I have a former student who is leaving next month for Africa (Ghana). This is a year of college study as he's a biology major. He will be studying the diversity of animals along with medical technology. I always did slideshows of my trips in the classroom and he became excited about the potential of photography. He wants to document his year and would like to get some wildlife images if possible while he is there. He will have access to electricity and will have a laptop. He thought his budget would be $400+. I think he just threw that figure out not knowing the actual costs and could spend more if necessary. I suggested that he work on landscapes, portraits, people and their culture and some "birdscapes" or habitat images. I'm giving him my National Geographic Photography Field Guides to get some quick ideas. Having never been to Africa I really don't know what would be good to suggest in that situation. Obviously what he takes with him will be limited in weight and everything will have to be thought out since he will be there for a year. I hesitate suggesting a simple DSLR/zoom lens due to weight/dust, etc. but I'm not sure of what Point and Shoot might be good.....if at all. I also don't want him to have equipment that might put him at risk with theft. I know there can be unsafe areas and knowing him.....and most of my students......they are invincible. Thanks for any and all suggestions.
