Behind the Scenes: Videography in South Africa, Kruger, Cape Town, and Filming Tips

Time seems to be going at some kind of crazy speed. Here’s what we’ve been up to in South Africa, trying to fit in work, a fun trip, seeing family and friends, and looking after a very, very busy small person. And of course there’ll be video tips along the way, plus one completely unplanned moment that was very, very cool.

Kruger Chaos: Wildlife, Toddlers, and Filming Tips

Ah, Kruger, so beautiful, birds singing, a sunburnt left side of the face, a long queue for dodgy Mug and Bean coffee, and a toddler who doesn’t want to be in their car seat, but wants to jump from the vehicle to join the baboons.

So here are some tips if you want to get really nice shots of wildlife:

Timing is everything: Midday shadows can be harsh, so have your camera ready in the early morning and late afternoon for better light.
Mix up your shots: Even if the animal is far away you can get amazing wide shots to mix in with your close-ups and medium shots.
Use obstacles creatively: Branches, leaves, or even people in the frame can add depth and make your shots more beautiful.

Sensitive Stories, Powerful Interviews: Our Cape Town Shoot

After Kruger, we headed to Cape Town to work with an amazing brand, Not I But We. Because it was a sensitive topic, some participants had to remain anonymous. I was a bit nervous as I usually focus on faces to create connection, but in the end, the interviews were so great, tt really didn’t matter at all.

When Your Drone Breaks Mid-Air: Lessons from Cape Town

After filming in Cape Town, we spent a few days by the beach. Eugene wanted to capture some sweet drone shots for another project, but the drone had other ideas, it broke mid-air! Even so, the views on the peninsula are stunning from the ground. Tip: always remember golden hour. You might have to plan your location or get up very early, but the light is unbeatable.

The Magic of the Unexpected

Not everything goes according to plan and sometimes that’s the best part. After leaving Kruger, we were feeling a bit sad that the trip was ending, and then, whoa: the whole sky was filled with thousands and thousands of swallows migrating from Europe to Africa. It was magical!

Why South Africa is a Videographer’s Dream

From wildlife in Kruger, to drone shots in Cape Town. Filming in South Africa is full of fun, challenges, and amazing light. If you’re looking for a videographer for your next project in South Africa, you can message us here, katy@munjiri.com