Why Jungle Photography?
Jungles are a photographer’s dream – vibrant colors, rare animals, and dramatic light. But it’s tricky: dense canopies block light, animals move fast, and humidity wreaks havoc on gear. With the right prep, you’ll come home with shots that make your friends jealous.

Gear Essentials
Camera:
Beginner: Point-and-shoot with zoom (Canon SX70, ~$500).
Pro: DSLR or mirrorless with a 100-400mm lens (like Canon R7, ~$1500).
Lenses: A telephoto (70-300mm or 100-400mm) for wildlife; a 24-70mm for landscapes.
Tripod: Lightweight, collapsible (like Manfrotto Element, ~$100).
Extras: Extra batteries, memory cards, lens cleaning kit, and a dry bag.
Gear Tip: Rent lenses (like from LensRentals) if you don’t want to buy. Test gear before the trip.

Shooting Tips
Low Light: Jungles are dark under canopies. Use a wide aperture (f/4 or lower) and ISO 800-1600.
Fast Shutter: Animals move quick. Set shutter speed to 1/500s or faster for macaws or monkeys.
No Flash: Flash scares wildlife and looks unnatural. Use ambient light.
Focus: Use continuous autofocus (AF-C) to track moving animals.
Composition: Frame animals with jungle backgrounds for context. Follow the rule of thirds.
Shooting Hack: Practice on birds in your backyard to master tracking fast movers.

Destination-Specific Tips
Honduras (Olancho): Shoot macaws in almond trees at dawn. Use a 200mm+ lens for distance.
Costa Rica (Corcovado): Clay licks are perfect for macaw flocks. Set up a tripod at sunrise.
Peru (Amazon): River cruises offer great dolphin shots. Use a fast shutter (1/1000s).
Belize (Cockscomb): Night tours for jaguar tracks need a high ISO (3200+).
Protecting Your Gear
Humidity: Store cameras in a dry bag with silica gel packs.
Rain: Use a rain cover (like Peak Design, ~$50).
Dust: Clean lenses daily with a microfiber cloth.
Batteries: Carry 2-3 spares – jungle heat drains them fast.
Etiquette and Safety
Distance: Stay 10-15 meters from wildlife to avoid stress.
Guides: They’ll spot animals and suggest angles. Tip them well (~$10-20/day).
Trails: Stick to paths to protect habitats.
Bugs: Wear long sleeves and DEET to focus on shooting, not swatting.
Why It’s Worth It
A single shot of a macaw soaring or a sloth napping makes all the prep worth it. Your photos will bring the jungle home, long after your trip ends.