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Client Testimonials
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Please read our list of clients testimonials and what they have to say about C4 Safaris and our tours, we are privileged to have shared these experiences together. |
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Zakouma Photo Safari
Discovering Zakouma alongside Kyle and Shem was truly a special experience.
The abundance and variety of wildlife around the receding water holes, some truly special sightings, the quality of the guiding and photography advice & a wonderful camp all came together to make for a wonderful journey.
Yannick Bindert
Tuesday, 16 April 2024
Zakouma Photo Safari
Zakouma National National Park is a trip of a life time! The abundance of birds and wildlife is stunning! What an uplifting conservation story. And the camp and its staff are fabulous! Thank you Shem and Kyle
Christine Bogdanowicz Bindert
Friday, 12 April 2024
Collier Okavango Safari
Not only do you get to see some amazing and unique sights but there is also the on-board expertise of your photography guide.
These trips are absolutely the best environment to learn/improve your camera/photo skills, with no interruptions or distractions. You get to share the trip with like-minded participants and compare/share techniques with your fellow enthusiasts.
Being in a vehicle that is specifically dedicated to your group and photography, allows the time to enjoy the sighting without feeling rushed.
No matter what your skill level, you will enjoy the experience, as all the participants are there for the same reason - to take photos!
When people find out that I have been 'to Africa', they always say, 'Oh, I have always wanted to go there'.
And I reply, 'Go, you will not regret it'.
Karen Johnstone
Wednesday, 24 January 2024
Private Botswana Green Season Photo Safari
C4 planned a wonderful safari for me - three unique camps in three different regions giving me a wide range of opportunities for photography and general enjoyment of the wilderness. The itinerary was well planned and organized and unfolded without a single hitch or problem. If you enjoy wildlife photography, I highly recommend C4 Photosafaris.
Ellen Mack
Wednesday, 24 January 2024
Kissling Private Mara Safari 2023
Another wonderful C4 workshop. This was my second and I continue to improve my photography skills. Isak does an excellent job with instruction and ensuring we are enjoying the experience. I highly recommend C4 safaris to beginners and highly skilled. Great Experience.
Michelle Poole
Tuesday, 12 December 2023
Kissling Private Mara Safari 2023
What a wonderful vacation that far exceeded our expectations, The accommodations were top notch as well as the service and food. The drivers found animals daily and set us up for exceptional photos. We saw the big 5, a Cheetah catch a Giselle, Zebras crossing the Mara river (some did not make it due to the crocodiles, and many other species of animals. Everything was planned very well taking the stress away. Great job C4!
Jeff Gardner
Friday, 08 December 2023
Masai Mara Classic
This was one of the best safaris ever, and I have participated a few! :) Every detail was organised perfectly, starting from the arrival at Jomo Kenyatta. Very easy and safe travelling! Wonderful camp, superb location, perfect game drives... I highly, highly recommend C4 Photo Safaris.
Anniina Pertovaara
Tuesday, 03 October 2023
Private Safari
This is our fifth safari with C4 and our first private safari. All have been
outstanding! We especially commend Minette for her organizational skills.
This was our second safari with Janet as our photography guide. Bringing her
along was our single best decision in planning our safari. She is stellar in every
way: personable, excellent in pointing out photo opportunities and an effective
teacher for post processing. Because we and she shoot Canon mirrorless
cameras, she showed us nuances in settings that helped us shoot with greater
ease. She also effectively deals with hiccups in logistics, locating lost items,
etc.
During our initial planning, Shem was very patient and helpful as we weighed
myriad options for destinations and camps.
Spotting wild dogs was a priority of our trip. Shem selected camps that offered
the best chances of seeing them. At Duke's, we had three sightings in two days!
We now have proof that Duke's is justifiably known for wild dogs.
Glynn at Duke's and Sy at Sable Alley are both outstanding guides.
Pam and Tom Holmes
Wednesday, 23 August 2023
South Luangwa Photo Safari
I would recommend this safari to anyone. It was amazing, and our guide, Isaac, was fantastic.
Paul Moore
Monday, 31 July 2023
South Luangwa Photo Safari
We had a fabulous trip. The birds and animals were amazing. The opportunities for photography were beyond expectations. I am hoping that my photos do it justice. The instructor was extremely patient.
Pam Boland
Monday, 03 July 2023
Timbavati Photo Workshop 2023
I have to congratulate Darren, on presenting a professional course, and taking time to address individual needs. Also provide hands-on experience and assistance with equipment and software applications. His background and knowledge of the bush added a further dimension of a very stimulating few days.
James Hayes
Wednesday, 17 May 2023
Briles Private Safari February 13 - 25, 2023
From initial contact through the conclusion of the trip, Angelica at C4 was a pleasure to work with. She listened to my desires for the trip, patiently and quickly answered my questions and made sure my Kenya vacation went smoothly and exceeded my expectations. A friend and I spent 10 days in Kenya, staying at 3 different properties Laikipia Wilderness Camp, Kicheche Mara Camp and Entim. Each property had its own unique style. We were well cared for, well fed and had knowledgeable guides. Our guides were expert at finding the animals we wanted to see and skillfully maneuvering us into position for the best photo opportunities. Each camp was unique and a favorite! The walking safari and fly camp at Laikipia were among cherished memories along with sightings of the black leopard. The landscapes at Kicheche and Entim are like no others! Sundown time is exquisite. At the conclusion of our stay, daily evening rains were starting and further created stunning landscapes. We had excellent animal viewing at all camps. Among the highlights were a hippo fight one night outside our tent we were safe, but it was loud!, elephants in camp breaking branches from trees, a guided walk down to the Mara river where the Migration Crossing occurs. The night sounds were amazing and the morning sounds of the bush waking up, magical. Game drives included an exciting pursuit of a black rhino, spending quiet time with a group of lazy lions with full bellies from a zebra kill, and a leopard with an impala kill we just missed the action. We also witnessed an alligator feeding frenzy after they had taken down a zebra while a lone hyena looked wistfully from the river bank. We spent time with lions and their curious playful cubs, watching a cheetah stalk a warthog and on our last morning, a fat and happy leopard perched high in a tree with its kill. There were many other sightings with various colorful birds and smaller animals such as the hyrax and mongoose. I would recommend C4 for your photo safari needs. They will take care of all the details and ensure you have the best experience possible full of memories that will last a lifetime!
Cathy Briles
Monday, 13 February 2023
Masai Mara Photo Safari with Jonathan Scott
Where do I begin. It’s been a trip of a life time. Breathtaking!!!
The whole experience has been wonderful. Everyone was so helpful and kind with regard to Alison and my lack of mobility. They made everything possible for us and we really appreciated it. We had so many wonderful animal sightings. Andre, Jonathan and Angela have taught me so much and I’m excited to try out what I‘ve learned.
I have no hesitation in recommending C4 and hope we’ll be able to book another trip with you in the not too distant future.
Carol Fraser
Monday, 10 October 2022
The Mara, Mashatu, and Meerkats
Shem, Karen, and the rest of the C4 team pulled it off again! Our 4th foray into Africa, our second adventure with C4 and our first time revisiting a place we’d been to before. A 3-week trip that took us from the Maasai Mara with Shem, and Jonathan and Angie Scott, to C4 guided trips to the photohide in Mashatu, Botswana, and a private visit with Meerkats in Tswalu, South Africa. And C4 managed the travel, multiple border crossings and other logistics seamlessly leaving us to simply revel in the wonder that is Africa.
This was our second trip to the Maasai-Mara with Shem and C4. Having Jonathan and Angie Scott along as guides simply added to the magic of the Mara. Travelling with people who love the Mara and know it intimately gave us a different look at what is already a stunning place to visit. Shem, Jonathan, and Angie the Dream Team shared their vast knowledge of the area, animal behaviour and wildlife photography with understated grace, happily encouraging us to expand our comfort zone with new photo techniques, thoughts on composition and, when time allowed, post-processing. Thanks to them we came away with a deeper appreciation of the Mara and its wildlife and the challenges it faces.
From the Mara, we ventured to Mashatu, Botswana, to spend time in the waterhole photo hide. This included a 6-hour land transfer from Johannesburg to Mashatu, with Herman, who was such a wealth of information on the drive that the time simply flew by. Our C4 photoguide Aubrey, was excellent and very patiently helped us through camera settings for the hide, and made it possible to capture the types of images we’d dreamed of getting, but never figured we could. Rogers and Abel our guide and tracker were also amazing, spotting things we’d never have seen, and finding everything we’d hoped to see. We can’t thank them, or the staff at Mashatu Lodge, enough for being so welcoming and making us feel at home from the moment we arrived until we left and headed for the Kalahari.
Our final stop on this odyssey was a stay at Tswalu in the Kalahari. In planning this trip, we told Shem that we wanted to see meerkats, and right away he recommended Tswalu and he was, as usual, bang on. Nic and Hans, our guide and tracker were wonderful and more than accommodating, sometimes going to considerable effort to track and locate animals we’d hoped to see, and usually were able to find what we were looking for. And meerkats! Nic and Hans were great at making sure we had time with meerkats on a couple of occasions. And not just fleeting glimpses, but real time, up close and personal for almost three hours on one visit. As with the Mara and Mashatu, we can’t say enough about the staff at Tswalu. We felt at-home there as well, nothing was too much trouble for them. We can’t thank them enough.
Thanks to Shem, Jonathan and Angie in the Mara, Aubrey, Rogers and Abel in Mashatu. and Nic and Hans in Tswalu, we had a simply glorious time and we’ve come home with a bucket-full of images to sort and process, that will keep us in the moment for months to come!
Sue Bryan Leece
Saturday, 01 October 2022
Mashatu Private Safari
Our visit to Mashatu was excellent in all respects. The flight transfers to and from Jo'burg were fine and convenient as well as being stress free. Mashatu Main Camp was very comfortable and the staff extremely helpful and pleasant. Aaron our driver and Karabo our photo guide were always on time and very adaptable. The hide was spectacular, and the Toyota land Cruiser photo vehicle enabled us to get where we needed to be.
John Chamberlain
Sunday, 25 September 2022
Masai Mara Classic Photo Safari
This was our second booking with C4 Photo Safaris and our second time on the same itinerary. We can't be happier to have chosen C4 again. Our guides during each of the trips were amazing. First, we did with Andre and this time with Trevor. Since our arrival in Nairobi, everything has been taken care of, starting with our stay at Serena Nairobi Hotel, followed by a smooth transfer to Wilson Airport to take the flight to Masai Mara and ultimately arrival at Entim Camp. The C4 team was always online and in-person ready to provide us with the best experience possible.
Each of the trips, we see our skill improving. My wife was not even into photos and we realize how much these 2 safari's with C4 have improved our photo skills, with increased variety, quality and amazing memories.
We also could observe the difference between our experience and others around us. We were only 3 photographers in the car, which enabled us to have our dedicated row, enabling for the best viewing and photos we could take. As comparison, we realized many other vehicles had too many people or just were not in the best location for wildlife viewing.
Our driver was simply "The Best Pilot" in the Mara. Pilot, as he is known, is also well-known and respectable around other drivers, positioning us on the best possible spots for photos, under the best light conditions. I also would recommend anyone who travels with C4 to get to know their drivers, as we experienced long breakfast talks, learning about the Masai culture and way of life.
As for our guide, Trevor went above and beyond, not only on photography, but as an expert in wild life. He was answering each and every question we had, about their behavior, conservatorship, projects to protect wildlife, regardless of the animal we were seeing or asking. This was more than a "photo safari" but a "learn it all" safari. Trevor was gracious enough to join us for breakfast, lunch and dinner, when we had the fulfilling long conversations about Africa, the Mara, new safari opportunities, and all the above.
To further make the experience unique, you have the whole staff at Entim Camp. To meet with some of the staff 4 years after our first visit was very special. We felt their relationship with the C4 staff is a long standing one that can be translated to being treated special by the Entim staff at the same level they treat the C4, like a family. They even helped us to get the best crossing viewing, right in front of our tent, where we had the privilege to see 3 crossings, the best means, a clean and perfectly appointed tent. Perfection in every detail.
The only downside is to have to leave everything behind and get back to our modern busy day to day lives. There is a great deal of sadness to say goodbye to each and everyone: From Angelica, with all the reservation details and support, to David, Mary, James, Charles at Entim, to Trevor and Pilot and many others who in some way or form made this the BEST trip of our lives.
We can't wait to meet the C4 team again on another life changing trip to Africa.
Eduardo and Sara Kostetzer
Saturday, 10 September 2022
Ultimate Masai Mara
The safari went smoothly in as far as C4’s input went and was excellent as we expected it to be.
Trevor and Pilot were both first class and we couldn’t have asked for better in terms of knowledge and good company.
So all up, a great trip and we keep recommending C4 to all who will listen.
Steve and Jackie Wyatt
Thursday, 01 September 2022
Wonderful mid Aug in Mashatu
Incredible days in Mashatu thanks to Aubrey for pushing us to experiment so much with our cameras in the hide, to Aaron and Edward who shared so nicely the excitement of tracking lions and leopards, to the whole Mashatu staff making sure we could all enjoy nature in the best possible way by the pool or taking it easy in the room. Warmly recommending you all to call Karen and book your next C4 holidays!
Ariane Labat
Friday, 19 August 2022
Excellent landscape photography course in May 2022
The Lekkerwater Landscape Masterclass in early May 2022 was wonderful and very inspirational. Hougaard Malan is an excellent landscape photography instructor and explains the settings etc in a practical and clear manner, plus the Lightroom editing tips. Although we had a small group it had its benefits of personal guidance. The Lekkerwater Lodge is a ‘real treat’ and a place that’s food for the soul. Thank you to C4 for arranging this workshop. I would highly recommend it to any keen photographer.
Ritchie Morris
Friday, 20 May 2022
Lekkerwater Nature Photography Masterclass 2022
The course was exceptionally well run, we learnt so much from Hougaard, his tutorials and talks were extremely informative. I loved the change from wildlife to landscape photography
I cannot fault the lodge, the staff were all friendly and went out of their way to make our stay memorable. Attention to detail, like a hot water bottle in the room and a fire before we went to bed made all the difference. It was cold out.
Wendy Vickery
Monday, 09 May 2022
Lekkerwater Nature Photography Masterclass
Lekkerwater is definitely not just a photographic landscaping workshop.
A breathtaking location, excellent and inspirational guides, special accommodation and lovely creature comforts make this a very unique experience. Whether you are a beginner or an award winning photographer, you will be challenged, stimulated and fulfilled on any level you choose. It is not physically or creatively exhausting, you get as much sleep as you want and whether you are “arty”, a purist, a technical whizz or a nature enthusiast you will not be disappointed. If you are not any of those but would like to explore them, or even just improve your technical skills, you will for sure!
I went to Lekkerwater with my creative energy at a bit of a low and within hours it had returned!
Lilla Coetzee
Tuesday, 22 March 2022
Lekkerwater Nature Photography Masterclass
Photography at the hands of two masters of the arts, and the scenic beauty of a part of the South African coastline at a 5 star luxury lodge was pure heaven!
Both Hougaard and Martin have the amazing ability to guide you to become the best photographer you can be whilst allowing you to explore your own ideas and creativity.
Lekkerwater, perched on a hill overlooking the untouched nature reserve and beach, unequivocally deserves all its praises.
The entire staff of Lekkerwater went above and beyond and played a part in the absolute joy and bliss we experienced whilst staying there.
Sitting down for mouth-watering meals at the long table contributed to a sense of unity and friendship. An abundance of laughter!!
Having had all this in a photography rich environment made the Lekkerwater workshop a one of a kind experience!
Sheer indulgence for all photography lovers!
Elize Gouws
Wednesday, 02 February 2022
Another great visit to Mashatu, organized by C4!
This was our third visit to Mashatu all expertly organized and hosted by C4, but the first time seeing it during the summer green emerald season we visited Jan 27-Feb 2, 2022. As expected, it was not quite as productive as the dry season e.g., July to September, but we still had many great sightings and photographic opportunities. I was also happy that I had booked 6 nights instead of our usual 3-4 nights, as the first couple of days were very wet due to the remnants of tropical storm Ana that were passing through. Despite the heavy rain on those days, we still managed to get out on most game drives during that time. A big plus with all of that rain is that it made the grass greener and the yellow flowers all come out and bloom during the last few days of our visit. We had several great sightings of leopards, lions, cheetahs including a chase hunt!, elephants, elands, and even bat-eared foxes including with the surrounding yellow flowers!.
We had Kaizer again as our Mashatu ranger and he is a super nice and knowledgeable guy with great spoken English. He takes direction from others well e.g., about vehicle positioning for best photography and he understands some of the important nuances regarding photography e.g., position for best backgrounds in images. We booked the C4 photo vehicle again and Aubrey was our C4 photo host and this was our first time meeting him. He was great – very knowledgeable about the reserve and its animals, good suggestions regarding photography, and we experimented with some creative photography e.g., rimback-lighting, panning, high-key. He was a joy to have on the vehicle and interact with in camp. The Mashatu Lodge main camp staff e.g., Lobs, Nancy, Cecilia were all fantastic and the food has improved dramatically over the years.
Overall it was a great and worthwhile visit, and we hope to visit Mashatu again soon! Thanks again C4!
Mark and Holly Needham
Thursday, 27 January 2022
Lekkerwater Nature Photography Masterclass
Ansel Adams, arguably the most famous landscape photographer of the 20th century, was quoted as saying “I believe the world is incomprehensibly beautiful - an endless prospect of magic and wonder.” The Lekkerwater workshop was a Damascus experience for me where I grasped what Ansel Adams must have meant. The beauty of De Hoop nature reserve, the untouched coastline, combined with the mentorship of Hougaard Malan and Martin Osner allowed we to experience this magic and wonder through my camera lens. I will never forget my transformative moment standing in the water with my tripod and camera at dawn reviewing may images through the camera LCD screen: just realising that I am also capable of capturing a magical landscape photograph. These photographs are now proudly framed and displayed in my office for all to admire and be transported to the beautiful Lekkerwater coastline. The workshop is facilitated to allow participants to have such transformative experiences which will certainly enrich you as a photographer. This workshop is highly recommended for photographers interested in the beauty of landscape photography.
Eric Decloedt
Sunday, 12 December 2021
Osner delight at Swellendam
A refreshing new venue hosted by Martin and Sam Osner. Creativity taken to a new level as we immersed ourselves in the cross-over between photography and fine art. The venue itself is stunning. The workshop a balm for the creative soul.
Cathy Bell
Sunday, 12 December 2021
C4 Masia Mara and Mara North 2021
This was our 3rd trip to Africa, but the 1st to Kenya. It was also our first, but definitely not our last, trip with C4. After a year of delays and rescheduling, it was well worth the wait. Right from the beginning, Karen and Shem were there to help with the planning and logistics. Even before we left home Karen and Shem made certain they understood what we were hoping to see and do while on safari. And once we arrived in Kenya, things just got better and better. We had the immense good fortune of an 11-day private safari with Shem in the Massai Mara and the Mara North concession. Shem’s enthusiasm for wildlife and wildlife photography was infectious and had Sue and I spell-bound the entire time. The wildlife photography opportunities were endless. Couple that with Shem’s skill as a teacher and his willingness to share his thoughts and approaches to composition and exposure really helped us get so much more out of the experience. Shem encouraged us to think about using new settings on our cameras and helped us understand the creative opportunities open to us if we thought beyond our comfort zones. Now that we’re home and we’re looking over the images, it’s clear that Shem has given us an entirely new perspective on the pictures we take, both in composition in the field and approaches to post-processing. All of which means the adventure continues. And it gives us so much more to look forward to next year. We can’t thank Shem, Karen and the rest of the C4 team enough.
Bryan and Susan Leece
Friday, 12 November 2021
Dont Let a Pandemic Get in Your Way The Great Migration and Northern Kenya Extension
International travel is currently challenging and the hoops one must jump through are formidable but fortunately not insurmountable, as the rewards of an African safari, even during the covid pandemic, are so worth the extra effort. My goal was to visit three areas in Kenya that were different in scope wildlife, birdlife, landscape but easy to access from one to the next. Karen and Shem at C4 created an itinerary that not only accomplished, but surpassed, these goals.
Northern Kenya’s arid landscape offered excellent viewing opportunities, several endemic mammalian species and a plethora of birds, many of them also endemic. All this was complemented by a spectacular setting amidst beautiful mountains. The two camps visited, Sarara and Elephant Bedroom, differed in style and flavor and had radically different landscapes despite being only an hour’s drive apart.
A short flight then took me to southern Kenya to a visit to the Masai Mara with the hope of witnessing a crossing as part of the Great Migration, when thousands of wildebeest and zebra risk their lives to cross the Mara River in search of greener pastures. After several days of viewing the classic wildlife of Africa with a few extra treats such as sightings of rare Black Rhinoceros, a Serval with kittens, many raptors as well as very young lion cubs and elephants, we noted wildebeest accumulating in the grasslands near the river. We dedicated the next day to patrolling the river seeking sites where the wildebeest were congregating at the river’s edge to test the water for a possible crossing. After hours of trepidation, the first wildebeest entered the river which set off a deluge of followers. The river became chocked with wildebeest, as those reaching the other side could not climb the river bank quickly enough to make room for the thousands of wildebeest that followed. There was panic in the air, several wildebeest drowned in the frenzy and the vultures were accumulating, awaiting their own feast. It was an experience like no other and a privilege to witness this enduring cycle of life.
My experience in Kenya was rich and wonderful and I thank C4 for providing this wonderful opportunity. Special thanks to Karen and Shem for their advice in trip planning and to Isak Pretorius for his photographic advice and assistance. Don’t let a pandemic get in your way!
Ellen Mack
Saturday, 25 September 2021
Lekkerwater Nature Photography Masterclass
Imagine a place where you are still, where your body and soul become one with the world around you, and you immerse yourself in the peace that comes from within. Absorbed by the energy and surrounds your view through your viewfinder becomes much more than simply looking for the best picture. It becomes your connection to timelessness. Welcome to Lekkerwater.
Tony & Cathy Bell
Friday, 02 July 2021
Lekkerwater Nature Photography Masterclass
The workshop with C4 and Hougaard Malan exceeded my expectations in many ways.
From a photographic angle it was fantastic to have a small group and two instructors who were able to show and teach me new techniques and challenged me to plan an image and see a scene "through the lens". No doubt that their expertise, passion and dedication elevated my landscape photography to a new level.
Sandy beaches, rocky outcrops, fynbos flora, sunsets and moonrises provided endless and spectacular photographic opportunities, which allowed me to create some very unique images during my stay on this private reserve.
For me, the lodge itself was also a real gem with a cozy atmosphere that reminded me of a home rather than a hotel. The ocean view from the cabin was absolutely breathtaking and the food was divine and wonderfully creative.
Barbara Hartman
Friday, 25 June 2021
C4 Photography Tour in Maasai Mara plus private tours in Kenya and Tanzania
We went with the C4s Premium Photo Safari in Maasai Mara plus a private extension for both Amboseli and Tanzania. The whole trip was a wonderful experience for both of us in many ways. C4 team communicated promptly with us before and throughout the trip. During the Maasai Mara trip, we learned a great deal about photography and nature from both Andre and Neil. They are extremely knowledgeable. Additionally, they are simply wonderful persons to be with. We also had privilege of having the guidance of Johnathan Scott for two half days. The program C4 arranged for us for Amboseli and Tanzania also worked very well. We thoroughly enjoyed the game drives in all the locations. We certainly look forward to the next trip to Africa through C4.
Jimin and Xiaoling
26 September 2019
Jimin
Thursday, 26 September 2019
Wonderful trip
C4 organized our trip to Mashatu, which was fantastic. All the information was spot on, and Angelica patiently answered all questions we asked. We loved the safari drives with such knowledgeable guides and our session at the hide. Mashatu has so many animals, most with young to see - lions, cheetahs, leopards, giraffe, elephants, etc. We were able to get very close to all. And the accommodations and food were excellent. We highly recommend the destination and C4s great support. We would love to return.
Doria Gordon
Tuesday, 27 August 2019
What a great trip
C4 organised a safari in the northern Serengeti for us with Maasai Wanderings Nasikia Camps. It was awesome in the true sense of the word. The camp was fantastic the food was great, we slept like babies every night and the staff were lovely. The game drives were amazing the guides were extremely knowledgable and we learnt a lot about the animals as well as seeing a lot of animals. All the organisation of flights and hotels was spot on. All in all a fantastic holiday.
Gavin
Sunday, 18 August 2019
Private Safari
Dear Shem and Angelica,
It is so difficult to thank you succinctly for the most fantastic holiday imaginable. We all loved the Africa Tulip. It was a perfect stop over for the family. The children and mums spent hours by the pool swimming and sun bathing, whilst the rest of the adults chilled in the shade. Everyone was wowed by the ambience, attention from the staff, and the wonderful Indian food.
Now for the safari, we saw so many animals on the first game drive from Kogatende Airstrip to Nasikia camp that the family were almost overwhelmed before we had even arrived. The next morning proved even more spectacular. A herd of elephants crossed the horizon silhouetted by a magical rising sun. This was followed soon after by pride of lions toying with the remains of a zebra. Thoroughly sated two males and four cubs fed together, more cubs and lioness lolled about, and all bathed in glorious golden early sunlight! I do so hope the photos do it justice. Over the next few days we sighted 6 cheetah, 2 leopards and about 20 lions plus lots more. The children loved watching the crocs and hippos and fell about laughing at the hippos poo-spreading.
There was no intention of waiting for a migration crossing however we decided to lunch near the river. Five minutes into our lunch boxes the guides told us to pack the food away as the animals on the far bank were looking unsettled. We drove closer to the crossing point 7B and a few minutes later we took off at break neck speed as the crossing was in full flow. How lucky were we; it was all so exciting! The two guides, Mohammed and Abu, were great with the grandchildren.
After four fabulous days in camp they were ready for some down time and beach relaxation, and so to Zanzibar. We were all amazed by White Sands. The children ran around the Presidents suite counting Jacuzzis and plunge pools. The beach and sea were just wonderful and we felt thoroughly spoilt by the staff and hotel facilities.
Lovely as it was after four nights Pete and I were ready for more safari. Amboseli was just brilliant with elephants crossing the pan in line, and wallowing in the swamps. We were also treated to an unusual siting of a serval stealing fish from a swamp mongoose. Tortillis camp was a very special place. Not only did we enjoy very exceptional vegetarian food in great surroundings, but we also watched the elephants tramp to the waterhole whilst we were eating! All the staff were superb, and Ali was an exceptional and patient guide.
We will forward photos in due course but we just wanted to convey our thanks to you for arranging such a fabulous holiday. It was great to see the African bush afresh through the eyes of the family. It is an experience we so enjoyed sharing and one we will never forget.
Liza Paisley
Wednesday, 14 August 2019
Another great Mashatu workshop
As soon as I knew I was planning on returning to Africa I just had to do the C4 Mashatu workshop again. It was a no brainer. As in 2016, Isak was our wonderful guide. He is so sharing and I never fail to come away without having learnt new ways to shoot and even features of my camera that I didnt know that I had. I love that the workshops are only small and with just 4 of us 3 returnees plus Isak and our fantastic driverguide Richard we were able to make the most of our stay at Mashatu. We had three sessions at the hide and each was awesome. We had elephants galore plus many birds, warthogs, mongoose, monkeys, impala, giraffe, eland, kudu and much more. And out in the conservancy we were lucky to see leopards on three occasions plus cheetah and lion and many other animals. One thing you do not go to Mashatu for is to lose weight. The camp is so comfortable and the dining fantastic. Brunch and high tea are the ultimate yum, especially the lemon meringue pie. If you are thinking about this workshop think no longer. Do it.
Carol Darby
Thursday, 09 May 2019
This trip surpassed expectations in so many ways
This was my first C4 trip, but it wont be my last. C4 had been highly recommended by 2 friends who had travelled with them previously in Africa. Together with a few other friends, we all decided to go to Svalbard with C4. This trip consisted of us 12 photographers and our 2 guides, Shem and Kyle, as the only guests on a small ship as we travelled around Svalbard searching for wildlife and photographing the stunning, and at times, overpowering landscapes around us. We also had 2 expedition guides and a small but extremely capable crew. Firstly, Shem and Kyle. Their knowledge and their willingness to share it and teach each of us camera skills and post processing both out in the field and on the ship just blew me away. They only got out their cameras occasionally, and then, only when every one of their guests were happily photographing with no problems or questions. The patient way in which both Kyle and Shem answered questions, assisted in the set up of cameras doggedly going about problem solving and demonstrated things in Lightroom or were just generally around to assist, was amazing and was a real comfort particularly when I was stressed and not wishing to miss shots due to worrying about doing the wrong thing. The sheer enthusiasm of Kyle and Shem permeated the entire atmosphere of this cohesive group of travellers and the vibe on board was fantastic. The landscapes that we traversed were many and varied but the word that springs to mind as I look back on this trip is majestic. I will never forget the sight of a Polar Bear plodding across the ice with a back of huge white mountains. It was almost surreal. Our expedition leaders made sure that we got off the ship and into the zodiacs if there was an opportunity to do so and on those occasions we photographed from the zodiacs. The Captain advised us that there was a lot of ice around for our trip and so we had had less exposure to the zodiac experience than he would ordinarily expect. It did not matter. You cant control the weather and you cant control how many animals and birds you see - that is part of the adventure. I would like to thank you Kyle and Shem from the bottom of my heart - this trip was fantastic.
Jane, Australia
Wednesday, 01 May 2019
Third time lucky
This was my third Mashatu workshop with Isak, the first two were outstanding but this one exceeded all expectations, it really was third time lucky.
Sadly for the other couple who were booked they had to cancel leaving me in a privileged position, the only participant. The benefit of one on one tuition was significant both in photographing and in post processing. Spike Mooketsi our ranger and Ephraim Ramonwara the tracker were skilled and professional giving us wonderful views particularly of the well known and handsome male lion. At this time of year there was little activity in the hide, we visited one morning, the morning it rained! Mashatu Tent Camp is run by dedicated staff and management, nothing is forgotten.
Sue Goodman
Thursday, 04 April 2019
Truly Inimitable Tanzania
I have previously been a few times to Eastern and Southern Africa, but this definitely was one of the very best trips. Not only did we see great animals, but under Shem's gentle and always encouraging guidance my photography skills have improved. We visited Tarangire National Park with its huge herds of elephants and thousands of buffalo, took photos of usually shy Datoga women at Lake Eyasi, and finally saw 7 cheetahs in South Serengeti. How our Tanzanian guide managed to find them, I still marvel at. I look forward to another trip with Shem Compion.
Maria Stuchly, Vancouver, Canada
Wednesday, 20 March 2019
First steps off auto
My wife and I had a great time last week finally moving off our cameras auto setting under the guidance of Andre from C4. The combination of theory iteratively combined with an application on the game drives worked well and we never got close to testing the depth of Andres skill and experience. Much yet to learn, but a great start made. We were also blessed to see by far! the best leopard and cheetah sightings of our lives.
Andrew le Roux
Thursday, 17 January 2019
Ethiopian Photo Safari with Shem
We have just returned from three weeks in Ethiopia. The itinerary was well crafted to give us a broad view of Ethiopia - its culture, history, geography and people. The ground crew, headed by Graeme Lemon of Wild Expeditions, did an exceptional job in sometimes very trying circumstances, not the least of which was Shem being medi-evacuated to Addis from a river bed amongst the Suri Tribe. As a tour leader, Shem quietly got on with the job, fixing problems which inevitably arose on the trip of this nature, whilst never losing his equanimity. He was helpful as a photographer, responsive to clients requests and invariably cheerful, even when sporting a head bandage that made him look like a veteran of the Crimean War. The trip was everything we had hoped for and so much more we recommend it highly and we look forward to travelling with Shem again in the near future.
Judith, Keith Sam - Vancouver, Canada
Tuesday, 20 November 2018
Tanzania Private Safari
We have just returned home from the most amazing private safari - 17 days in Tanzania in October - organised by Shem and Karen from C4. We had the most wonderful guide who was extremely generous in sharing his knowledge and respect for nature. As wildlife carers in Australia, we were absolutely blown away by what we saw. This trip was far more than we ever could have hoped for - the animals, the culture of the tribes we visited, the people and the hospitality. Thank you so much Shem and your team. It was absolutely outstanding!
Fiona, Gerard Kristy
Monday, 12 November 2018
REKERO CAMP - WITH JONATHAN SCOTT
I had a simply splendid time along with my wife Koel and our 7-year old son Aurko during our recent trip to Kenya in October 2018. This had been my 5th visit to Africa, and the third time I went to photograph at the Masai Mara.
Whether it was from the overall family travel experience point of view or from the perspective of expanding the creative bandwidth of my nature photography portfolio, this Kenyan holiday was simply marvellous. The quality of the camp, vehicle and driver-guide at the Masai Mara were of a high order. We also enjoyed our brief personalised curtain raiser at Lake Nakuru, before joining the others for the main Mara experience.
I had earlier had a productive tour with C4 Photo Safaris in the Arctic in 2014, and it was once again a pleasure to spend time in the field with my wonderful pro-photographer friend from South Africa, Shem Compion, whose unobtrusive photographic tips, both in the field and during post-processing, were always value-adding.
Like in his first visit to Kenya last year, my son Aurko was super happy on this safari. He was especially excited as he had the youthful and helpful Kyle De Nobrega to lovingly teach him interesting nuggets about wildlife and nature such as identifying and following tracks of all kinds of animals from the mongoose to the lion. Kyle is a talented young wildlife guide and photographer, and his self-effacing, flexible and empathetic company made things pleasant for our entire family.
But the single biggest reason I had signed up for this particular Masai Mara tour was the presence of someone I had grown up watching with admiration on television - the legendary Jonathan Scott! The privilege of having the hugely knowledgeable yet humble Jonathan and Angela Scott, the celebrated Big Cat couple, as our insightful hosts at the Mara, their second home in Kenya, added a transformational dimension to our current safari and my creative nature photography. Something I will treasure for a long time to come!
Photography for me has been a major passion for more than a decade and I have over time been lucky with various international publications, exhibitions and awards and therefore take my photo tours quite seriously. On this parameter, I found this Kenya tour to be extremely fruitful and would certainly look forward to travelling again with Shem. I would unhesitatingly recommend C4 Photo Safaris to serious shutterbugs, as well as other nature enthusiasts looking for a top-drawer natural history vacation.
AMARTYA MUKHERJEE
Tuesday, 30 October 2018
Masai Mara
We had a great safari - Shem, Jonathan and Kyle were all great with wonderful enthusiasm and with different styles , but all very patient and helpful with both martin and l - neither of us had any great previous knowledge of photographing wildlife and we learnt a huge amount, which we hope to put to good use in the future. We found the feedback session particularly useful and would have liked more of those - if it were possible to squeeze them in. Kyle was wonderful with the 7 year old Indian boy.
The lodge was excellent - very comfortable with excellent food and very pleasant and helpful staff - no complaints there. We could think of anything that would have improved our experience there on the feedback sheets.
All in all it was a wonderful experience and we really would like to come again with you, so please, please keep us informed of future safaris.
Clare and Martin
Friday, 19 October 2018
Masai Mara
This was my second Mara Trip, both times with C4 Safaris and both times staying at Entim Main Camp.
The team at C4 are all really nice people, very professional but still down to earth, friendly and they look after you. Their wildlife and photographic knowledge is first class and you get basically one on one tuition, which is a huge bonus. I know my quality, and understanding of photography and Lightroom improves tremendously after a trip like this.
Whilst we didn’t get to see a crossing, we did see some amazing sightings, of Lions, cheetah, Elephant, Zebras buffalo, Giraffe, Crocks, eagles and many other animals and birds, and lots of amazing photo opportunities. The Masai Mara is a special place, seeing all of this wildlife on these open plains is just quite unique, and the sunrises and sunsets are breathtaking.
The tented accommodation at Entim Camp is great, very nice food and the people and staff can’t do enough for you, really friendly, and my driver John very nice young guy, we hit it off really great, we formed a nice friendship.
It was especially nice to have Shem on board for this trip, along with Andre, IsaK and Trevor all wonderful hosts. We had a nice group of people, all got on very well, made some new friends and all in all had a wonderful safari, and yes I would go back for a third trip, and definitely with C4 Safaris
Barry Barnes
Wednesday, 17 October 2018
Mashatu Workshop
C4 has been the perfect means to merging photographic theory with practice. A combination of outstanding photographic instruction given by Trevor Kleyn and the expertise of Jakes, our guide/driver, made my most recent trip to the Tented Camp Mashatu, a huge success.
Yvonne
Monday, 15 October 2018
Awesome Safari experience
It is one of the best trips I experienced so far. Starting from day one on our arrival in Nairobi and till the day we leave everything was well-taken care. Andre Cloete is super patient, and his insights on wildlife photography helped us to improve on compositions and the way we capture images. Overall I enjoyed my stay in Entim camp. I would join other safaris with C4 in future.
Pradeep
Sunday, 14 October 2018
C4 Photographic Safari in Masai Mara with Jonathan Angie Scott
This was our first photographic safari and it exceeded all of our expectations. Jonathan, Angie and Andre were endlessly patient tutors as well as being entertaining and informative guides. They were so generous in passing on their wisdom and knowledge about the flora and fauna of the Masai Mara. We feel extremely privileged to have had the opportunity to spend time with and get to know the three of them wildlife-royalty. The staff at Entim Camp were without exception, superb and the food was amazing. Our every need was anticipated the tents were so comfortable and thoughfully equipped, someone had shown great attention to detail. There was nothing about this safari including the company that was anything less than superb - we liked it so much that we had already booked on to our next one before this one had ended. Thank you C4.
Caroline Scott Greenhalgh
Friday, 12 October 2018
Wonderful Experience at September Masai Mara 2018
This is my first experience on a photo safari with C4, the whole experience was wonderful with a well-planned itinerary throughout my stay at Entim Camp. The safety and security aspects were very well carried out by the Masai Warriors 24/7 a day, watching over us and keeping us safe from the wild animals around camp. The full board was highly appreciated and every meal was tastefully crafted and served with well mannered and nice staff. I enjoyed the daily bush breakfast served by Moses, where you dine and watch the wildlife on the open plains. The other part of the experience is the experience level of our driver guide Henry, who is experienced in seeking out kills and positioned the vehicle in the right way for the best angles to shoot from. Safety was also the priority of the all the drivers, who made us feel very secure and safe even with the lions roaming next to our vehicle. The accommodation at Entim Camp was very comfortable, it was like hotel standards even though we were staying in tents. Wifi was made available for our communication needs. Overall, C4 has provided the highest standard in our stay in Masai Mara and my next trip to Africa will be another C4 experience.
Chris Chia
Friday, 05 October 2018
Masai Mara
I would like to convey my appreciation on a very well-organised trip. Throughout the trip, I felt that we were taken care of from head to toe. Both Andre as well as the Entim camp staff made sure of that. I was also impressed with the almost encyclopaedic knowledge of animals and birds that Andre has. In addition, both he, as well as our driver, Henry, could often predict what the animals were likely to do next and sound us out so that we could get ready for the impending action.
This was my first time on a safari. This was my first time in Africa. C4 has made it an enjoyable experience, certainly one that I will remember fondly for a long, long time.
Nian Huei
Thursday, 04 October 2018
A fantastic Masai Mara Safari experience
This was not the first time I went for a Photo safari with C4, I already had a brilliant time at Mashatu in 2016. I expected the same high standards that C4 provided and I was not wrong. The Masai Mara photo safari was just brilliant.
The lodging at Entim Camp was just superb and I had everything in the tented camp to relax and refresh with. The quality and variety of food and drinks were also excellent and there was WIFI too.
Game drive sessions were also wonderful with the very knowledgeable, experienced and friendly guides driving us around. They were brilliant in the way they maneuvered their vehicles and always making sure we got our shots.
Definitely planning for 2 more safaris in 2019 and they will definitely be through C4 Photo Safaris.
Andrew JK Tan
Thursday, 04 October 2018
Masai Mara safari September 2018
I had high expectations before my recent trip to Kenya. The C4 team exceeded those expectations and I hope to travel with them in the future - either back in the Masai Mara or elsewhere in Africa or even the Arctic.
The accommodations at Entim was nice and well-located. I cannot underscore how important it was to be located inside the national park because it allowed our morning game drives to begin at 6 am and felt very private. By 10 am, the light is harsh and most sightings were surrounded by a dozen jeeps.
This means that while other travelers were just starting their day, we were already finished with our morning game drives and back in camp for lunch and learning sessions. The food was great and the lectures on composition, Lightroom, etc were very helpful.
We began our afternoon-evening game drives around 4 pm each day. The light was still harsh at that time BUT we were usually in the bush shooting near the shade. By 5:30 pm, the light became ideal and then we were back on the open savanna. One hour later, we were treated to some beautiful sunsets and great photo-ops.
I really wouldn't change anything about my trip. If you like photography or just need guidance in your photography, this trip is for you. If you are more into cultural stuff or the study of wildlife, I would still recommend C4. The C4 staff is very thorough, the Entim staff was great, and all 7 clients on the trip were super-friendly!
T.J. Stein
Tuesday, 25 September 2018
Massai Mara migration photo safari
C4 was absolutely professional. The trip was wonderfully organized, high-quality accommodation and knowledgeable photo guides. Not my first trip with C4 and not my last!
Hennie van Greuning
Monday, 24 September 2018
Trip of a Lifetime
We returned just a week ago from an unbelievable trip to the Masai Mara, led by Isak Pretorius and Trevor Kleyn. Even though we are just amateurs, using our phones for photos, both Isak and Trevor took the time to give us tips we could use to take better photos. The serious photographers in our group got plenty of the pictures they wanted as well.
The entire trip was handled in a first-class manner, with few surprises and outstanding accommodations. Entim Camp was a great place to stay, and the staff knew C4 very well and took great care of us. The drivers were outstanding and knew where the wildlife could be found and how best to position us for the best photos.
Whether this is your first safari or your tenth, C4 is absolutely the way to go!
David Boyer
Sunday, 23 September 2018
South Luangwa & Mashatu
Fantastic trip with fabulous wildlife sightings. Kyles expert instruction and knowledge of the camps and the wildlife greatly enhanced our experience. This trip EXCEEDED all of our expectations. He gave all of us great tips on how to enhance our photography. I learned a tremendous amount from him and came away with some of my best photographs! Loved the photography hides at both camps.
Virginia Huang
Wednesday, 01 August 2018
South Luangwa
We spent a week with Isak Pretorius in South Luangwa What a gem! We were a group of friends who have done serious game watching in the past together but this was something else. We saw leopards at least twice a day probably the best sightings ever. Chiteni Lodge is situated in the most picturesque spot in the African bush that we have ever been to. The service and hospitality of our hosts were remarkable. As usual, Isak was a star and we always learn so much added to that his delightful sense of humour of course. Our photographs are simply great. We are already planning our next visit.
Leonie
Wednesday, 01 August 2018
Private Mashatu Safari
We have been travelling with C4 for many years now and the C4 crew has become not only friends but family. They share our love and philosophy for the bush and that makes all the difference. We return to Mashatu every year and it is one of our most favourite destinations and doing it with C4 makes all the difference. Last year we had Andre with us on the vehicle and in the hide and this year Janet spent time with us - what a blessing!
Barbara Jensen Vorster
Friday, 20 July 2018
Classic Masai Mara safari: 30 September - 7 October 2017
Last year I decided to enter a competition by C4 to celebrate their 10th year in business. The prize was a Photographic Safari to the Maasai Mara with the extra bonus of having Jonathan Scott spend a day with us on safari. Having never entered a competition before I thought I would give it a try and to my surprise I won. It was a dream come true.
The trip was unbelievably rewarding. Having never been to the Mara before and not knowing what to expect, my husband and I were blown away by the sheer number of animals and the beauty of the Park. We were there in October during the migration which was a treat. As a hobbyist wildlife photographer I had never really taken the time to photograph Wildebeest, always focusing on other species of animals. I got to see them in a whole new light and was fortunate enough to get some “keeper” images.
We stayed at Entim Camp which was an amazing experience in itself. As we arrived we were alerted to a crossing about to take place at a part of the river nearby. We all ran off at top speed, camera’s in hand and were fortunate enough to see a mini crossing. What a way to start off the trip. It was then that I was sure we were in for a treat. The camp was beautiful, from the accommodation to the food. We had three delicious meals cooked for us every day and were always met by incredibly friendly, happy staff. We most certainly never went hungry.
But best of all was getting to meet and experience the incredibly knowledgeable team of photographers, Ruth, Kyle and Isak. Their knowledge was not only limited to photography but also the little things, like the names of plants, birds or anything else related to nature. It was great to not only focus on the photography but also on the little things which encourage us to appreciate the beauty of the world around us. The guides rotated every day which gave us the opportunity to experience each ones knowledge and perspectives with it all coming together at the end to help us walk away knowing all that there was to know about the art of wildlife photography.
Our drive/guide Josephat was a wealth of knowledge too. Not only that, he was incredibly skilled at positioning the vehicle exactly where we needed to be in order to get the perfect shot. In my eyes that in itself is an important part of wildlife photography and he has most certainly mastered it.
They taught us whatever there was to know about wildlife photography, from camera settings, to lighting, to watching for the exact moment to take a picture by reading the animals behaviour and the list goes on. I walked away with a wealth of knowledge and I can say with certainty that it improved my capability as a photographer ten fold. Adding to that was the afternoon classroom time where our pictures were reviewed and we were given tips and advice on editing our images. Again I learnt a whole lot that I did not know before. Added to this was their extreme patience with the clients answering each and every question that was asked. They got me to experiment with different settings that I had never used before and for that I am so grateful.
Getting to meet world renowned photographer Jonathan Scott was definitely a highlight. His words of wisdom related to photography and his sheer knowledge of animal behavior is something that will stay with me forever.
To top it off it just happened to be my 50th Birthday during the time that we were there. Kyle, Ruth and Isak and the staff of Entim Camp went above and beyond to make my day special including a surprise birthday cake and sunset celebration. A birthday I will most certainly never forget and I have C4 Safari’s to thank for that. Added to that was the honor of seeing the Big 5 on that particular day.
I honestly cannot say enough good things about C4 Safari’s. I always considered it to be a once in a lifetime trip but I am hoping to challenge that by doing it again someday, perhaps trying a different location.
Thank you to all at C4 Safari’s for making a dream come true. I most certainly got way more out of the safari than what I had expected.
Yvette Holzbach
Wednesday, 16 May 2018
Excellent in every way - Masai Mara Predators
Maasai Mara Predators ranks as one of my favourite trips. Entim Camp excels in understanding photographers’ needs. Its location, in the centre of the Mara, is excellent - we could readily explore in any direction. Tents are comfortable, with power strips for charging batteries downloading images. Tasty buffet style meals allowed us to eat quickly then get back to reviewing images. The staff is friendly, attentive and responsive. Safari vehicles are comfortable even the back row with lots of room for camera gear. Maasai guides are knowledgeable and personable. Visiting during the shoulder season in late February 2018 meant no tourist hordes yet there were still enough “eyes on the ground” to allow many good sightings. Wildlife is diverse and fairly easy to find. Shem and Andre are excellent leaders whose prediction fulfilled our needs. They also pointed out options to portray wildlife in their environment, which I would not have visualized. Their critiques of my images and others’ images were a great learning experience. This was my second safari with C4 and it won’t be my last! I highly recommend C4 Photos Safaris.
Pam Holmes
Pam Holmes
Thursday, 12 April 2018
The wonder that is Zakouma -2018
Imagine a 3000 square kilometer park where the elephant roam in a herd of 500+, the Pelican -both species, Northern Crowned Cranes, White faced ducks and Spur winged geese are all fishing in front of camp by the thousands while red billed queleas blacken the sky at dusk…just two vehicles nearly always heading off in different directions, two guides and us..no other vehicle ever to spoil a shot!
That is the reality of Zakouma where as the water dries up, everything is attracted in abundance to the drying pools and marshes. ‘Abundance’ was a word we used again and again to describe the Lelwels Hartebeest, Tiang, Defassa Waterbuck, Buffon’s kob, Kordofan giraffe, Olive Baboon, multiple individual lion we stopped counting around the 20 mark, leopard, civet and serval, patus and tantulus monkey, large herds of buffalo... the list goes on and on...
Add Kyle de Norbrega’s knowledge, boundless enthusiasm and passion for Zakouma, the amazing conservation work of Africa parks, the seamless C4 logistics and fantastic camp staff and I can safely say this is a truly unique experience that those few of us who ever get to come here will never, ever forget…..
David Hanrahan
Tuesday, 13 March 2018
Masai Mara, Kenya and South Luangwa, Zambia
In September I toured with C4 Images to the Mara, with a great group of fellow photographers who had Isak and Kyle as guides. Jonathan Scott BBC Big Cat Diaries was in attendance for a day. He is a very knowledgable and interesting person. Sightings included a lion pride with 13 cubs, a coalition of 4 male cheetahs, leopards, a black rhino, 4 lionesses trying to take down a buffalo and of course a wildebeest crossing. Stunning. The week seemed to pass too quickly. The photo critiques and Lightroom lessons by Isak and Kyle were excellent, and we all gained a lot of knowledge from the experience. Entim Camp was perfect with good people and the best of food.
South Luangwa Isak and myself travelled to Kaingo Camp after after the Mara and this was totally different to what I expected. The camp is on the river bank with long expansive views. The food was excellent with good cabin accommodation. We had incredible sightings of leopard, lions, wild dogs etc. Also had early morning starts photographing the sun rising through the Ebony forests.
Will I return You bet. Cant wait, and with C4 of course.
Ian Butt
Thursday, 02 November 2017
Great Workshop in Spite of Unseasonable Weather
It might have been the toughest possible test for Trevor and for C4 Photo Workshops! Its October, suicide month in Botswana. Its so hot and so dry there is not a of water to drink in the rivers and there are no mud holes. Most of the animals must make a visit to the water holes at the photo hides in order to drink ... normally in October. But the rains came early, and it rained long and hard, and there was a lot of water in Mashatu. Trevor and the whole staff at Mashatu stepped up to the challenge to ensure that our Mashatu Photo Workshop was an outstanding experience, regardless of the weather. The workshop sessions were interesting and enlightening, and Trevors grasp of animal behavior and strategy for photographing it are exceptional. Daniel and Trevor made sure we had birds, cheetahs, leopards, lions, elan, kudu, impala, baboons, etc. available to photograph. And lets not forget, babies!
The Mashatu Tent Camp was very comfortable with an experienced staff that fully understands warm and friendly hospitality. The food was outstanding, and its wise to plan to gain a few pounds in the experience. Daniels tracking skill and his ability to confidently find his way around the reserve, even in the darkest, wettest night, are extraordinary, as are his relaxed charm and continual natural smile.
Having experienced multiple photo safari adventures in Africa, this was our second C4 safari. We understand that the outcome when things dont go as planned, such as unseasonable weather, is probably the most important photo safari evaluation standard. Certainly, C4 will continue to be our choice to ensure a successful photo safari in the future.
Larry and Carmen Stunkel
Wednesday, 18 October 2017
Great Rivers of Africa 2017
During October 2017 myself and two others spent nearly 8 nights with Isak Pretorius on the Chobe and Okovango Rivers. The photographic opportunities are endless and I would strongly recommend this trip to anyone who wants to get up close and personal with all manner of animals. The bird life especially on the Okovango River is incredible the four images, are my favourites from the trip, were taken on this river. Herds of elephants are to be seen on a regular basis swimming, drinking and playing in the Chobe River. Hippos are a regular encounter. Time spent with Isak is time well spent as his photographic knowledge is first class and he has a way of getting ideas across that always seem to work.
David Battensby
Friday, 13 October 2017
Masai Mara
This was my first trip to the Mara, it was long awaited and I was very excited to be there.
Firstly, Andre, Kyle and Ruth were just fantastic, great people and easy to be with. They are all extremely accomplished photographers and so knowledgeable about nature the environment and wildlife, which made it enlightening and interesting, I learnt a lot from each of them especially about wildlife photography, they were wonderful hosts. Also having Johnathan Scott on board for a day was such a treat, he is so knowledgeable and such a really nice down to earth guy.
Whilst we didn’t get to see a crossing we had some amazing sightings of Lions, Leopards, Cheetahs, Elephants, Black Rhino’s and of course many hundreds of Wildebeest and many Zebras, Eagles, and you name it, we saw it, the photo opportunities were just amazing.
The Landscape with open plains, beautiful Sunset’s and Sunrises was truly breathtaking. I have been to the Kruger and Botswana before but seeing wildlife on these open plains is something else. We also visited a Masai Village which was quite an experience and privilege to see.
I was with a nice bunch of people, made some new friends, enjoyed the camp the food was great, my driver John was a nice young guy, we got along great. A wonderful Photo Safari and I will go back again and definitely with C4.
Barry Barnes
Monday, 09 October 2017
It has been a dream of a lifetime and a WHOW trip to Kenya.
“Thanks for all your "behind the scenes" organizing to make this superb trip possible for us! It has been a dream of a lifetime and a WHOW trip to Kenya.
André and the team did an amazing job, and everything was so well organized, from the airport transfers to the lovely food at Entim. The Serena is a great hotel to start the visit to Kenya, and Moses was such a calm and collected driver to bid us farewell at the end. It also helped a lot that we could send the luggage with the combi to camp.
André went out of his way to take us on a special birding trip to Ilkiliani as we were on a mission to find as many birds (and new species) as we could manage. The guide at Ilkiliani, Wilson was outstanding, and he really did his utmost to find us a lot of new and interesting birds - and it was great fun. Right through the trip it was great to know that André was calmly in control of everything that happened around us, and it was lovely to be on a vehicle with him - with all his knowledge of the veld.
Neil was an asset to the trip, and I'm so glad that we could have time with him too. We've learnt a lot from him and he's now totally convinced me to start working my images in RAW. He's a great teacher.
And then our driver - Jackson, whow! We felt really privileged to have him as a driver, although it was at Kayalami pace sometimes to get (nearly first) to a kill or a scene. We soon realized that he is one of the leaders in the community, and MUCH more than just a driver as the other guides were quickly to tell us if there was something happening. It was a bonus that they had permits to drive up to the animals so that we could get
amazing images.
The Entim staff under Musha, David and Maureen really amazed us with the quality of service in the bush! They were always friendly, and with a genuine interest in our days and what we've experienced, and Maureen and some of the others even taught me a few Swahili words - which was great fun. The food was excellent, attractive and very tasty and whow - they can make soup! I think we've gained a few kilos with all the desserts, but I didn't manage to say "no thank you" when it looked so great... The Masai guards were really great and they helped us to carry the equipment around, which helped me a lot. On our last evening, we had a birthday celebration and the Masai gave us a great show at the fire. Together with that, the visit to the Masai village was also a highlight, and most enjoyable. I love their colourful beadwork.
I'll gladly go back tomorrow if I can! Africa is so in my blood... "
Kina Joubert
Friday, 06 October 2017
South Luangwa & Masai Mara Photo Safari
We have safely returned home after a very successful safari. Everything went according to plan including the last minute changes.
We were last at Entim Camp 7 years ago when it was a bit smaller. It brought back fond memories as it was then our 1st C4 trip. The Mara is a special place and always delivers with incredible sightings. Working with the Masai guides is always fun as their culture is so different to ours but they sure know the Mara and have a good sense of humour. Entim Camp was very comfortable. The management and staff do a great job. We always have fun with the C4 personnel so we enjoyed our time with Andre, Kyle and Ruth and hopefully learnt more to improve our images.
Kicking back in Cape Town afterwards was a welcome change after a hectic safari schedule.
Many thanks for all the behind the scenes work – all the airline, accommodation, transfers worked really well. Our biggest dislike of travel is getting from place to place and hanging around airports. It is very comforting to know that we are in such good hands.
Nev Bryant
Wednesday, 04 October 2017
Mara Magic
Went to the Mara again after 5 years
My first trip was with Andre and it was so unforgettable that I simply had to return
We were a group of friends accompanied by Isak and Kyle and it was equally spectacular
The sightings in the Mara cannot be compared to anywhere else and the photographic opportunities are remarkable. But its the C4 team that makes it special. Wonderful photographers, teachers and nature lovers that not only teach me a lot about photography but have also become my friends.
Leonie Scholtz
Tuesday, 03 October 2017
Mashatu Photo Workshop
The Workshop was just brilliant - both Isak and Janet were so helpful teaching and guiding us throughout. They were both professional and at the same time very friendly so we were constantly learning and improving our images as the week progressed! I love Cheetahs and we were lucky to have an amazing cheetah experience with the four young females that decided to play "chasey" around a couple of trees just in front of us. They ran and leapt at each other and wrestled in the grass like kittens. It was a beautiful experience and one I will always remember! (I will add two more photos of the cheetahs playing). My other favourite part of the workshop was watching the elephants from the hide - the babies were just so cute slipping and sliding in the mud around the waterhole and watching the interaction between the babies and the older elephants was very special! Richard and Justice were our Driver/Guides and were very keen to get us in the correct position for photographing the animals and birds - they were both terrific! Mashatu Tented Camp was superb - comfortable tents and we were certainly very well fed and looked after!
Sally Hinton
Tuesday, 09 May 2017
Mashatu Photo Workshop with Kyle and Ruth
We had a fantastic Photographic Workshop with Kyle, Ruth. Their knowledge of photography, birds, wildlife and the veld is outstanding and we learned a lot from them. Richard, the Mashatu staff member/guide also shared a lot of his knowledge with us. The elephants at the hide were an experience that I will treasure for ever. We had a wonderful four days at Mashatu. The Mashatu Photographic Workshop is tops – Thanks C4 Photo Safaris!!!
Bennie Vivier
Tuesday, 09 May 2017
Intimate Namibia March 2017
This 2 week journey was really a landscape photographers dream. The locations visited and the time allotted were excellent. With 8 participants and 2 instructors, we all learned a great deal and came home with some very special images. The instructors were absolutely tops with deep experience in general and in these locations and were very skilled with sharing their knowledge. Help and advice were always available. Logistics, accommodations, meals and transport all went smoothly and were great. For me, it was the trip of a lifetime.
Rick Workman
Thursday, 30 March 2017
Ethiopia Photo Tour 2017
Ethiopia was exceptional for many reasons. It was extremely diverse.
The Simien Mts were spectacular with grand canyon type scenery and the Gelada monkeys who seemed undisturbed by our presence as they fed around us. No need for long lenses here.
Lalibela was a place I have wanted to visit for sometime and it didn’t disappoint. The monolithic churches were quite extraordinary not only for their age but the simple feat of building them. Very special.
Then down to the Omo Valley where even flying in and out of Mizan on a charter plane was an experience. We became the photographed as the locals whipped out their mobiles and took photos of us. The remote tribes were very special and I have come away with some fantastic photos. But it was not only about the photos. I now have a greater understanding of their way of life and culture thanks to Robel and our local guides.
I have to say security was an issue for me before we left but took comfort from the fact that I have done a number of trips with with Denis and Shem and felt that every detail would have been taken care of and it was without exception. I felt safer in Ethiopia than I have in a number of other countries.
With the 2018 tour including the Bale Mts on the itinerary I might have to go again.
If there is one criticism of this trip it is that we didn’t get the opportunity to photograph the Ethiopian wolf, the most endanger carnivore in the world.
A huge thank you to Denis, Shem and Robel.
Helen Newnham
Tuesday, 21 March 2017
Ethiopia Photo Tour 2017
Our recent trip to Ethiopia will surely top my list of best holiday destinations so far. This is a truly remarkable country and we traversed it from North to South.
The Simien mountains were spectacular in the early morning light as the sun stole across the landscape highlighting the diverse colours of the trees, grasses and wild flowers. Then to come across a troop of Gelada monkeys quietly feeding, totally unfazed by our presence, to be able to spend time in this setting photographing at our leisure was a truly numinous experience.
To contrast this we then went to Gondar where we photographed the noisy, drum beating, chanting, colourful, clad participants in the procession following the replica of the Ark of the Covenant through the town to celebrate the Epiphany.
Next was the hewn churches at Lalibela. This world heritage listed site provided ample opportunities for great photography.
The highlight of the trip for me was the various tribes of the Omo Valley. In all we visited five different tribes.
We were welcomed into all the villages and allowed to photograph at our leisure. The body adornments and painting were spectacular and the resulting photographs exceeded all my expectations.
Having completed the trip I now realize what a logistical feat this was to put all this together in one package.
The distances between destinations, the state of the roads, the paucity of good accommodation, were all major hurdles to overcome, not to mention gaining access to all the tribes. Yet we travelled in comfort and were rarely aware of the hard work going on behind the scenes to make it all possible.
Thank you Denis, Shem and Robel.
I feel very privileged indeed to have experienced this remarkable country before it becomes overtaken by western influences.
Una Glennon
Sunday, 19 March 2017
Ethiopia Photo Tour 2017
It is difficult to describe how I feel about my trip to Ethiopia. It was an overwhelmingly fantastic experience where I was constantly pinching myself. I had long wanted to see the crosses and churches of Lalibela, but it was the peoples of the Omo Valley who took my heart.
As a keen photographer who clings to their little digital because I always like to have it in my bag to take almost daily photos, I was hesitant about joining a photographic tour expecting everyone to be better equipped and more experienced than I am. But I quickly learned that this was irrelevant. The patience, support and knowledge given generously by Denis and Shem were fantastic. And I now have the most amazing photos to swoon over daily….. and I am.
Ably assisted by our local guide Robel, we gained access to the tribes people I could never have imagined possible.
Not only did all the group (from 4 continents) get on well together, but their shared knowledge of both photography and travels was also appreciated…and a valuable resource for the future.
There were times when the going was rough and tough, but I wouldn’t have missed a moment of it. The only downside is that I think it may have spoilt all my future travel (ad)ventures.
Thank you again to Denis, Shem and Robel.
Chris Fitzpatrick
Saturday, 18 March 2017
Ethiopia Photo Tour 2017
I knew when I read the itinerary for the Iconic Images/C4 photo tour to Ethiopia encompassing the best of north and south Ethiopia that this was going to be an intricate logistical and organisational exercise.
Having travelled with you and Shem on three other occasions including Antarctica and Namibia I had no doubt that you would have the organisational skills to make such a trip feasible.
Let me say quite simply that despite the challenges travelling in such remote areas can bring, this trip was an unqualified success.
The quality of the photo opportunities was outstanding.
The interaction, through Robel as intermediary, with the local people, particularly in the Omo Valley, meant that the ability to capture intimate portraits was far beyond what I had hoped to achieve.
Please thank Robel for his excellent on the ground skills and particularly his negotiating skills with the locals who all seem to know him!
I thoroughly enjoyed every day of this trip, creating what I consider to be some of my best images.
It is very difficult to pick the highlights of the trip as there were so many but I will certainly always remember the superb photography of Gelada monkeys in soft backlit light on the cliff edge in the Simien mountains and the first time we met and photographed the Suri tribe in the remote lower Omo valley.
On behalf of Penny, Felicity and myself once again thank you Denis, Shem and Robel for this superb photo tour of Ethiopia.
Tony Lawrence
Monday, 13 March 2017
Ethiopia Photo Tour 2017
The just concluded photographic odyssey in Ethiopia was an outstanding success. The Northern tour was a full trip in itself, with the beautiful Simien Mountains, Gelada monkeys, the highest Lodge in Africa. This was followed by the colourful spectacle of the Timket parade to celebrate the Epiphany in Gondar and the next morning by the dawn service and baptisms at the Queen Mentewab pool. This was topped by the magnificent granite Churches in Lalibela. I felt privileged to be included in your small group to experience these special events and places.
Nonetheless, all this was finessed by the magnificent Southern tour. Despite all the logistical hurdles you shepherded us over rough terrain to visit five tribes spread across a large area in Southern Ethiopia. I doubt that many people are able to achieve such a comprehensive viewing of these tribes in one trip. Of course, we have Robel to thank for the on ground arrangements that made such a tour possible, and we are all in his debt for the part he played in pulling it all together. He is a fantastic guide and wonderful companion.
Denis, you and Shem were endlessly helpful and tolerant, and I feel that my photography has continued to improve under your tutelage. It is through these special photographic tours that I discover what is possible with a camera, and without doubt you have once again expanded my photographic horizons.
What were the highlights for me? I could say they are too numerous to mention, but I feel that I could never have witnessed the unique tribal scenes and beautiful body adornments without participating in this Iconic Images and C4 Photo Safaris tour and for this I am ever in your debt. Thank you.
Graeme Allan
Monday, 27 February 2017
Canon Collective Namibia tour 2016
My experience on the Iconic Images and C4 Photo Safaris, photo safari to Namibia was one to remember.
The entire tour was extremely well planned and organized and every spot we visited was well thought out.
In short, it was most definitely one of those ‘trip of a lifetime’ opportunities and I learnt so much in such a short span of time.
It’s so great to travel in a small group of like minded, passionate individuals and coming home with folders of remarkable images is just the icing on the cake!
Special thanks to Hougaard, Andre & the Canon Collective leaders for their guidance and to our drivers Albert, Ckastro and Lazarus for making it all happen.
Connie
Thursday, 29 December 2016
Premier Predator Safari 16 - 24 November 2016
Firstly, I think we’d forgotten just what a great guide Greg is. His wildlife and photographic experience are incontrovertible, but it’s the fact that he devotes his time and efforts to us as clients, and give as much information and help as you want. He is also so good at directing the drivers to the ideal photographic spot for each sighting. His seminars during the day, may theoretically be stuff we should know, but there is always something to learn, and he explains and talks very well.
We were also lucky to have Mala Mala’s photo car, which works very well with it’s bean bag supports, and of course, a row each there and in Mashatu.
It’s difficult to find any complaints about the accommodation etc in both MalaMala and Mashatu - they’re really both excellent, and both guides, Roan and Bashi were excellent too.
Flying between them is a great luxury after our times of driving up to Mashatu, but as you know the luggage was the only issue on that front. It was frustrating that really there was plenty of space on all 3 flights for us to have taken the 2 extra small bags we had, but Fed Air were obviously keen that we left them behind.
Many many thanks for organising Herman to come and sort us out afterwards - that was a great relief, otherwise we would have had the hassle and cost of arranging a taxi to Fed Air and back, while worrying about the time. So much appreciated.
Mala Mala was strangely devoid of leopards after all the hype that everyone gives it, but the lions provided substantial compensation, as well as lots of other wildlife, so I think we came back with decent shots once we’ve found to look at them!
Michael Parker & Lisa Poncent
Wednesday, 16 November 2016
Canon Collective Namibia tour 2016
We would like to say how much we enjoyed our recent Namibia photographic trip with Iconic Images & C4 Photo Safaris.
The photographic opportunities were amazing, as was the knowledge of Jay and Emma from Canon.
Hougaard Malan was an inspiration for landscape shots and Andre Cloete from C4 Safaris was great for his broad knowledge and skill with wildlife shots.
Everything was well planned and we were incredibly well looked after.
We would love to go again one day.
Many thanks.
Jane and Benn
Tuesday, 25 October 2016
Canon Collective Namibia tour 2016
We have just returned from a magnificent trip with the Canon Collective/Iconic Images Namibia 2016 – it is hard to describe the trip other than it was magnificent.
As winner of the Canon Light Award it was an honour to be there – I managed to do every shoot on offer as well!
The guides were magnificent and drivers first class.
The accommodation was well above average and if any prospective clients are reading this, you have to go on one of these adventures to truly experience Africa first hand.
The images you walk away with will remain with you for a lifetime.
The itinerary was very good with an easy start leading into a full-on/no-messing-about photo safari ending with Etosha on our last shooting days.
You got the feeling that there was a lot of jealousy with the other tourists crammed into their ‘tin cans’ (4 to a seat) at Etosha while we had a row each!
We left with new friends, 25000 images, some great laughs and fond memories.
A special thanks to Andre, Jay, Emma, Hougaard, Lazarus, Albert and Ckastro…
Alistair McBurnie
Sunday, 23 October 2016
Canon Collective Namibia tour 2016
I have just returned from the Canon Collective/Iconic Images Namibia 2017 tour and can’t thank Jay and Emma of Canon for their generous help and advice on photography. They are both amazingly good representatives of Canon and excellent teachers. They have definitely taken me to another level with my photography and for that I thank Jay and Emma and Canon/Iconic Images for organizing such an excellent Namibia tour.
I was a little reticent about joining the trip as I am a Nikon user but am glad you reassured me that it would not be a problem. I very much enjoyed the use of my Canon camera and lenses and have to admit that I have been “converted”
I would also like to thank Hougaard Malan as our landscape Namibia specialist for his knowledge and advice. His boundless energy kept us very busy and we all came away with great photographs.
Lastly, I would like to thank Andre Cloete as our wildlife photography specialist. As the representative of C4 Photo Safaris, Andre was always on hand to help with our photography, be the “fix it” man, or entertain us with his knowledge of Africa and his sense of humour.
I loved Fish River Canyon, Deadvlei, Etosha, Kolmanskop, and the Himba Village and it was great to have a mix of landscape, portraiture and wildlife photography to hone my skills on.
Thank you again Denis for another excellent Canon/Iconic Images trip.
I would not hesitate to recommend any of your photography tours.
I have already booked on the Canon Collective/Iconic Images East Africa 2017 safari, next September – not to mention Ethiopia in January. I can’t wait..
Wendy Kennedy
Friday, 14 October 2016
Masai Mara
Photographically this was by far my most successful safari ever. Both Isak and Andre were fantastic. Although Ive been a photography addict since I was 16 years old, I learned a fortune from them both and my love for the medium was so strongly reinforced just because of this trip.
Raphael Melnick
Friday, 09 September 2016
Private Safari
Due to personal circumstances we are unable to book safaris a year ahead so when we asked Shem and his team to organise a private safari at short notice we were given a wonderful experience. Having been on safari several times before we knew what we wanted and so spent 5 nights at Mashatu and 6 Nights at Mala Mala. Mashatu and the hides were fantastic with fabulous sightings. Our thanks go to our guide Bashi and photographer Mike Dexter who found the animals and positioned us in the best places possible and above all were great fun and company. Mala Mala we were very well looked after by Roan who is so passionate and who could find a leopard if it was only showing one spot ! We saw the big 5 in one morning and loved watching the leopard cubs at play. All in all a fabulous two weeks that was very well organised by all the crew at C4
Barry Veronica
Tuesday, 30 August 2016
Kenya Rift Valley and Great Migration Safari
This safari my first was simply put, both amazing and breathtaking and overwhelming! I was going for only one word so going to stop before I use all the emphatic English words I know - Doing such a voyage with Greg insured that I got the most of the journey, more than once he rescued me from a camera that did not want to cooperate, or was it my clumsiness in an exciting moment - But, more importantly, I believe I have a better grasp of the photographic process as a whole, a better understanding of what is entailed in taking a photograph. Coming home, I feel a renewed excitement for the stills medium! Finally, thank you to Shem and Minette and everybody at C4 for making all the preparation so easy, nothing complicated and you always had all the answers -
Nancy Nadeau
Thursday, 21 July 2016
Mashatu, Mana Pools, MwambaKaingo South Luangwa
We have travelled with C4 Photo Safaris and Iconic Images International on 6 occasions in Africa as well as to Antarctica and Iceland. This trip was a Mana Pools Workshop booked with private trips to Mashatu and South Luangwa. As with all of our previous trips this was another amazing adventure designed specifically for keen wildlife photographers. As specialists in this field C4 know exactly what photographers require for a rewarding trip capturing high quality sightings and images. The importance of the right locations at the right time of year coupled with properly equipped vehicles, high quality guides and adequate weight limits for small aircraft transfers cannot be underestimated. We have previously travelled to Mashatu and have an affinity with it for good wildlife sightings coupled with the hides and very friendly Botswanan staff. Mana Pools is an amazing elephant experience to be able to get within metres of wild animals and to see the trust of a mother to allow a young calf to approach us. Walking with a pride of lions is not typically done on safaris and is also very special. Camping with the hippos serenading you to sleep at your front door is memorable. South Luangwa is a great location with excellent sightings of leopards, lions, wild dogs as well as bird life, hippos, elephants. Mwamba, Kaingo have a number of purpose built hides for hippos, elephants, birds and carmine bee eaters. A thoroughly enjoyable location with many great photo opportunities. For anyone wishing to participate in top quality photographic safaris we would have no hesitation in recommending C4 Photo Safaris.
Nev and Viv Bryant
Saturday, 16 July 2016
Mashatu
Having been fortunate enough to have visited Mashatu on several occasions over the last ten years it was fascinating to experience it from a new angle, in particular hide photography. The intimacy with the animals added a new perspective to photography. When you add to this the expertise and enthusiasm of Isak and Kyle there are insufficient superlatives to describe the workshop. I have already booked my next one! Thanks must go also to all the Mashatu Lodge staff. Our ranger Dan Sasebola after 28 years on Mashatu demonstrated his knowledge of birds, animals and the bush in general with feeling. I cannot recommend the experience too highly, the photography opportunities and tuition were first class, thanks to you all!
Sue Goodman
Thursday, 14 July 2016
Awesome Experience @ Mashatu
This was my first photo safari and I must say, I have throughly enjoyed myself!
Isak and Kyle were most helpful and obliging. They shared very generously on photography tips and often make the effort to check that we are doing fine. It was such a wonderful experience having them with us on safaris and getting us into the best position for pictures. So much that I missed having them terribly on the vehicle during my extension stay. The review sessions on our pictures were also very fruitful and provided many insights on what makes a desirable photograph.
The safaris were awesome. There were many big cat sightings and the rangers here are knowledgeable and are very good trackers. You get to spend plenty of time watching and observing the animals. This serves very well when you are trying different approaches to composing your pictures and capturing action scenes. The hides also offer very impressive views and photographic opportunities.
I would highly recommend anyone to join the Safari @ Mashatu. Its definitely a worthwhile experience!
Serene Chew
Thursday, 23 June 2016
Absolutely brilliant
Mashatu with C4 has been on my bucket list for quite awhile and finally in June I had the opportunity to do a 4 day workshop with Isak and Andre. My expectations were more than met. The whole experience was brilliant and one that has once again been placed on the bucket list as a revisit is a definite. Out driver Jakes was a magician at the wheel and also in predicting animal behavior. We had so many magical sightings and the photo opportunities were fantastic. And Mashatu itself is just a dream. Awesome luxury tented accommodation and delicious food. This workshop should be on everyones bucket list. Amazing!
Carol Darby
Thursday, 16 June 2016
Awesome Mashatu
I had heard about Mashatu from a friend and when I discovered that C4 did a workshop there it quickly hit my bucket list of places to visit. And last month that wish became a reality. What a fantastic 4 plus days. Kyle and Andre were awesome photo guides and the tips we received were so helpful in getting great wildlife images. The Mashatu guides were brilliant and were second to none at locating wildlife and getting us into the best position for the wildlife interaction and best light. It was so great I hope to repeat the experience. Thank you everyone.
Carol Darby
Thursday, 16 June 2016
Fantastic Mashatu
Isak and Kyle was wonderful with lots of patience. Wonderful tips given to all of us. What a wonderful place Mashatu is. Thanks again to the staff- drivers, spotters etc and specially to Isak and Kyle for a wonderful time we had.
Sue Anton van Langelaar
Tuesday, 07 June 2016
South Africa and Botswana Predator Workshop
We booked our recent trip through C4 Images travelling with Greg Du Toit to South Africa Mala Mala and Botswana Mashatu for a Predator workshop. We loved every minute ten out of ten on all levels. We had some amazing sightings cheetahs on a hill silhouetted by a magnificent sunrise, eleven leopard sightings including some with kills, the incredible hide at Mashatu waterhole with so many elephants coming into drink, a week-old rhino with its mother, sable, buffalo and, of course, lions were all that we came to Africa to see and photograph. Finding a leopard with her cubs playing outside the thicket on our last morning was about the best sighting one could get. Thank you to Minette for her great organisation and communication.
Georgie and Dave Smith
Wednesday, 25 May 2016
Mashatu Magic
Kyle and Trevor have endless experience which they apply to all the unique situations which arise during a Photographic Workshop, from making students aware of changing lighting conditions, teaching us to think ahead to plan for the best possible shot, ensuring that the theory and the practical come together in many ah ha moments, and added to this just being fun and engaging to be with. A magical time in a magical place with the added benefit of concrete photographic learning having taken place. Thank you and baie gracias.
Yvonne Smuts
Friday, 06 May 2016
MASHATU APRIL 2016
This has to rate as one of the most exceptional experiences of my life. Mashatu offers the photographer absolutely everything in the way of wildlife - from the herds of elephants and other game, to the magnificent landscapes and the evening skies. Thank you to Kyle de Nobrega and Trevor Kleyn for their unending patience, talent and passion for what they do. I came home having learnt so much about my camera, first and foremost, to lighting, position and angle to get just the best shot. I will certainly be back for more of the same stuff!
Glynnis Wood
Wednesday, 04 May 2016
Mashatu
My main purpose for visiting Mashatu was to visit the under ground hides. We were royally entertained by two groups of elephants and numerous birds. I got my images from there that I wanted. The trips on the vehicle was also very enjoyable and seeing leopard every day was special. The lodge and staff at Mashatu tented camp was, as expected, exemplary. Oh and how can I forget, Trevor, from C4 Photo Safaris, was a fantastic host. Hint to other prospective travellers to Mashatu, ask Trevor to make coffee. Only reason is that the animals come out of the bush when he does. Cannot wait for my next trip to Mashatu!!!
Francois Venter
Tuesday, 12 April 2016
Iceland 2016
The Iceland workshop was outstanding, and with luck as far as the weather is concerned, we accomplished to obtain the images we intended to get, like the Northern Lights, Ice Caves, half frozen waterfalls, Ice beach, etc. I am looking forward to my Namibia trip coming up in April with Hougaard.
Hougaard and Isak went out of their way to insure that the trip became a resounding success story, and more. They both went out of their way to impart me with useful information, and tips to help me create professional images in my future photographic endeavors.
This was my second trip to Iceland, the first was in 2012 during the month of August, which of course showed a different face of Iceland. In my opinion, Iceland is a great destination for landscape photographers, because of the dramatic, and colorful landscape scenes either in the summer or winter.
Frank Dekker
Tuesday, 29 March 2016
Mashatu workshop
We were beginner photographers and after four days left feeling we we could go and do it all. There is still a lot to learn , but thanks to Andre and Kyle we have a good understanding of the principles of good photography. You are passionate about photography , sharing your knowledge in a patient and effective way Thank you very much.
Andries and Yvonne Ferreira
Saturday, 19 March 2016
Canon Collective Namibia Tour 2015
Apologies for my tardiness in providing feedback on the trip, no excuse is really a justification, just a heart-felt, image immersion therapy?
First up, I just want to thank you and the Canon/C4 Photo Safaris combined team, for making my second trip to South Africa, even better than the first!
For each and every part of the trip, from the initial planning, to the day-to-day execution, it was all fantastic. For me, having to just turn up and the ‘everything’ is taken care of, and just to get into the car and take photos, was beyond heavenly.
The accommodation, the transport, the Rangers, the drivers, the locals, the atmosphere, the surprises, the food (especially the quality of the food), the animal sightings – it was all outstanding. We were never lacking in our choice of something to see or something to hear about, all the while contemplating – ‘just what could be better than this?’ Well, just wait a few minutes and there will be another something, that will just be beyond your expectations, all over again.
My absolutely favourite memory, was the tour group itself, my main car fellows, Peter and Julie, twin-share tent-buddy Gemma, the Canon/C4 teams combined, John; Llianne, Peter R and Jenn. Meeting and hanging out with a complete bunch of strangers can sometimes be a daunting proposition for people but after 11 days together, it was more like being with family, only with a massive dose of hilarity thrown in. I have never laughed so much in my life and I don’t think the guides and drivers had ever been so bombarded with ‘Ózz-isms’ either. And that’s not taking the you-know-what!
Denis, the professionalism of the C4 Team, trackers, drivers and all the camp staff, at both Mashatu and Beyond are to be highly commended and we all felt that little bit special by their welcoming and friendly demeanour.
The expertise, tutoring endless patience by Jay, Colin and Andre was exceptional. This is by far the most advantageous way to experience a photography course. Total immersion in the technical side while on an all encompassing field trip, all rolled into one. No where else can you learn new techniques, get immediate hands on and in-depth experience and then going out in the great wide open spaces with your onboard expert and put what you have learnt in to practice.
If you have ever wanted to learn more about cameras, photography, go on a’ safari’ or a ‘once-in-a-lifetime’ trip see what it is all about or just to’ tick off the Big 5′, then this is by far and away the ultimate way to do it.
I cannot recommend the Canon/C4 team experience highly enough! If anyone out there has ever wanted to go home with stories to tell your family/friends or have more memories than you will ever need in a lifetime, then this type of tour is MUST!.
During our technical sessions, we were asked what we liked, what we would like and what we had missed, so in that tradition….
Bud – over 6000 images to make my family/friends go through, again and again and again (ha)!
Rose – the entire trip.
Thorn – being back in ‘reality’ and waiting to go again…
Karen Johnstone
Thursday, 24 December 2015
CANON COLLECTIVE PHOTO SAFARI 2015
We had an amazing experience and Julie and myself enjoyed every moment of the trip.
Andre is a great credit to yourself and to his homeland of Africa. He is a very passionate and committed, generous individual that really helped to make the tour the success it was.
Jay and Colin were likewise very helpful generous and knowledgeable with their time and the Canon product. These three people really did you and Iconic Images proud.
I think that Julie may have had a couple of simple suggestions that she will send you as positive feedback, being that we are also in the tourism and travel industry.
Overall we would not hesitate to recommend the tour or your product to anyone, and it was obvious the way we, as the guests were all treated, that you set an extremely high standard and you expect that high standard from all your crew and suppliers.
The Mashatu Team and also the Ngala Team went out of their way to ensure that we were all looked after way above the normal and that in itself suggests they all hold your product and business in high esteem.
I do hope that we can get time next year as a family to join with the tour that you are planning for Namibia as outlined by Jay.
I see great synergy with what you and we do in our tourism and conservation ethics and businesses, and I aim to find some way to share some of that synergy in a business sense at some point in the future.
All the best and thanks again for a great tour. We will put together a couple of our own images and see if they are worthy of your page.
Peter Gash
Wednesday, 02 December 2015
Mashatu
We can only be grateful that guys like Shem and Kyle are willing to offer time to spend with us novices. Their knowledge made this an exceptional experience. Their patience made us feel special. Exceeded all our expectations. THANKS
Leo and Alta van Vuuren
Thursday, 19 November 2015
THREE ICONS OF AFRICA PHOTO SAFARI 2015
Just back from the marvellous Three Icons of Africa tour, with loads of extraordinary memories and images.
From the grandeur of elephants processing the salt flats against the backdrop of a snow sprinkled Mt Kilimanjaro, to the breathtaking close-up encounters with wild chimpanzees in the tropical rain-forested hillsides of remote Greystoke Mahale, the delights of swimming in Lake Tanganyika alongside ‘Big Bird’ the tame pelican who thinks he’s a human, and seeing mother and calf hippos swimming in the clear waters, and finally the spectacle of Lake Natron and neighbouring volcanos from the air with beautiful abstract mineral patterns and huge flocks of flamingos flying and feeding below our open door plane.
After all this excitement, a wonderfully civilised wind-down in the Franschhoek wine district with its French heritage clearly apparent in the refinement of its wines and foods, and a final couple of days at the Cape Town waterfront and surrounds, including an inspiring symposium on wildlife photography by some of the best in the business.
As always on Iconic Images tours, attention to detail shines through, with a particular emphasis on all matters photographic.
Denis, Shem Compion (C4 Photo Safaris) and Art Wolfe provided generous guidance and inspiration, and the accommodation, catering, and organisational aspects were all of the highest order, and could not be faulted.
Many thanks, and looking forward to more Iconic Images adventures sometime in the future.
Joe Lewit
Friday, 30 October 2015
THREE ICONS OF AFRICA PHOTO SAFARI 2015
This tour was amazing!
Each tour I have done with you has been fantastic but this one was absolutely out of the box.
Your amazing attention to detail and your ability to ensure that we have such special moments leaves me in awe.
For me, it is not so much about the photo opportunities, it is about the experience.
Thank you so much Denis and I look forward to my next trip with you.
Wendy Kennedy
Friday, 30 October 2015
Elephant Hide - Mashatu
We have once again made use of the Elephant hide. This time we had a few guests with us.
Needless to say they loved the experience.
I would like to compliment Kyle for his patience, knowledge and excellent service. He really was an ambassador for C4 and photographic guides as a whole! 1010!
He pointed out shots to the people. Helped with not only DSLR camera’s but even Sony video cameras and iPhone time lapses!
Thanks very much for the excellent service!
Andrew and Lucy Stephens
Saturday, 17 October 2015
CANON COLLECTIVE/ICONIC IMAGES PHOTO SAFARI 2015
There is a very good reason why this is my fourth overseas trip [counting aerial photography at Rottnest Island!] with you, and my second in conjunction with C4 Photo Safaris and Iconic Images International – the total experience is compiled with excellence of all components in mind.
The people were all friendly and combined local knowledge with technical expertise constantly.
Our drivers and trackers were breath-taking on occasions in the way they tackled their respective tasks, getting us into the most unlikely of positions for great angles with good light.
They and the professional photographers demonstrated their knowledge of animal behaviour by predicting paths the animals would follow and setting up the shots beautifully.
Lioness with back lighting? Done.
Leopard up a tree silhouetted against a setting African sun? Done.
Hyenas before,during and after locating dinner? Done again.
What a collection of truly iconic images we have on our hard drives as a result, and memories forever embedded in our brains.
Patient teaching and the stunning new Canon gear enabled me to record many tolerable birds-in-flight shots for the first time.
Andre Cloete’s bird knowledge is encyclopaedia,and next time I will record him and not try to write notes!.
Special thanks to Jay and Colin for supplying me with the D1X and the new 200-400mm lens for the entire trip, and teaching me to master a little of the power of this top notch gear.
As usual, accommodation was excellent, particularly the hot showers under the stars at Mashatu, and the food was superb at both sites.
This was another wonder-filled trip, and I thank you.
Peter Randell
Wednesday, 02 September 2015
CANON COLLECTIVE/ICONIC IMAGES PHOTO SAFARI 2015
The Canon Collective African photo safari can only be described as a trip of a lifetime.
Something every traveller should experience.
For photography novices like my wife and I, to have access to professional Canon cameras bodies and various Canon telephoto lens, whilst initially intimidating was quickly overcome with guidance from Jay Collier and Colin Baker (from Canon Collective) and Andre Cloete (from C4 Photo Safaris).
Their patience at answering basic photography questions, enabled our familiarity and confidence to grow quickly in operating these sophisticated digital cameras.
Jay, Colin and Andre’s advice on composition, aperture, shutter speed and ISO camera settings was invaluable in assisting us obtaining some memorable images.
The opportunity to photograph numerous species of wild animals including, lions, elephants, leopards, rhinos, hippos, crocodiles, zebras, wild buffalo, kudu, giraffe, hyenas (to mention but a few) plus various birds in their natural environment was truly amazing.
Once again thank you for co-ordinating a holiday experience second to none which I will have no hesitation to recommend to both photography enthusiasts and novices alike.
John & Lianne Deinema
Wednesday, 02 September 2015
CANON COLLECTIVE/ICONIC IMAGES PHOTO SAFARI 2015
Well well well, what an experience. To summarise into a few paragraphs I cannot do, I’ll simply have to tell all over and over again in person.
Everything went really well, many of the attendees went from never using a SLR before to manual mode in the first 3/4 days.
The mini classroom sessions held during the break time in the middle of the day were very popular and fit in nicely in those downtime periods.
Their thirst to learn was as strong as their eagerness to get back into the car for the next game session. A measure of a successful event is the staging of a dozen or more people together who don’t know each other and by the end of the trip are exchanging email, phone numbers and Facebook requests. A bond has been formed and life long friendships have sparked.
From my eyes its great to see such a well oiled operation, I wouldn’t change a thing and I congratulate you & C4 on an impeccable offering.
Although I work with Jay often and he does a great job here at home, it was great to see him in his natural environment, he really shines in Africa.
I learnt quite a few new things and got to spend some quality time with the new 5DS which is an absolute gem of a camera. Although we do experience events weekly its rare we do more than a week with a single group and the value is exponential. I believe this trip if proof of it’s merits and gives me the confidence to inform Steve/Canon that a highly professional, enjoyable and valuable adventure was had by all.
Mashatu is so very special, I want to take my wife and kids to show them first hand myself (just got to wait for the kids to grow up a little). The whole camp, the people, the tents even has a vibe of being very homely. The hot water bottles for example is a simple touch that brings so much happiness to an already amped up & excited photographer. I understand why you choose Mashatu as a regular rotation for Iconic Images adventures, its simple African heaven.
Ngala was also very good, I felt it was important to see two different game reserves and having been now I appreciate this even more. The wildlife at the two locations were quite different along with the altitude and topography which gave me a sense of a far more rounded Africa. Ngala has a lot of luxuries even the fussiest traveller would appreciate and I would love to return there also. I would highly recommend both game reserves without a doubt and I thank you for going the extra mile with the last minute change to Ngala to ensure our journey was tailored to be the best it could.
In other good news, I’ve already had some discussions about the 2016 photo safari to Namibia with a few interested parties and I believe I have 4 people who’d be likely to confirm and pay deposits when the safari goes live. I’ll let Jay know a bit of background on the interested parties, all proficient photographers and local Brisbane collective members whom just want to jump in and grab a piece of the action we experienced this year. I had a flutter of private Facebook messages after posting an album and some stories on Sunday evening. I plan on holding a collective member night called “A night in Africa” with Jay & Colin to share our stories from this year’s trip to the greater collective community to inform people about the 2016 photo safari.
Thank you again Denis, I had a ball and will have decades of satisfaction from this adventure.
Colin Baker
Tuesday, 01 September 2015
CANON COLLECTIVE/ICONIC IMAGES PHOTO SAFARI 2015
I actually left you a message on Facebook already, but if you don’t check that as often you may not have seen it yet.
Firstly, I want to say a HUGE thank you to you for the organization and logistical know-how you provided for our trip. It was truly the most rewarding and amazing experience of my life, and something I’ve only dreamt about since I was a little girl.
Every day provided us something new in regards to sightings etc, and the structure was perfect for me to get me up and going. I loved being busy and having something to get up every day for, it made each and every day just as exciting as the last and I felt like no time was wasted (the down time in the middle of our days was perfect to relax and backup images, and eat, to then get going again for the afternoon).
Mashatu felt like home, we loved all of our trackers and drivers, so friendly and willing to explain to us about everything Mashatu had to offer, and also so happy and willing to have a laugh with us, as you well know how a group of Aussie’s can be! The food was beyond expectation and was often so full to the brim I could literally not eat another bite. And the beautiful hides were such a unique experience, making Mashatu somewhere I’d definitely like to visit in future.
Ngala I believe was a first time experiment for one of your tours, and I can definitely attest to the fact that the accomodations, and everything about the stay was exquisite. The food, the staff, the rooms were all top notch and surpassed everyone’s expectations. Our drivers and trackers in particular I want to commend above all. Andre and Joseph, Dan and Sam were all so enthusiastic, so knowledgable, and extremely willing to provide us the best experience they possibly could. (They made killer Morning drinks too!) The Ngala wildlife sightings as well were incredible, lion prides every day, numerous Leopard, A Rhino! such amazing diversity and while different to Mashatu, we saw something new and exciting daily. I for one, was never disappointed. A big thankyou to you Denis, for allowing us to go at the expense of your own pocket, I’m so grateful to you for ensuring we were able to have the best experience possible.
Onto C4 and Andre (and Ruth and Kyle), what an amazing host Andre is. Always lovely, patient, so ready to teach and inform us of the intricacies of African culture and wildlife and BIRDS! Andre was incredibly knowledgeable and ready to answer every one of our possibly inane questions. I feel like we all became wonderful friends, and he was absolutely an asset to the tour and would not have been the same without him. I’m sure I can speak of the group when I say that we all miss him already, we had the best laughs with him, and he graciously put up with our Australian
And last, but in no way least, the Canon boys, Jay and Colin. Having known Colin previously from other collective events and having met Jay before coming, it made my experience so much richer having a familiar face there and having them there to give pointers about the gear, give me anything I wanted to try out for the day, from a wide angle to a super telephoto lens, to the awesome new 5DS. I absolutely would not have been able to capture the images I did without both of their expertise, and the gear they provided. I feel very lucky to have been apart of this group, I’ve never laughed so hard and so often in my life, really awesome guys that I’m glad and grateful to call mates.
So that’s basically it Denis! Trip of a lifetime, I’m literally now saving to come back as soon as I can, hopefully 2017, and will absolutely be having Iconic Images as my number 1 for when I return.
Gemma Ortlipp
Tuesday, 01 September 2015
Iconic Namibia 2015
Iconic Namibia 2015 was indeed iconic.
A return journey for us to Namibia.
We were there with Denis and Shem previously in 2012.
Always a risk a second journey would disappoint but there was certainly no danger of that.
Pam and I were travelling with Canon’s new 50 MP beasts and they were given a hearty workout.
Fish River Canyon, Kolmanskop and Sossusvlei were outstanding opportunities for new images under the disciplined, expert eye of Hougaard Malan.
Hougaard wields a wide angle lens like no other and provided excellent advice.
We captured images that would have been impossible without his extensive local knowledge.
Serra Cafema on the Angloan border was just a treat – some fabulous landscape images in this remote wilderness.
Outstanding portraits of a local Himba tribe in perfect light.
Lastly Etosha turned it on for us at our favourite waterholes of Newbrowni and Okaukuejo. Iconic images of a very weary lion covering two females in the late light at Newbrowni was a fitting end to the expedition.
Many thanks Denis and Shem for another very iconic journey.
What more can we say but:
“It’s hard to be disparagingly glib,
when travelling in the Namib.
Well, the things that we saw,
it was nature in raw.
To Shem and Denis,
we dip our jib”
Wayne Osborn
Tuesday, 25 August 2015
Svalbard - May 2015
I have just finished my adventure with C4 Safaris aboard the MS Stockholm out of Svalbard in the Arctic. Let me start out by saying the organisation of this tour by C4 Safaris Shem is excellent in every way. From the skills shown with the manoeuvring of the MS Stockholm by the captain and crew to make sure we were in the best photographic positioning, the general cheery nature of the stewardesses, and the outstanding culinary skills of the chef on board was just amazing. A special mention must go to the dedication and knowledge of our guides Ronald and Annette, who spent countless hours organising, spotting, giving educational and historical talks, and of course putting the safety of our group as their number one priority.
This trip was by far the best experience I have ever encountered and I have travelled extensively. I come away with some excellent photos, and I feel my photographic skills have improved due to the expert knowledge and professional support of Shem himself.
I would not hesitate to book my next adventure with C4 Safaris – Africa is on my list for 2016.
Kelvin Blake
Monday, 25 May 2015
Svalbard Photo Tour
Once again a wonderful trip. Everything was well organised. The ship was small but cozy, the cabin tiny, but we were only there to sleep anyway. We had sensational sightings. Great experts on board and Shem took his turn in the polar bear watch with the experts, looked lousy in the morning, but we got our bears....they somehow always showed up on his watch! Good people, great food from a tiny kitchen, lots of useful tips... Were hooked!
Astrid Juerg Bluemel
Sunday, 24 May 2015
Antarctica 2014
Your photographic tour to Antarctica 2014 exceeded our expectations by far.
The interaction with you, Shem, Frans and Art and other fellow photographers broadened our views on conceptional photography in a pristine environment.
We are grateful for the expertise and experience that were shared with us to make it a very memorable and unique experience.
The way you planned the expedition, executed it in combination with One Ocean Expeditions needs to be commended.
It was fantastic to have enjoyed Antarctica with old and new friends together.
Derek and Annelie de Beer
Sunday, 01 February 2015
Antarctica 2014
I have no words to describe how amazing this trip was.
Every aspect from the crew of the Akademik Ioffe, to the members of the One Ocean Expedition team, to the professional photographers who helped us digitally capture the magnificence that is Antarctica to bring home, was beyond expectation.
Every single person put 100% into every single detail, from the morning wake up calls from David McGonical to the hot (alcoholic) beverages that awaited us after returning from a cold yet exhilarating zodiac ride and everything in between.
It was such a special treat to be able to share our experiences, as clients, with the crew who not only joined us on land, but at meals, in the bar (some more than others) as well as in class. Sharing their own stories and experiences of past trips added that extra something that gave it more character.
The addition of Art Wolfe and Frans Lanting to the Denis Glennon/Shem Compion team was beyond incredible.
The entire trip was so well executed by such an incredible collaboration between One Ocean members and the Iconic Images/C4 Images team that it allowed for the absolute best experience.
It was such a great idea on their part to make the entire trip a “photographic safari” so that we had the added benefit of our own professional photographers and additional classes, one-on-one sessions, fireside chats, etc. I could go on and on and on.
Suffice it to say, it was the trip of a lifetime, but I plan to squeeze in a few more with this wonderful group of people in MY lifetime!!!
Thank you to every single person involved, including some amazing travelers with whom I plan to remain in contact and see again some day.
Until our paths meet again...
Laura Olivier
Monday, 12 January 2015
Antarctica 2014
Thanks a lot for a wonderful trip.
A perfect combination of wildlife experience and brilliant workshops & lectures.
We have been to Svalbard with Shem in 2013 as he told us about his plans to organise this trip with Frans and Art – we knew instantly that we had to book …
We had a really good time, met new friends, learned a lot about photography, had superb landings with exciting wildlife and brought many photos and memories with us.
This expedition topped our last antarctica trip in 2012!
Susanne & Peter Scheufler
Sunday, 11 January 2015
Antarctica 2014
Once again a remote and distant destination proved flawlessly easy due to the organisation, planning and attention to detail of Iconic Images, C4 Images and Our World Travel.
I felt very privileged to visit and experience Antarctica, the Falkland Islands and South Georgia with you and the team of world class nature and wildlife photographers.
The wildlife was incredible and I learned a great deal not only about photography but about the destinations themselves.
I return to Perth with many fabulous photos but even better memories.
I also would loved to have spent more time in the field with Art and Frans, however I was lucky enough to come across Frans several times who was very generous in his teachings.
Thank you for another unforgettable adventure.
Sarah Clozza
Thursday, 08 January 2015
Antarctica 2014
What a fantastic expedition and photography workshop!
This was my first photographic safari and everything was so beautiful and so well organized that I am still dreaming about it: looking over my pictures everyday trying to remember every minute of the sensational feeling that I had being in such an amazing world of nature, peace and beauty.
The ship staff was excellent and top experienced, we were helped and assisted every minute of our trip.
The food and the service were first class.
We were also so privileged to have two of the world’s most famous photographers, Art Wolf and Frans Lantic sharing with us their knowledge and their photographic skills.
Shem and Denis, from C4 Images and Iconic Images, were always ready to help us and to assist whenever they were asked.
Being a beginner in photography they were always very patient and helpful with me
The experience was so fullfilling that I will join them in another photographic safari soon.
I feel much more confident now when I handle my camera because of the knowledge that I have acquired during this trip.
Thanks very much to all of you who made this holiday so special to me.
Happy New Year and see you soon!
Mirella Rovida
Monday, 05 January 2015
Antarctica 2014
We were invited by friends to visit Antartica before, and were unable to attend.
Derek de Beer via Shem invited us again and as people who love travelling and always taking photos, we could not in our wildest dreams imagine how this trip would change our view of photography.
We would like to thank you, Shem and both Frans and Art for sharing your knowledge and experiences and to make this a trip of a lifetime.
We enjoyed the boat the food the old and new friends and hope to see you next year in South Africa.
Stefanus & Ina Booyse
Thursday, 01 January 2015
Antarctica 2014
A really excellent trip.
To have as photographic guides Art Wolfe and Frans Lanting supported by Shem and Denis made the trip quite exceptional – we really enjoyed all the lectures, photo critique and technical advice.
Thanks should also go to the One Ocean Expedition crew for the work they put in to make the voyage so enjoyable and for facilitating so many landings in what were not the most ideal conditions. An excellent choice of tour operator and of ship, the Akademik Ioffe.
A very well organised and enjoyable trip.
Peter & Liza Paisley
Sunday, 28 December 2014
Antarctica 2014
Dear Denis,
Shortly after we first met you promised to “change my life” if I travelled with you of a photo safari.
Now after five trips over nearly as many years, you have lived up to your word.
The just-completed Antarctic voyage was truly one of discovery for me, offering a variety of new experiences (Zodiac is no longer just an astrologic sign). It was the most rewarding photo safari yet.
As always, the accommodations aboard the Akademik Ioffe were first rate, especially considering that it was a working scientific research vessel. I felt quite at home.
My initial concerns about the size of the tour group quickly evaporated, and the Iconic Images tour was deftly integrated with the One Ocean trip participants. If fact I quite enjoyed participating in both sets of photographic sessions.
The tutorials offered by Art Wolfe, Frans Lanting, Shem Compion and you were well done and quite informative. I found Art’s lectures to be particularly entertaining and informative, and I now find myself seeing the world through the lens in a different way.
One of the more enjoyable aspects of all Iconic Images tours is traveling with like-minded and compatible fellow photographers. I’ve made several new friends in Antarctica and I hope to travel with them on future trips.
I sincerely look forward to our next photo safari in October 2015.
David Kachey
Sunday, 28 December 2014
Antarctica 2014
Thank you very much for organising such an exceptional photographic workshop.
This was my very first photographic expedition and although I did not know what to expect, it was fantastic.
It truly was a once in a life time experience. The One Ocean team were absolutely fantastic and I have never experienced such a well run and well organised tour.
The entire experience went well beyond my expectations and even the loss of my luggage couldn’t dampen the wonderful experience that I had. Everyone was very caring and very friendly. On this tour we were not just “another passenger” and this is what made the experience so wonderful.
I loved the lectures given by Art, Frans, Shem and Denis.
It was also wonderful that we could attend the lectures offered by the Once Ocean team. I am a complete novice in terms of photography so I learned a huge amount.
All I can say is ‘thank you’.
I would recommend the team of Iconic Images, C4 Images and One Ocean to anyone who asks (I already have).
Hopefully I will be in a position to join one of your future photographic tours.
May I wish you a belated Merry Christmas, and a very Happy New Year.
May 2015 bring you everything you wish for.
Lynn van der Merwe
Sunday, 28 December 2014
Antarctica 2014
The whole Antarctic 2014 photography workshop was brilliant.
You could not have chosen a better ship than the Akademik Ioffe and the One Ocean crew were the absolute best. The were so helpful and friendly and nothing was too much bother. I wish the dining room hadn’t been so good though as I will have to get some serious exercise in the lose some of the weight I no doubt gained.
Having four amazing photographers as our mentors was a huge plus and the reason I booked this trip. I really enjoyed their lectures and was really appreciative of the way that timing was worked in with the One Ocean schedule so that we could take the opportunity to enjoy lectures from both groups. It was a pity there wasn’t enough hours in the day to make the most of all that was on offer.
Having participated in a number of photo tours over the years there was only one aspect that I was a bit disappointed with and that was the fact that there was very little interaction with our wonderful mentors once we hit the shore. I know it would have been hard to locate each other when we are all wearing the same red outfits so maybe I was expecting a bit much. I thought there may have been the opportunity once ashore to join Art or Frans for a hands-on type workshop. I did see Frans a few times and he was interacting with a few people. But I must have been in the wrong places as I never saw Art at all. I did catch up with Shem quite a bit and he was great. A few tips where needed plus help for not so agile photographers (me) over the tussocks.
But other than that minor point it was a trip of a lifetime that holds so many great memories that will last with me forever.
I wish you and your families a very Merry Christmas and all the best for 2015.
Shem I wish you and Zendre all the best for your wedding day and for a wonderful life together.
Carol Darby
Saturday, 27 December 2014
Antarctica 2014
Whilst we have been on four previous photo safaris with the Iconic/C4 venture this was the first one outside of Africa (Falkland Islands, South Georgia and Antarctica).
As we have come to expect, this tour continued to maintain the exceptionally high standards that all of our previous trips have set.
Not surprising to us was that a lot of our travelling companions were familiar friends from previous Iconic/C4 trips.
In order to have such a successful voyage an enormous amount of planning and research was undertaken by Denis and Shem to find the right vessel, voyage timing, itinerary and a willingness to satisfy the demanding needs of keen photographers.
The addition of Art Wolfe and Frans Lanting to the Iconic/C4 team not only brought amazing photographic expertise but also an incredible level of knowledge about the region from many previous visits. Working with both of these outstanding professionals was truly inspiring and teaches one to think very differently about photography.
As a result of the meticulous planning the voyage was an outstanding success with the added bonus of a very good run with the weather.
The One Ocean Expedition Leader and crew together with the Akademik Ioffe Master and crew did an exceptional job of working around the ice, the swell and the wind to find alternate sites so that we could land to capture our prized images.
To Denis, Shem, Art, Frans, One Ocean and Akademik Ioffe many thanks for a fantastic once in a lifetime experience.
Neville & Vivienne Bryant
Monday, 22 December 2014
Antarctica
Your photographic tour to Antarctica 2014 exceeded our expectations by far.
The interaction with you, Shem, Frans and Art and other fellow photographers broadened our views on conceptional photography in a pristine environment.
We are grateful for the expertise and experience that were shared with us to make it a very memorable and unique experience.
The way you planned the expedition, executed it in combination with One Ocean Expeditions needs to be commended.
It was fantastic to have enjoyed Antarctica with old and new friends together.
Derek and Annelie de Beer
Friday, 21 November 2014
Antarctica
The whole Antarctic 2014 photography workshop was brilliant.
You could not have chosen a better ship than the Akademik Ioffe and the One Ocean crew were the absolute best. The were so helpful and friendly and nothing was too much bother. I wish the dining room hadn’t been so good though as I will have to get some serious exercise in the lose some of the weight I no doubt gained.
Having four amazing photographers as our mentors was a huge plus and the reason I booked this trip. I really enjoyed their lectures and was really appreciative of the way that timing was worked in with the One Ocean schedule so that we could take the opportunity to enjoy lectures from both groups. It was a pity there wasn’t enough hours in the day to make the most of all that was on offer.
Having participated in a number of photo tours over the years there was only one aspect that I was a bit disappointed with and that was the fact that there was very little interaction with our wonderful mentors once we hit the shore. I know it would have been hard to locate each other when we are all wearing the same red outfits so maybe I was expecting a bit much. I thought there may have been the opportunity once ashore to join Art or Frans for a hands-on type workshop. I did see Frans a few times and he was interacting with a few people. But I must have been in the wrong places as I never saw Art at all. I did catch up with Shem quite a bit and he was great. A few tips where needed plus help for not so agile photographers me over the tussocks.
But other than that minor point it was a trip of a lifetime that holds so many great memories that will last with me forever.
I wish you and your families a very Merry Christmas and all the best for 2015.
Carol Darby
Thursday, 20 November 2014
Antarctica
Thanks a lot for a wonderful trip.
A perfect combination of wildlife experience and brilliant workshops lectures.
We have been to Svalbard with Shem in 2013 as he told us about his plans to organise this trip with Frans and Art – we knew instantly that we had to book …
We had a really good time, met new friends, learned a lot about photography, had superb landings with exciting wildlife and brought many photos and memories with us.
This expedition topped our last Antarctica trip in 2012!
Susanne and Peter Scheufler
Thursday, 20 November 2014
Antarctica
The trip to Antarctica met and exceeded all expectations!
Well organized, well run, it was simply superb – an experience of a lifetime.
The presence and guidance of Art Wolfe and Frans Lanting, as well as the support from Denis and Shem were simply outstanding.
The choice of ship was excellent and the staff and crew on board made sure our voyage was truly memorable.
Looking forward to my next trip to Svalbard!
David Mierowsky
Thursday, 20 November 2014
Antarctica
Once again a remote and distant destination proved flawlessly easy due to the organisation, planning and attention to detail of Iconic Images, C4 Images and Our World Travel.
I felt very privileged to visit and experience Antarctica, the Falkland Islands and South Georgia with you and the team of world class nature and wildlife photographers.
The wildlife was incredible and I learned a great deal not only about photography but about the destinations themselves.
I return to Perth with many fabulous photos but even better memories.
I also would loved to have spent more time in the field with Art and Frans, however I was lucky enough to come across Frans several times who was very generous in his teachings.
Thank you for another unforgettable adventure.
Sarah Clozza
Thursday, 20 November 2014
Antarctica
Whilst we have been on four previous photo safaris with the IconicC4 venture this was the first one outside of Africa Falkland Islands, South Georgia and Antarctica.
As we have come to expect, this tour continued to maintain the exceptionally high standards that all of our previous trips have set.
Not surprising to us was that a lot of our travelling companions were familiar friends from previous IconicC4 trips.
In order to have such a successful voyage an enormous amount of planning and research was undertaken by Denis and Shem to find the right vessel, voyage timing, itinerary and a willingness to satisfy the demanding needs of keen photographers.
The addition of Art Wolfe and Frans Lanting to the IconicC4 team not only brought amazing photographic expertise but also an incredible level of knowledge about the region from many previous visits. Working with both of these outstanding professionals was truly inspiring and teaches one to think very differently about photography.
As a result of the meticulous planning the voyage was an outstanding success with the added bonus of a very good run with the weather.
The One Ocean Expedition Leader and crew together with the Akademik Ioffe Master and crew did an exceptional job of working around the ice, the swell and the wind to find alternate sites so that we could land to capture our prized images.
To Denis, Shem, Art, Frans, One Ocean and Akademik Ioffe many thanks for a fantastic once in a lifetime experience.
Neville and Vivienne Bryant
Thursday, 20 November 2014
Antarctica
What a fantastic expedition and photography workshop!
This was my first photographic safari and everything was so beautiful and so well organized that I am still dreaming about it looking over my pictures everyday trying to remember every minute of the sensational feeling that I had being in such an amazing world of nature, peace and beauty.
The ship staff was excellent and top experienced, we were helped and assisted every minute of our trip.
The food and the service were first class.
We were also so privileged to have two of the world’s most famous photographers, Art Wolf and Frans Lanting sharing with us their knowledge and their photographic skills.
Shem and Denis, from C4 Images and Iconic Images, were always ready to help us and to assist whenever they were asked.
Being a beginner in photography they were always very patient and helpful with me
The experience was so fullfilling that I will join them in another photographic safari soon.
I feel much more confident now when I handle my camera because of the knowledge that I have acquired during this trip.
Thanks very much to all of you who made this holiday so special to me.
Happy New Year and see you soon!
Mirella Rovida
Thursday, 20 November 2014
Antarctica
A really excellent trip.
To have as photographic guides Art Wolfe and Frans Lanting supported by Shem and Denis made the trip quite exceptional – we really enjoyed all the lectures, photo critique and technical advice.
Thanks should also go to the One Ocean Expedition crew for the work they put in to make the voyage so enjoyable and for facilitating so many landings in what were not the most ideal conditions. An excellent choice of tour operator and of ship, the Akademik Ioffe.
A very well organised and enjoyable trip.
Thanks again.
Peter and Liza Paisley
Thursday, 20 November 2014
Antarctica
I have no words to describe how amazing this trip was.
Every aspect from the crew of the Akademik Ioffe, to the members of the One Ocean Expedition team, to the professional photographers who helped us digitally capture the magnificence that is Antarctica to bring home, was beyond expectation.
Every single person put 100 into every single detail, from the morning wake up calls from David McGonical to the hot alcoholic beverages that awaited us after returning from a cold yet exhilarating zodiac ride and everything in between.
It was such a special treat to be able to share our experiences, as clients, with the crew who not only joined us on land, but at meals, in the bar some more than others as well as in class. Sharing their own stories and experiences of past trips added that extra something that gave it more character.
The addition of Art Wolfe and Frans Lanting to the Denis GlennonShem Compion team was beyond incredible.
The entire trip was so well executed by such an incredible collaboration between One Ocean members and the Iconic ImagesC4 Images team that it allowed for the absolute best experience.
It was such a great idea on their part to make the entire trip a “photographic safari” so that we had the added benefit of our own professional photographers and additional classes, one-on-one sessions, fireside chats, etc. I could go on and on and on.
Suffice it to say, it was the trip of a lifetime, but I plan to squeeze in a few more with this wonderful group of people in MY lifetime!!!
Thank you to every single person involved, including some amazing travelers with whom I plan to remain in contact and see again some day.
Until our paths meet again~
Laura Oliver
Thursday, 20 November 2014
Antarctica
I have no words to describe how amazing this trip was.
Every aspect from the crew of the Akademik Ioffe, to the members of the One Ocean Expedition team, to the professional photographers who helped us digitally capture the magnificence that is Antarctica to bring home, was beyond expectation.
Every single person put 100 into every single detail, from the morning wake up calls from David McGonical to the hot alcoholic beverages that awaited us after returning from a cold yet exhilarating zodiac ride and everything in between.
It was such a special treat to be able to share our experiences, as clients, with the crew who not only joined us on land, but at meals, in the bar some more than others as well as in class. Sharing their own stories and experiences of past trips added that extra something that gave it more character.
The addition of Art Wolfe and Frans Lanting to the Denis GlennonShem Compion team was beyond incredible.
The entire trip was so well executed by such an incredible collaboration between One Ocean members and the Iconic ImagesC4 Images team that it allowed for the absolute best experience.
It was such a great idea on their part to make the entire trip a “photographic safari” so that we had the added benefit of our own professional photographers and additional classes, one-on-one sessions, fireside chats, etc. I could go on and on and on.
Suffice it to say, it was the trip of a lifetime, but I plan to squeeze in a few more with this wonderful group of people in MY lifetime!!!
Thank you to every single person involved, including some amazing travelers with whom I plan to remain in contact and see again some day.
Until our paths meet again
Laura Oliver
Thursday, 20 November 2014
Antarctica
Thank you very much for organising such an exceptional photographic workshop.
This was my very first photographic expedition and although I did not know what to expect, it was fantastic.
It truly was a once in a life time experience. The One Ocean team were absolutely fantastic and I have never experienced such a well run and well organised tour.
The entire experience went well beyond my expectations and even the loss of my luggage couldn’t dampen the wonderful experience that I had. Everyone was very caring and very friendly. On this tour we were not just “another passenger” and this is what made the experience so wonderful.
I loved the lectures given by Art, Frans, Shem and Denis.
It was also wonderful that we could attend the lectures offered by the Once Ocean team. I am a complete novice in terms of photography so I learned a huge amount.
All I can say is ‘thank you’.
I would recommend the team of Iconic Images, C4 Images and One Ocean to anyone who asks I already have.
Hopefully I will be in a position to join one of your future photographic tours.
May I wish you a belated Merry Christmas, and a very Happy New Year.
May 2015 bring you everything you wish for.
God bless,
Lynn
Lynn van der Merwe
Tuesday, 18 November 2014
Antarctica
We were invited by friends to visit Antartica before, and were unable to attend.
Derek de Beer via Shem invited us again and as people who love travelling and always taking photos, we could not in our wildest dreams imagine how this trip would change our view of photography.
We would like to thank Denis, Shem and both Frans and Art for sharing your knowledge and experiences and to make this a trip of a lifetime.
We enjoyed the boat the food the old and new friends and hope to see you next year in South Africa.
Kind regards
Blikkies Ina
Stefanus and Ina Booyse
Tuesday, 18 November 2014
Mashatu Workshop
As a new photographer with a passion for wildlife, safaris and such, I tagged this workshop onto the end of a family visit to South Africa. I was keen to learn and experience as much as I could in as short a time as possible and this workshop ticked all the boxes I wanted ticked! We had jammed packed action from the moment we arrived. Droves of elephants on land and in the river, hundreds of birds, cheetah cubs, lion cubs, jackal cubs, hyena cubs, witnessing a cheetah kill and seeing how the mother was teaching her cubs to fend for themselves, observing the animal behaviour and hierarchy of hyenas around their kudu kill, experiencing the underground hide and being so close to the ellies, even the little things like the chameleon in the tree...I had the time of my life. We arrived in boiling hot weather, had a massive thunderstorm with lightening, thunder and torrential rain that night and then it cooled down...but nothing dampened our spirits. We were there for the experience and we sure got it. Tented camp catered beautifully and caringly. I have some serious food sensitivities which were no problem to Hilda and Montys team. Jake and Justice were fantastic guides and Kyle and Trevor were marvellous as our photography teachers! Had the time of my life and hope to be back at Mashatu sooner rather than later.
Judy Miller
Thursday, 13 November 2014
Mashatu Workshop
Who says miserable weather is not for photography workshops Clouds, thunder, lightning, rain and mud did not dampen our spirits - this workshop was the most enjoyable time I have had in the bush in a long time. The sightings were spectacular. From the first line of ellies making their way back on to Mashatu, the cheetah kill from start to finish, the cubs practising killing techniques, elephant bulls sparring in the river, lionesses and cubs, mating dragonflies, rain-escaping froglets to the 16-strong hyena clan feasting on a huge male kudu they brought down - AWESOME stuff!!! Kyle and Trevor were the patient teachers and photography mentors and with the sightings we had it was impossibly not to learn loads. Monty, Hilda and team from Mashatu Tent Camp were fantastic and the food delicious **burp**
Janet Wilkinson
Thursday, 13 November 2014
Masai Mara Exclusive Safari 2014
We have to say that this was by far the best holiday that we have taken thanks to the knowledge and professionalism of Shem and Greg. Not only with the camera but also with the Masai Mara.
When we originally booked this safari we wanted something different other than the Mala Mala experience. These guys delivered starting on the first evening out by taking us to see a Cheetah Malaika, with 5 beautiful cubs.
On the second day we were very fortunate to witness a river crossing with a few crocodiles which made it perfect with all of the drama that was created when the Zebras and Wildebeests crossed the water.
Shem and Greg also made us realize how important lighting is when photographing wildlife in Masai Mara. By maximizing the ’golden hours’ and taking us out at sunrise and sunset they contributed to making wildlife photography a memorable experience. We saw so many different animals than on our first safari. This included the sighting of a Pangolin, which was also a first for 2 of our drivers and 2 of our guides in all of their years in the Masai Mara!
Karanjas photo is one of our favorite photos. It took several days to find this Black Rhin and not just any Black Rhin but this exquisite specimen. You have to agree by looking at the size of its horn. We were lucky on our last evening ride to notice a blur of him in the bush. However, because of all of the vehicles surrounding him he refused to come out into the open. But our group was committed to photographing Karanja and on the last day of the safari, and just before we departed, we were fortunate to find him in another location. He was lazing in the bush and it made it perfect for photographing as he was not a mere blur. The icing on the cake was when he stood up and felt relaxed enough to start walking and feeding around our vehicle. This allowed for excellent photography.
Thank you and look forward to our next safari with C4!
Jimmy and Angie Sandoval
Sunday, 05 October 2014
Masai Mara Migration Safari
My family and I have just been privileged and blessed to have spent 6 days in the Masai Mara with C4 images and Top Billing. I wanted to thank and commend Shem and Albie for the most awe inspiring and once in a life time experience. I know that their masterful and insightful bush knowledge, love of nature and their expert skill in capturing the moment in an image, have contributed to us enjoying the greatest show on earth to its fullest extent. Also having world class photographers in your vehicle, allows one to capture extra-special personal images to keep as a memory of that moment for life. We were lucky to witness rare and beautiful sightings of Cheetah and her 5 cubs, mating lions, a lion kill interaction with jackal and hyena, and a visceral wildebeest river crossing, all in one day.Our heartfelt appreciation and thanks to Shem, Albie and Entim camp for a mind-blowing bucket list experience.
Spencer Burke
Monday, 29 September 2014
Masai Mara 289 - 0410 2014
It had been my long time dream to photograph wildlife in the amazing Masai Mara and despite my very high expectations, this years trip with with Shem and Albie exceeded anything I had imagined.
While the Mara did its best to deliver endless, amazing sightings -which Shem, Albie and our guide Sammy seemed to find on demand frolicking cheetah cubs, week old lion cubs, serval, a young family of jackal in the dawn light, two crossings, mating ostrich, the list goes on! - while our guides ensured that we were always positioned for the best light and in anticipation of where the action was moving to.
But for me the real highlight of this trip was how Shem and Albie ensured that we took time to look up from the viewfinder and enjoy the whole Mara experience, finding amazing landscapes, portraying animals in their environment and imparting a wealth of knowledge about the ecosystem, behavior and of course photography.
Thank you for delivering such a memorable and thoroughly enjoyable experience. You can be sure that I will return.
David Hanrahan
David Hanrahan
Sunday, 28 September 2014
Mashatu workshop
We had a great time at Mashatu. We learned a lot from Andre Kyle and we saw lots of lions, leopards, a cheetah with her 4 cubs, giraffes and all other wildlife. Learning how to make pictures of the stars and a singel baobab was also amazing.
Thanks for a fantastic photo workshop with also lots of fun.
Marc Karin - The Netherlands
Marc Karin Scheltens
Wednesday, 24 September 2014
Mashatu Workshop September
Thank you to everybody at C4 ! We had a great workshop. Everything was perfectly organised, the camp was lovely, the food really good and the game viewing spectacular ! The time spent with the cheetah mum and her 4 cubs was the absolute highlight of this trip, they are so adorable ! The photography part was great to many thanks to Andre and Kyle for their help in settings, composition advice and creating absolutely cool photo moments. For instance the time we were at the hide, and no elephants showed up. Andre got us photographing sparring guinea fowls which turned out to be one of the favourite pics of this trip. Or when Kyle got us to photograph the sky in very cloudy weather, that turned out spectacular too. As for the first two cloudy days, well at least the cubs were totally active and running around instead of sleeping in the shade as would be on a hot and sunny day. So we learnt theres even something positive about cloudy weather and diffuse light. We made new friends and got home with full memory cards and lots of happy memories ! Thanks and we look forward to travelling with you again next May in Svalbard !
For those who want to have a look, theres lots of pics on our webpage www.bluemelphoto.ch
Astrid Juerg Bluemel
Wednesday, 24 September 2014
Mashatu Workshop
We just want to let you know we had a great time at Mashatu. Special thanks to Andre Kyle, we learned a lot, but still need to practise a lot. We were so lucky seeing lots of lions, leopard and of course the cheetah with her 4 cups. Another great experience was making photos of the stars and a baobab tree. Hope to get back one day.
Marc Karin Scheltens
Saturday, 20 September 2014
Maasai Mara Migration Safari
Maasai Mara September 2014
If you have any doubts about going to the Maasai Mara with C4 Safaris - just do it!
We enjoyed a fabulous trip with C4 in September 2014 to see the Great Migration in the Mara and were fortunate enough to see three crossings during our stay.
We have always booked previously with a UK based travel agent to ensure we had ABTA and ATOL protection. We discovered C4 by chance as we have never seen them advertise in the UK and after careful research, we decided to take a chance and book with C4 as we really liked their itinerary, choice of accomodation and most importantly their professional photographer guides looked very impressive.
What a great decision! Everything was superb. Our initial contact email was responded to by Shem Compion himself, the company owner. Minette dealt with the booking process and the lens hire more later very efficiently and always responded quickly to my queries.
Once at Nairobi, all of the housekeeping arrangements transfers and stopover hotel etc were excellent. Our small aircraft flight to the Mara was a great experience, our accomodation at the Entim Private Explorer Camp was very good and the food was acceptable. A key point for us was that the camp is inside the national park so we were not constrained by park entrance and closing times. The location, near the Mara river was fantastic and as the camp is unfenced animals can and do come very close to the tents on occasions. Going to bed to the sounds of the African Plains was a magical experience.
Our game drives were incredible, our local guide, Anthony, was first class and regulalrly found us great sightings. Our photography guides, Isak and Heinrich were outstanding and both patiently helped us to improve our technique over the course of the trip. We really enjoyed their different personal styles and their company.
We were also extremely lucky, the famous wildlife photogrpaher Art Wolfe was in the camp making a documentary and one evening after dinner Art spent over an hour critiquing some of our groups images, providing us with some invaluable feedback and encouragement.
In summary, a wonderful trip to a stunning location to see one of nature’s great spectacles. This was our third trip to Africa in the last couple of years and as people warned us, we have definitely been bitten by the bug.
Mark and Angela
Mark and Angela
Sunday, 07 September 2014
Fairfax Tour
Denis and Shem,
What a wonderful two weeks we spent on the Fairfax Premium Photographic Safari to Tanda Tula in Timbavati Game Reserve, South Africa, and Mashatu in Botswana.
We enjoyed extraordinary sightings on each and every day, including one of the rare white lions of Timbavati, a litter of five two month old cheetah cubs in Mashatu, and of course that magnificent ground level water hole hide with numerous elephant herds as well as several species of antelope and various birds coming in to drink while we were there.
The attention to photographic detail was ever present, with one photographer per row to allow full freedom of movement both sides, and our vehicles being carefully positioned to optimise the light, the background and the overall effect of the subjects in their settings in all conditions.
As well, both Denis and Shem were very generous in sharing their vast knowledge and expertise with respect to suggested settings and effects, pushing us to new heights.
The rangers and trackers were superb in their ability to find elusive subjects day and night.
On top of all that, every organisational aspect was of the highest standard, as were the creature comforts, the cuisine and the drinks.
Everyone on the tour got on remarkably well, and the overall experience was outstanding.
Now for the pleasurable task of re-living the memories through the review and post-processing of over 105 GB of images.
I’m very much looking forward to participating in the Three Icons tour with Denis and Shem in October 2015.
Very much appreciated,
Joe Lewit
Joe Lewit
Tuesday, 12 August 2014
Fairfax Tour
To observe and photograph animals in the wild in Africa is an absolute privilege, but to do so with expert photographers such as you both elevates the experience to a new level.
The time that we spent with you on The Fairfax Premium Photographic Safari 2014 to Tanda Tula Game Reserve in the Timbavati and Mashatu in Botswana was filled with very many photographic opportunities and for me, from that, many photographic learning experiences. Not only did I enhance my knowledge and practical skills in the technical aspects of photography but I learned from you both how to use light and composition to tell a story and evoke emotion within a single image.
I researched both Iconic Images International and C4 Images & Safaris before booking this trip.
I was particularly impressed with the video Balm for the Soul on the website and I knew that I would glean from you both a deeper appreciation of the value of nature in our lives that I hoped could be reflected in my wildlife photography.
Penny and I had a most enjoyable time on this trip with great camaraderie within our group of like-minded photographers.
Denis and Shem, Penny and I would like to sincerely thank you both very much for the seamless organisation of the trip, great attention to detail, amazing wildlife experiences and the relentless pursuit of the best photographic opportunities while on safari, but probably most of all for your care and friendship and for helping us to appreciate the value of nature in our lives.
Penny and I with our daughter Felicity are so looking forward to joining you both in Namibia next July.
Kind Regards
Tony and Penny
Anthony and Penny Lawrence
Tuesday, 12 August 2014
Fairfax Tour
Denis and Shem,
I want to tell you both how much I enjoyed the Fairfax Photographic Safari.
It was a truly amazing experience and I loved every minute of it.
Your superb organisation which gave us a smooth, trouble free journey and your patience and assistance with our photography efforts made this a truly memorable safari.
The special care I was given was much appreciated.
Both of the camps we visited – Tanda Tula, in the Timbavati Game Reserve, and Mashatu in Botswana – were excellent.
The guides were incredibly good at their job, not only finding the most cryptic animals for us but also positioning us for the best photography.
There were so many highlights on this trip it is hard to select the best, but the first appearance of an elephant just an arm’s length away at the Mashatu waterhole hide was probably the most jaw-dropping experience I have ever had in the African bush. The privilege of seeing the rare white lions of Timbavati was another unforgettable experience. Add to these the sightings of a cheetah with five cubs, a lioness with three, so many beautiful birds – I could rave on and on.
The last glorious sunset was a fitting end to a wonderful safari.
Thank you again,
Barbara Triggs
Barbara Triggs
Tuesday, 12 August 2014
SVALBARD PHOTO TOUR SEPTEMBER 2014
Our 5th to 15th September 2014 trip to SVALBARD with C4 Images Safaris was, in short, simply splendid!
The pristine Arctic wilderness, the hauntingly beautiful landscapes in the fjords and pack ice, the glaciers and the icebergs, the magical light, the polar bears, reindeers, walruses, seals and avifauna all contributed to make this one of our most memorable experiences.
Personally, as a visual artist, I appreciated Shem Compions on-the-tap photographic inputs and insight sharing on technical as well as creative aspects, both in the field and in respect of digital workflow. And what is more, Shems warm, pleasant and knowledgeable company ensured that both my wife a non-photographer and I had an enjoyable and interesting time throughout.
Our expedition leader, Ronald Vissers, patience with our queries and enthusiastic communication of his deep knowledge of the Arctic, its people, wildlife, history and geography, really enlivened the trip and has given me a lot of material for my next travel story!
We also really appreciated the fact that Shem, Ronald and Magnus the captain and crew of the Ms Stockholm really worked hard to ensure we had the most optimal yet safe sightings and landings from the ship and the zodiac trips.
Arctic conditions are alien to people like us from the tropics and we are obliged to Amanda and other crew members for helping make things comfortable for us.
Ours was a multi-cultural group with participants hailing from different countries, but the shared passion for photography nature facilitated pleasant and enriching interactions.
My wife, Koel, and I have travelled on photographic expeditions to various places around the world and had a lot of expectations from this Arctic Adventure - we are happy to say that this trip exceeded even those high expectations and we would whole-heartedly recommend this trip to any nature lover photographer!
Amartya Koel Mukherjee
Sunday, 10 August 2014
Mashatu Safari
Thank you for what was most probably one off my best bush experiences ever. Besides the great sightings what also made it so nice was Heinrich van den Berg and Trevor Kleyns way of sharing their photographic and field knowledge so willingly. Shem you and all the people at C4 can really be proud on what your are doing. Hope to join you again soon on another great bush experience.
Dewald van Breda
Monday, 28 July 2014
Mashatu Workshop
I just want to a quick mail to thank you for a great Mashatu Workshop.
I booked the workshop as a non-photographer and I left there completely hooked! It is now my husband and my new found hobby to do together. Absolutely loving it!
It was everything we expected and so much more. We enjoyed it thoroughly and really learned a lot.
We will definitely see you again on a future workshop!
Frances Snyman
Wednesday, 11 June 2014
Mashatu Hides
I wanted to express what an awesome trip I had to Mashatu and working with Kyle and Ruth while there.jpg experience at the photographic hide was incredible and an experience I will never forget. Kyle and Ruth were great ambassadors for C4 Images. I cant wait to return to Africa and hope to cross paths with C2 again!
Anne Jennings
Saturday, 31 May 2014
Premier Predator Tour
Our safari exceeded our expectations! Gregs companionship, leadership instruction was outstanding. It was clear that C4 engaged the best drivers in Bashi and Roan.jpgy amazed us in their ability to find wildlife the lengths to which they go to ensure we were in the right spot. We appreciated Gregs bush school where he reiterated basic photography techniques. Gregs reminders of the starting point settings while on location was also very helpful. We also had great fun photographing predators by spotlight flash.
Mashatu was outstanding in all respects. Mala Mala is excellent too. Thee variety quantity of wildlife could not be bettered!
Tom and Pam Holmes
Saturday, 24 May 2014
Premier Predator Tour, independent travel in Sossusvlei
Our safari exceeded our expectations! Greg Du Toits companionship, leadership instruction was outstanding. It was clear that he engaged the best drivers in Bashi and Roan.They amazed us in their ability to find wildlife the lengths to which they go to ensure we were in the right spot. We appreciated Gregs bush school where he reiterated basic photography techniques. Gregs reminders of the starting point settings while on location was also very helpful. We also had great fun photographing predators by spotlight flash. Greg even taught us to photograph the night sky.
Mashatu and Mala Mala were outstanding in all aspects. The variety quantity of wildlife could not be bettered!
We greatly appreciated Vernon Swanepoel in Sossusvlei. Vernon is very adept at dealing with the park bureaucracy. He also willingly shared his in depth knowledge of natural human history. At the end of 3 days we had our fill of dune photography from the road so on the 4th day we took two walks into the dunes for a closer look.jpgs was fun showed a very different side of the Namib Valley.
We were pleasantly surprised at the amount of wildlife we saw in the dunes oryx, jackal, springbok, ostrich many bird species. We even saw a bat eared fox family an aardwolf. Of course the photo opportunities were much better on safari.
Shems recommendations assistance for our independent travel were invaluable. He even helped us obtain a rented ball head because Pam left hers at home.
If hopefully when we return to Africa, we will certainly choose C4 and Greg Du Toit again.
Tom and Pam Holmes
Saturday, 24 May 2014
Premier Predator Tour, MASHATU AND VARIOUS OTHER
Just a short note to Shem and Team, thanks to all for the way you all are willing to share your photographic and other knowledge with all who go on your workshopssafaris. I have been on a few and never been disappointed, starting with the admin and organising of the trip to getting back home with loads of knowledge and great images. Thanks all at c4 you can be truly proud....Margaret Olivier 31st October 2014
Margaret Olivier
Wednesday, 23 April 2014
Iconic East Africa Tour
Weve summarised the trip as A world class safari, perfectly delivered. Given that, we repeat our thanks for such an outstanding trip!
Greg and Maria Munyard
Saturday, 08 March 2014
Masai Mara Photo Safari
Our Maasai Mara photo safari with C4 Images exceeded our expectations!
Izak was a perfect photo guide and Jackson a perfect guide/driver. Both are knowledgeable, enthusiastic and engaging. Together they delivered an experience full of learning, discovery and enjoyment. Our many animal sightings and up-close views of their behavior were amazing, and were the heart of the photo-safari experience. Izak and Jackson seemed to always have new surprises for us! Photo opportunities in abundance!
Our C4 safari experience was great from beginning to end, from the 5-Star Serena Nairobi Hotel experience and luxury Entim Private Explorer Camp, to the amazing Maasai Mara itself.
Larry and Carmen Stunkel
Saturday, 07 September 2013
Svalbard Photo Tour
The Svalbard trip was exceptionally well organised and everything was effortlessly taken care of. Ronald Visser imparted his vast knowledge of the area, sea ice, glaziers and the animals with enthusiasm - together with Shems photographic expertise and passion they ensured we would have the best photographic memories. The Captain and crew on the SS Stockholm also ensured that the trip surpassed my expectations. Safety was always taken care of as that is something photographers tend to forget in the excitement of getting the shot.
The starkness of the landscapes photographed from the SS Stockholm leaving Svalbard and travelling through the icey regions of the North is breathtaking. Added to this being able to photograph Polar Bears, Walrus, Seals, Rheindeer and the final excitement of the Arctic Fox in their natural habitat was unforgettable. The colours of early morning sunrise, brilliant light through the ice sculptures, misty moody ice capped mountains gave us photography at its best.
The weather conditions were challenging at times but Ronald and Shem ensured we always got the shot. Timing was essential when photographing from a moving Zodiac, together with climbing up slippery slopes - all added to the excitement of a once in a lifetime trip. Im very lucky to have been part of this amazing experience - a highly recommended trip and destination for every Photographer.
Thank you Shem and the C4 Team.
Glynnis Salvado
Friday, 06 September 2013
Svalbard photo Tour 2013
My trip on the SS Stockholm went perfectly.Ronald Visser. our expedition leader,led us with enthuasiasm and shared his knowledge as a naturalist and geologist with us. Well supported by Shem from whom we learnt a great deal about taking photographs, particularily in the Arctic, how to process them and also about the art of photography. Photography in Arctic conditions is challenging, not only is the weather frequently against one, but you cannot always land and have to shoot from a moving Zodiac or the boat. Conversely when the light and conditions are right there are some superb scenes to be taken and excellent natural history shots.jpgptain of the Stockholm was very cooperative and on one memorable occaison circled a Bearded seal amongst the sea ice - we took the photos.For anyone interested in photography this was a great trip if I did not get some good photographs it was my fault.
John Cucksey
Friday, 06 September 2013
Svalbard Photo-cruise 2013
This was an adventure so few have enjoyed with ,never to be forgotten wildlife in their own environment with magic light sky, ice-scapes from glaciers noisily diminishing to sea ice retreating as our boat forged through it, to perma-frost.
The passion knowledge of Shem Compion Ronald Visser, the co-leader environmentalist resulted in a stream of instruction information.
What more could an intrepid curious photographer wish for
Neil Cumpston
Tuesday, 03 September 2013
Masai Mara Entim Camp
The Mara and Entim camp exceeded my expectations for photographic opportunities and also the overall ambiance and experience. I of course expected and got nothing but the best from the gracious and helpful hosts Shem Compion and Albie Venter having already traveled with Shem to Botswana on a previous occasion. The Masai Mara is simply a wildlife photographers paradise and what better way to experience it than with C4 Images Safaris staying at the exclusive and small Entim private camp! Thanks! I wish I could go back tomorrow.
Morden OHare
Sunday, 01 September 2013
Mashat Photo Workshop
I was especially fascinated by the elephant hide and the fact that we could stay there for a whole day. I’ll never forget the marching up of baboons, impalas, kudu, a herd of elephants and finally the leopard in the twilight.
I was happy with my tent and the friendly staff in the camp.
All in all the four days topped my expectations. Many thanks!
Peter Raimann
Thursday, 18 July 2013
Mashatu Photo Workshop
From the very first minute I was so impressed with the absolute professional and friendly way in which things were conducted. One of the biggest attractions at Mashatu was the Elephant hide where it is possible to photograph elephants standing just a few meters away. This was maybe one of the most spectacular and exiting experiences in my more than 40 years of photography. Then most important was Isak Pretorius and Mike Dexter. These two gentlemen were absolutely outstanding and also their knowledge and insight were very impressive. Again I would like to thank C4 Images and Safaris for hosting such a wonderful and inspiring experience. You have certainly changed my life forever.
Thank You, Johan Kloppers. FPSSA, APSSAVers PSSA Regional Director, Western Cape.
Johan Kloppers
Thursday, 18 July 2013
Premium Predator Safari
This was our most amazing safari ever, never before did we have so many, and such fantastic photo opportunities. A big thank you to Greg for getting us from average to good photographers, teaching us where to focus, to read the light and see with our eyes and heart.
Astrid Juerg Bluemel
Wednesday, 03 July 2013
Mashatu Photo Workshop
Amazing experience with C4 at Mashatu. Shem & Andre taught us so much, to better our photography,added to this,unbelievable sightings,almost as if C4 managed to "set up" these sightings in a studio. They got us into the best possible position to enhance our photographic experience. C4 are professional & are fantastic hosts,always willing to share their knowledge of photography,the bush & animal behaviour. Mashatu delivered on the quality of the sightings.
Not our 1st trip with C4 & will not be our last.
Deepak Daya
Thursday, 13 June 2013
Mashatu Photographic Safari
I would like to a quick note to say thank you for a great photographic safari. Shems photographic knowledge and willingness to share his skills with us made this trip well worth it. The sightings and the opportunities that were presented to us were spectacular, from the first game drive to the last drive.
Prakash Bhikha
Wednesday, 12 June 2013
Maasai Mara 13-20 October 2012
My husband and I have just returned from a week long photography safari with C4 in the Maasai Mara. It was truly an amazing experience. We saw 5 crossings of which 4 was at the campsite were we stayed. As were our experience with previous trips with C4 the photographers that were the trip leaders were exceptional and extremely helpful. The practical organization of the trips are also of a very high standard and Minette is always very friendly and helpful with individual requests.
Teresa Nel
Saturday, 13 October 2012
Svalbard Photo Tour
Thank you for arranging the Svalbard photography trip.
This was an amazing once in a lifetime experience always to be remembered.
Everything on this trip exceeded my expectations from the services and meals on the ship to the wild life and landscape photographic opportunities we experienced.
The exceptional scenery and nearly 24 hour perfect light makes this trip a landscape photographers dream.
The polar bear visits to our ship on the packed ice, the inquisitive walrus approaches to the zodiac, the sly arctic fox and bird life, just to mention the highlights is a paradise for wildlife photographers
You and our guides knowledge, experience and assistance during the trip was of great value and much appreciated.
I highly recommend the Svalbard experience to anyone interested in photography and a must visit as a once in a lifetime opportunity.
Jamie van Zyl
Thursday, 06 September 2012
Svalbard Photo Tour
Once again C4 Images and Safaris delivers a photographic trip beyond belief! Polar Bears, walruses, seals and Arctic foxes in their natural environment in one of the most beautiful regions on Earth. Great light, sightings, information, both about the environment/wildlife and how to photograph it - what an awesome trip! Topped up with great company and superb organisation - I am very lucky to have been on this trip, thank you again Shem and the team at C4.
Christine Chong
Thursday, 06 September 2012
Namibia Self Drive
The self drive photographic tour of Namibia was exceptional. Thanks to Shem (for the chauffeur driven tour) and Denis Glennon of Iconic Images in Perth for the most fantastic photographic trip imaginable. One of the really enjoyable aspects was the access to the photographers and the help they offered with good grace and understanding of my limited ability. While I have photographed wildlife before with Shem and Denis in Kenya this trip was especially good as I learnt about landscape photography. It went well beyond my expectations and I have come home with some truly amazing images.jpg accommodation, meals and the places we visited were superb. Shem and Denis had really done their homework.jpge were many highlights but just to mention a few, the balloon flight over the dunes at Sossusvlei, the sunrise and sunset shoots at Dead Vlei and the leopard hide at Okonjima.jpgks also to my fellow travellers for their company and friendship.
Helen Newnham
Friday, 06 July 2012
Art Wolfe Inspirational Workshop - Arniston
Brialliant and soooo inspiring. Thank you for this lifetime opportunity. Art showed how photography can inspire, create passion and be compassionate when it comes to cultures and the environment.jpg placement of a subject within its space and place is an important lesson.jpgk you to Art, Denis and Shem for all the knowledge imparted.
Ritchie Morris
Monday, 16 April 2012
Arniston/Art Wolfe workshop
Wonderful place, wonderful people and an inspirational few days. A privilege to meet and glean pearls from a master, Art thank you.
Dave Kettles
Wednesday, 11 April 2012
Art Wolfe Workshop - Arniston
Dear Shem
I just wanted to say thank you for bringing Art Wolfe to South Africa to share his philosophy, knowledge and experience with us. I thoroughly enjoyed it and in my opinion was a once in a lifetime experience, I will never forget. I am in total awe of some of the photographs that I saw of Art Wolfe. What a man, what an artist in photography.
Thank you Shem for all the help and giving your personal attention while we were shooting. The location was just perfect and the accommodation and food was excellent. Nothing but praise for how smoothly everything went.
I have come away more educated and greatly inspired by the talks given by Art Wolfe. Its good to have this renewed enthusiasm and inspiration to see the picture.
Thanx again and all the best.
Joey Nel
Sunday, 08 April 2012
Art Wolfe
We had an awesome 3 day event in the coastal town called Arniston. We had great lectures on composition, the 10 deadly sins and got to know Arts photography past and some of his amazing experiences.Thanks to Shem for bringing us this great opportunity to learn from one of the best nature photographers.
Chantelle Grobbelaar
Sunday, 08 April 2012
Art Wolfe Workshop - Arniston 2012
Truly inspirational to be able to spend quality time with Art. To experience first hand his passion and artistry. No wonder that he has become a legend in his time. Not only is Art a master of his subject, but he has an amazing ability to pass on his insight and skill in basic understandable terms illustrated by hundreds of beautiful pictures. I never thought that I would learn so much and come away so inspired. Thank you Art, you have forever changed the way that I see! To Shem and Denis my thanks for giving us this lifetime opportunity, and for making all the arrangements in a perfect venue. Shem thanks for your enthusiasm and selfless help. Denis meeting you was a pleasure and thank you for the help on all the small but so important aspects.jpgk you to our team members. I learnt from each one of you.
Wendel Krook
Sunday, 08 April 2012
Art Wolfe Seminar
What an incredibly inspirational day! It surpassed my already high expectations. Thanks so much for providing this unique opportunity to us.
Michael tSas-Rolfe
Friday, 06 April 2012
Art Wolfe 1 Day Workshop CPT
What a fabulous day listening to Art talk from his heart about his career in photography. He has really inspired me to re think my photography.
Jill Walker
Friday, 06 April 2012
Art Wolfe
Me and my wife enjoyed it! He inspired me to think about the work I do in landscape photography.
Rudolph Thomas
Friday, 06 April 2012
Art Wolfe seminar
I found the seminar inspiring and extremely informative. It was a wonderful experience and I feel that I have gained so much new insight into creating beautiful images. Art is truly a wonderful teacher and very easy to listen to.
Lesley Parolis
Friday, 06 April 2012
Art Wolfe
It is often said that "Those that can, do. Those that cant, teach" but in Art Wolfe we have a doer of outstanding ability and one thats rated as one of the top photographers in the world, AND one that has the ability to share his passion, his inspiration and his knowledge. It was an absolute privilege to hear, see and experience his expression of art through the medium of photography.
Paul Vorster
Friday, 06 April 2012
Art Wolfe
It was a rare privilege to have the opportunity to listen to Art Wolfe speak about his journey through life and, most importantly, see examples of what gives him the inspiration to produce such unique work.
As soon as the rain cleared on the weekend, I rushed outside and started to take pictures of all kinds of weird and wonderful subjects that I would never have even considered before. Some of the pics came out pretty well, too!
Tim Holmes
Friday, 06 April 2012
Art Wolfe Photo Seminar
Being a Freeman Patterson groupie I was a little apprehensive about the Art Wolfe 1 day seminar. I had the idea he was mostly a wild life photographer. But I was blown away with his paintings using the human body & painted backgrounds & abstract animal images, it is fantastic new work. A great privilege to meet him & share the day.
Paddy Howes
Friday, 06 April 2012
Art Wolfe Photo Seminar
Most of us photography enthusiasts know Arts work, but to hear the man himself speak of his inspirations, his artistic philosophies, his ability to see lines and form in everyday life and how he creates beauty out of the unexceptional, is quite astonishing.
A well rounded artist himself, he leads us through the influences and associations which photography shares with other artistic mediums, old and modern.
A thoroughly fascinating and rewarding experience.
Madge Gibson
Friday, 06 April 2012
Art Wolfe Cape Town Workshop
Totally absorbing, enlightening, empowering and fun experience. We are both looking at our photography with a fresh eye. Thanks to Shem, Canon, Getaway, Canon and mostly Art for coming to South Africa.
Grant Atkinson
Friday, 06 April 2012
Art Wolfe Photo Seminar
Just a quick note to thank Getaway Magazine, Art Wolfe and C4 for affording me the opportunity to attend Art Wolfes photographic course yesterday.
I found his lectures most inspiring and they have given me a completely new insight in the world of photographic possibilities.
I certainly hope to put some of the guidance he gave us into practice in my own work in future.
Graham Fifford
Wednesday, 04 April 2012
Art Wolfe Seminar
Have been back at work for nearly 3 hours and have yet to do any work having spent the time telling anyone who will listen how much I enjoyed this seminar. It was everything I hoped and more and if Art was doing another presentation tomorrow I would be there. Completely inspiring, educational, thought provoking, interesting and above all fun.
Wayne Griffiths
Wednesday, 04 April 2012
Art Wolfe Seminar
Brilliant event which provided insightful knowledge on thinking about photography and composition structure.
Liz Hart
Wednesday, 04 April 2012
Art Wolfe Photo Seminar
In a word "Stunning!!!"
Most of us know Arts images, or at least some of them, but to hear the man himself is to be infected with his enthusiasm for his subject, and enlightened by his wealth of knowledge about the visual art of photography.
I am sure I will never again pick up my camera and just click, not even my dog in the garden!
Thank you too Shem for giving me the opportunity to attend one of the worlds greatest in the field.
Patricia Ann Scott
Wednesday, 04 April 2012
Art Wolfe
Wow. What a day! I could listen to Art for days on end. He is truely one of the worlds best photographers. I was inspired more than words can express. Thanks to the orginisers for the opportunity to experience this exceptional seminar. Wish I could attend the workshop.
Karin Coetzer
Wednesday, 04 April 2012
Art Wolfe
Interesting expression of a style. The fact that he had a grounding in the Arts does allow his minds eye to see another plane ensures that he stands out amongst the clicking crowd. Provided a clear message that one must develop ones own style, the Bubba Watson of photography!
Gary Hughes
Wednesday, 04 April 2012
Arte Wolfe seminar
Everything I hoped for plus more!
Wish we could do the weekend course with him.
Truly inspirational.
Pieter De Weerdt
Wednesday, 04 April 2012
Art Wolfe - Composition
Art introduced me to a 360 degree world full of amazing subjects just waiting to be photographed. This workshop was inspirational, informative and influential. My passion for photography was re-ignited...
Adrie Conradie
Wednesday, 04 April 2012
Art Wolfe
Hi Shem. Thank for organizing this brilliant seminar. Art Wolfe has really opened my eyes to artistic photography.
Heinrich
Wednesday, 04 April 2012
Art Wolfe
A fascinating look into the world of Art Wolfe and a defining moment for me to continue to progress in the direction of abstracting my photographs.
Neville Cross
Wednesday, 04 April 2012
Art Wolfe Seminar
Within a day I became an Art Wolfe fan.
Carina
Wednesday, 04 April 2012
Selous and Mahale 2012
Just dropping you a quick line to say how successful our safari was! It was beyond our expectations, just being out in absolute wilderness seeing such incredible beauty was enough.The accommodation and food was great, and the service exceptional. We loved every minute of it, so thank-you, cant wait for the next adventure! Mahale, I cant even put into words how special that leg of the trip was!
Karen and Chelsea Barrow
Sunday, 01 January 2012
Selous 2012
The experience was fantastic and I loved every minute of it. We got to see wild dogs, it was fantastic, the highlight of the trip!
Antoinette Kruger
Sunday, 01 January 2012
Mahale 2012
Our group was wonderful, nice and easy and we had fun. The chimps was everything I had dream for and even more, Greg was fantastic and very patient to help me with my setting in the challenging forest, so I managed to bring home the souvenir of the baby chimps of my dream. I feel so lucky to have been part of this experience. I wanted to meet the chimps for a long time and will never forget them.jpgk you.
Anne Lecuire
Sunday, 01 January 2012
Botswana 2011
The organisation of this trip was simply amazing, creating a foundation for the unique blend of opportunity and expertise we had access to. Spending all this time surrounded by encouraging colleagues photographing the Okavango has improved my skills, in particular my ability to manually control the images I want. I have had several trips to Africa but never have I returned with so many keepers. Timing our trip just as the wet was beginning was a master stroke and to see the Okavango under big skies was magnificent.jpg selection of camps and the wealth of local knowledge combined to make this trip the magical experience it was. Ive been home a month and still think about our adventure every day.
Graham Morgan
Saturday, 01 January 2011
Botswana 2011
I arrived in Botswana a complete novice with my camera however with the endless patience and time that you Shem and Jay where prepared to give to me I developed an understanding of my camera (that the book of instructions did not help me achieve.) Time and encouragement led me to see things differently, now I see many good things to photograph. I was impressed by the organisation, flexibility and communication with the drivers and spotters that allowed a ladies car to go out. I enjoyed every minute of the experience and want to thank you, Shem and Jay for all the help I received.
Heather Dey
Saturday, 01 January 2011
Chiefs Island 2011
It was my first visit to Chiefs Island and I was amazed at the stunning landscape! It was great to have Kane as a guide, as he knew the animals so well and could anticipate their movement and place the vehicle accordingly. We had a stunning leopard with cub sighting in the late afternoon, that was really great. On the last morning we found a hyena den, and later a group of lazy lions, which were awesome to photograph. Isak showed us the polecam technique, which was new to me and is quite a hit and miss effort, but I managed to get a few good shots in amongst the plenty "miss" shots. I loved the many pans with waterbirds - the carmine bee-eaters were plenty.
Sabine Behr
Saturday, 01 January 2011
Namibia 2011
C4 Images provided a wonderful atmosphere and location to learn landscape photography. I produced wonderful images and became more versed with my cameras manual settings. It was a wonderful way to spend a vacation!
Brian and Shelly Kirkpatrick
Saturday, 01 January 2011
Namibia 2011
The Namibian Photographic Workshop was an excellent overall experience.jpgestinations were carefully chosen. The input of Shem and Hougaard throughout the trip made it an excellent learning experience with enough practical experience balanced with presentations.
Glynnis Salvado
Saturday, 01 January 2011
Mashatu 2011
Being a novice photographer I found both Shem and Gregs openness to share their skills, knowledge and experience in the subject as excellent and has certainly inspired me to improve myself in photography as a serious amateur.
Clive and Debra Townsley
Saturday, 01 January 2011
Serengeti 2011
Absolutely brilliant! As a first timer I didnt know what to expect. Now I just want to go straight back but somehow I feel that my now heightened expectations will fall short. Weve been told that the events we witnessed were unprecedented. 6 kills (2 cheetah and 4 lion), a leopard bringing her kill into the camp, lion cubs, cheetah cubs, newborn elephant, elephant mating and a vehicle to ourselves! I would like to say that Greg and the drivers were brilliant. Dave, our driver, seemed to have x-ray vision when it came to spotting wildlife and was a very considerate driver, never cutting anybody up or positioning the vehicle in the way of others like some of the companies seemed to do. He was also very knowledgeable and anything he didnt know he was very willing to look-up and find out. Greg was also very knowledgeable and an invaluable resource as far as photography goes.
Paul and Sally Turner
Saturday, 01 January 2011
Mashatu 2011
As a Canadian and a beginner photographer, I had some doubts if I would really benefit from the workshop and at the same time enjoy it. All my doubts quickly disappeared after the first working meeting that followed our fun evening and morning game drives. Shem and Greg are not only superb photographers, but also excellent gentle teachers and coaches, who generously shared their knowledge and encouraged us to be critical of our skills and to experiment and be creative.jpgevel of knowledge and skills within our group were vastly different, but the critiques were never harsh and the environment was highly supportive even for baby steps that some of us were taking.
Maria Stuchly
Saturday, 01 January 2011
Mashatu 2011
I wanted to thank you again for such a great trip. I had an awesome time and it has just sparked my enthusiasm to get back out there (not that I know when that will be possible). Your discussion topics were spot on for me and I left feeling like I had a good sense on where my photography was at and what I need to work on to take it to the next level. Will definitely be planning to get on one of your trips again and hope to catch up for a beer when you are in Oz later in the year. I am so impressed by what you are doing in the industry over there and all the new projects - keep up the good work. Hoping our paths cross again in the not too distant future.
Josh Watts
Saturday, 01 January 2011
Mashatu 2011
Thank you for an amazing couple of days in the bush. We were fortunate to enjoy great sightings and we benefited from Shems vast experience and knowledge about both wildlife and photography. Shem is a genuinely nice guy and a very good teacher. I would recommend this course to anyone looking to improve their photography.
Florian Ruff
Saturday, 01 January 2011
Botswana 2011
Thank you for a wonderful experience in Botswana. I have visited Southern Africa several times over the last 10 years and this was without a doubt the highlight.
The abundance of wildlife was truly amazingThis coupled with the green landscape and cloudy skies made for some fantastic images. Your team worked extremely well together and each shared a wealth of photographic knowledge and a passion for Africa and wildlife.jpg organisation of the trip was exemplary and I look forward to joining you again in 2012.
Daniel Clozza
Saturday, 01 January 2011
Botswana 2011
Thanks for what was a fabulous wildlife photographic experience. My thanks to Shem and Jay as well. I learned far more about photography than I expected, and as a result of good camp choices, saw far more wildlife than hoped for.Thee camps, their staff and the food were all first class.jpg software education class was a hit and I have now purchased Adobe Lightroom 3 as a result. I hope to join you all on another African wildlife Safari at sometime in the future.
Chris Hilton
Saturday, 01 January 2011
Serengeti 2011
This trip was worth every penny (or dollar) I spent! I would give it a 12 out of 10 rating for meeting my expectations. Greg was a superb host and with his help I personally sorted out quite a lot of technical issues around my photography. I would recommend this trip to anyone wanting to get to a wilderness area and really see Africa.
Christine Lamberth
Saturday, 01 January 2011
Serengeti 2011
This is definitely a trip that should be on your bucket list if you are a wildlife and photography enthusiast.
Paul and Barbara Voster
Saturday, 01 January 2011
Masai Mara 2010
The best wildlife experience of a lifetime. The location of the lodge within the Masai Mara reserve adds the extra time in the morning and evenings critical for photography. A must for any person planning to visit the Mara. Three photographers per vehicle only, a huge draw card!!
Henri and Melanie Loubser
Friday, 01 January 2010
Kenya 2010
Awesome! Fabulous! What more can we say? Greg & Shem, your photographic skills, incredible enthusiasm, deep knowledge & love of the African wilderness enabled our keen Aussie group to experience the best of the best in the Samburu, Lake Nakuru & Masai Mara areas. A big thank you to you both and to our friendly & knowledgeable drivers and your great team who made it all happen. It was a totally enriching experience in so many ways and one which we will cherish for many years. We plan to return soon.
Rosemary & Phil
Friday, 01 January 2010
Kenya 2010
On behalf of all members of the Australian Photo Safari Group, this email is to thank Shem, Andre and Greg for making our trip to Kenya so memorable and special.
The richness of wildlife, the warm welcome provided by Andre, the technical input and guidance on natural science provided by Greg and yourself and the behind the scenes support from Azim, ensured all members of our group came home with some memorable images and warm memories of their first trip to Africa.
The fact that the safari was completed without any major difficulty is testimony to the excellent on-ground organisation arranged by C4 Images and Safaris.
The reports I have received from participants clearly indicate they had an outstandingly successful photo safari from every aspect and the volume and variety of wildlife seen and photographed, the increase in camera skills learned from Shem and Greg, the new friendships discovered during the trip and the knowledge of the three different ecosystems experienced in Samburu, Lake Nakuru and the Mara.
Denis Glennon
Friday, 01 January 2010
Kenya 2010
Thank you most sincerely for our remarkable experience in Kenya. What a blast! This was the best three weeks of my 3300 weeks on this planet!! Gayle, the Non-Photographer allegedly on this safari was also ecstatic about our experiences and with the help of Shem Compion and other world-class photographers, has produced her own great images. We have been spoilt by excellent planning, superb accommodation, knowledgeable driver/guides who could predict animal movement and understood photographer requirements, good food and absolutely wonderful company. It was most rewarding to have the company of fellow photography enthusiasts,s haring tips and comments while the action unraveled before our eyes. Fellow travelers rapidly became friends and shared equipment and knowledge generously. We owe you....
Peter and Gail
Friday, 01 January 2010
Masai Mara 2010
WOW! From the abundance of wildlife, to the jaw-dropping sight of the crossings, to the ever watchful eyes of Africas predator force and within all this organised chaos, the quiet and breath taking magnificence of the sunrise & sunset, this is a safari you have to do. Not forgetting our ever friendly, intrepid professionals, Shem Compion & Isak Pretorius, who take the art of wildlife photography to a new & inspiring level. Thank you both for making our trip that much more!
Michael an Lynette Borcherd
Friday, 01 January 2010
Masai Mara 2010
What a magnificent experience! Thanks Shem for arranging a life changing trip for us! Thanks also for teaching me as a novice so much about photography in the short time we were able to spend together! We hope to be able to do this again in a few years!
Harty and Anne Borcherds
Friday, 01 January 2010
Masai Mara 2010
If you like photography and animals there is no better tour on the planet. BBC type opportunities on a daily basis, expert photography tips and advice. What I hoped to see in 7 days we saw in one game drive!
Pieter de Weerdt
Friday, 01 January 2010
Puku Ridge 2010
I had another fantastic trip with C4 and really learnt a lot. There were great opportunities for taking photos and Isak and Hilton are always so willing to share knowledge and advice. As well as learning a lot we had good fun and there were lots of laughs on the trip - very sad it had to end but looking forward to the next trip with C4 Images.
Vicky Johnson
Friday, 01 January 2010
Gansbaai 2010
This was a wonderful workshop. I thoroughly enjoyed the experience and interacting with fellow photographers. I would highly recommend this workshop to anyone wanting to learn more about landscape photography. Thanks again to Hougaard and C4 Images & Safaris.
Shaun Ross
Friday, 01 January 2010
Mashatu 2010
Composition, settings, information about animals behaviour and what photos we could maybe get from the situation... when to be prepared... which lenses... made it fantastic. The enthusiasm of our guides, who did the workshop with passion, made the Mashatu trip unforgettable.jpgy cared a lot for everybody and were happy when all could get the best out of it. Mashatu is a place one has to come back to.
Judith Gawehn
Friday, 01 January 2010
Mashatu 2010
We had a truly wonderful time on the workshop. We have been to Mashatu several times and the time spent with Shem enhanced an already wonderful experience. His photographic knowledge and ability to confer that knowledge made for a fantastic learning opportunity. However his familiarity with the area and love and passion for nature made it a truly unique trip and one we hope to repeat.
Mike and Vicky Morford
Friday, 01 January 2010
Mashatu 2010
Mashatu is a very nice Game Reserve, specially in this period of year, April. Green colours all around and yellow flowers patches provides a surprisingly contrast to the game sights. Landscape is astonishing. Rangers are very experienced and keen to support u on getting perfect picture positions. A very good experience, that must be repeated.
Jordie Ferdandez
Friday, 01 January 2010
Masai Mara 2009, 2010
I am returning to the Mara yet again with C4 this year from the USA. This will be my 6th trip to Africa and my 3rd with C4. I thought my comments might help those who are weighing and comparing all the options available for tourists who are looking for quality not only for photography but for the most up to date information on the animals and the environment. My first trips were with large companies who did a nice job for a first time tourist to Africa. We went from place to place to see the major attractions, spending quite a bit of time in pre-planned shops with lots of driving time. It is clear that much of the information regarding the animals rely on how much your driver knows about the area and much of the information is relayed via phone to other drivers. If you are weighing expenses, consider the time you are actually spending doing what you came to do and then factor in the cost of the best training (in my opinion) for photographing those things and there is no comparison. Not to mention the amazing Masai who just cant do enough for you and I have come to look forward to seeing again. I would welcome any questions anyone might have about C4 and all the top of the line photographers and support that represent it. N Im not paid to do this, I dont hesitate to comment on excellence, it is valuable to those who are researching their next trip.
Linda Morisson
Friday, 01 January 2010
Masai Mara 2010
It was a life-long dream to see the abundant wildlife on the plains of the Mara and I finally got my opportunity to go with Shem and C4 Images & Safaris in September 2010. To say that I had high expectations from this trip would have been an understatement in the extreme. Yet, the Mara delivered massively and it was everything I had hoped for and so much more. The quality of the sightings is truly impressive even without any Wildebeest crossings as the abundance of predators is simply sublime. We were so fortunate to add to that, several Wildebeest crossings; one of several thousand and that is an experience which I will never forget. It was very comforting being with C4 Safaris who managed the logistics and travel arrangements with aplomb. Not once was I uncertain over what to expect or where to go and what to do and that is testimony to the experience that Shem and his guides bring to the overall experience. I cannot recommend this tour more highly for anyone who wants to add this to their bucket list.jpgk you Shem, Greg, Andre and Minette for a most memorable experience!
Ian Weatherburn
Friday, 01 January 2010
Botswana 2009
We had previously had a wonderful trip to Botswana in June and this second visit in December did not disappoint. We had several unforgettable wildlife encounters. We would recommend a C4 Images and Safaris photo tour if you want a well organised trip where photographic opportunities are maximised, there is good camaraderie and the extremely knowledgeable guides are also great company.
Maggie and Peter Manson
Thursday, 01 January 2009
Masai Mara 2009
The trip to the Masai Mara was a trip of a lifetime. We had incredible sightings and Shem Compion and Greg du Toit were always on hand to share their experience with us. We were not serious photographers when we set out on the trip but I think the bug has bitten after experiencing the incredible sightings we had. The arrangements for and during the trip were efficient and well planned. We can highly recommend C4 Images and Safaris to anyone who is considering a trip.
Frank and Heather Ferreira
Thursday, 01 January 2009
Masai Mara 2009
The Masai Mara 2009 tour far exceeded all of my expectations. It was an enjoyable blend of great wildlife viewing and photographic opportunities. The experience and knowledge of both Shem Compion and Greg du Toit made the tour one of the most constructive holidays of my life.
Neil McDonald
Thursday, 01 January 2009
Masai Mara 2009
The saying that the migration of wildebeest in the Masai Mara is the greatest natural show on earth is a reality. Everything in the Masai Mara is outstanding and can only aptly be described by adjectives such as its golden grasslands, big skies, prolific wildlife, unbelievable predator sightings, breathtaking sunsets/rises, red-robed Maasai people and many more. In addition to its visual attractiveness, a visit to the Masai Mara is an emotional experience.
Andre Lighthelm
Thursday, 01 January 2009
Masai Mara 2009
Well run trip for the avid photographer. Lots of time to take the pictures and lots of different wildlife to see. With most things, a certain element of luck is involved so one must enjoy the experience as best as possible. Will be back again
Gary Hughes
Thursday, 01 January 2009
Mashatu 2009
An excellent destination to conduct a field workshop. At the current price I wont hesitate to join again.jpg experience and sightings will always be part of my memory. Thanks Shem for yet another few beautiful days out in nature!
Johann Mader
Thursday, 01 January 2009
Mashatu 2009
Absolutely amazing, awesome, wonderful... I dont really have the words! As a beginner I found the workshop the perfect opportunity to develop my skills and I learnt so much that I cannot wait for the next opportunity to practice. Meeting like-minded people with a passion for the bush and photography was a pleasure and I can only commend Mashatu for their patience, knowledge and willingness to accommodate photographers request. Isak Pretorius is a very talented, passionate photographer who was willing to share his knowledge and experience, and it was a privilege to learn from him. I found the course very well organized and can highly recommend it to anyone with an interest in photography and the bush. Very happy memories that will last a lifetime.Thank you all.
Marjoelein Jansen
Thursday, 01 January 2009
Chiefs Island 2009
The workshop was very well organized, informative and fun. The environment was casual and relaxed but a lot of knowledge was shared so I learned a lot.jpgodge was excellent and the Delta is fantastic for photo opportunities - will definitely join another C4 Images and Safaris trip.
Vicky Johnson
Thursday, 01 January 2009
Chiefs island 2009
Shem and his associates help break down barriers in Photographers capabilities to allow them to perform at their best.
Guy and Alice Larin
Thursday, 01 January 2009
Mashatu 2008
The course is highly recommended for anyone wanting to know how to achieve the most from their camera when it comes to wildlife photography. Mashatu is an excellent place to view wildlife in big open wide spaces.jpg tented camp is great and has wonderful and friendly staff and is a very relaxing place to spend time at.
Allan Elliot
Tuesday, 01 January 2008
Mashatu 2008
I was so lucky to be there and to share in the pixel shedding!! This was an absolutely amazing adventure.jpgks to Shem Compion and Andre Cloete who made it really worthwhile as well as the friendly staff of Mashatu. This workshop is a must for every keen photographer, with or without experience. I took literally thousands of images and it will take me a long, long time to properly work through it. Thanks once again for this magnificent experience!
Piet Smit
Tuesday, 01 January 2008
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