zambezi Valley, since its commencement. 

ACCOMMODATION

For the duration of your stay, you’ll be living on-site in one of seven beautiful, thatched brick buildings, nested in a green and tranquil haven within the conservancy. The accommodation is shared (two people to a room) and each room is tastefully and comfortably furnished with twin beds and an ensuite bathroom. All bedding, laundry and housekeeping is provided.

All of your meals are included, and you can expect three home-cooked meals a day with tea, coffee, and juice readily available. Alcoholic and soft drinks are purchasable from the bar at an additional cost. There is a communal dining area and an outdoor lounge with a firepit to relax around and stargaze after a successful day of photography and once-in-a-lifetime wildlife encounters.

Please inform us of any dietary requirements when booking as some allergies and intolerances will require some liaising. Vegetarian and vegan options are available on request.

THE PHOTOGRAPHY

Imire offers a rich and diverse range of photographic subjects including buffalo, zebra, giraffes, wildebeest, warthog, crocodile, and a variety of antelope species including sable, eland, kudu and nyala. There are also over 150 bird species! However, the stars of Imire remain its rhinos: the key focus of the conservancy’s 50+ years in wildlife conservation. The rhinos live a wild existence within the reserve and yet are reasonably adjusted to the presence of people, presenting a special opportunity to photograph both black and white rhinos on foot at proximity. 

The conservancy is also home to three orphaned elephants who were intercepted from being sold into zoos following the mass elephant culling in Zimbabwe between 1965 and 1988. Due to their orphancy, they were hand-reared and deemed unfit for rewilding and have therefore found a permanent and peaceful refuge at Imire. Their upbringing also means that they are quite comfortable around humans, making them excellent models! As a workshop attendee, you will have the opportunity to witness these elephants up-close, hear their stories and capture their individual characters through your photographs. 

Additionally, in 2021, two eighth-generation captive bred cheetah brothers were welcomed to Imire: returned to their native continent from a zoo in Canada. The brothers now roam and hunt freely within the reserve. It is the conservancy’s intention to soon introduce a female cheetah in the hopes that they can contribute to the repopulation of cheetahs in Zimbabwe, of which there are thought to be approximately only one hundred individuals remaining. Sam will also take you to find the brothers on foot – another special photographic opportunity. 

THE WORKSHOP

Sam tailors his photography teachings to your needs, and you will have the opportunity to discuss your personal goals with him prior to departure. Whatever stage you are at in your journey as a photographer, the core aim of this wildlife photography workshop is to build on your existing skills and add exciting new content to your portfolio. Sam will share his expertise through a series of short lessons on a variety of topics including creativity, composition, exposure, lighting, and editing, but most of your learning will take place in the field – putting theory into practice under Sam’s guidance. Sam will also host daily review sessions, feeding back on the success of your photographs and giving you constructive advice to apply in the field the following day. 

Additionally, Sam will also walk you through the process of planning and executing a compelling photo story, highlighting the wildlife conservation efforts of Imire. You will then be supported in pitching your story to international news agencies – with the hopes of successful publication and valuable exposure of your photography portfolio. 

EXAMPLE OF AN ITINERARY