Updated
A modern smartphone can take excellent gorilla photos, because visitors are only about seven metres from the gorillas and phones handle the forest’s low light surprisingly well. The keys are to use the main lens or the phone’s telephoto lens rather than heavy digital zoom, turn off the flash, tap to focus on the gorilla’s eyes, lower the exposure slightly so black fur keeps detail, and hold the phone steady. This applies to iPhones, Samsung Galaxy and other recent models alike.
Settings that help
Flash is not allowed near the gorillas, so make sure it is off. Use the 1x main lens in dim forest, as it has the best sensor and lens; switch to the 2x, 3x or 5x telephoto only when light is good. Avoid zooming beyond the optical range, which softens images. Tap on the gorilla’s face to focus, then slide the exposure down a little to stop the dark fur and bright background from washing out. Burst mode or Live Photos help catch moments, and night mode can work on resting gorillas if you can keep still.
Composition and video
Get the eyes in focus, and look for gaps in the vegetation that frame a face or hand. Vertical shots suit portraits; horizontal shots show family scenes. Short video clips of feeding, grooming or infants playing often capture more than stills; record in 4K if storage allows, and keep clips short. Spend part of the hour without the phone, simply watching. See our guide to photographing gorillas in low light.
Practical tips
Charge fully and carry a power bank, as some lodges have limited power. Keep the phone in a waterproof pouch or zip-lock bag during the trek, and use a wrist strap so it does not drop in thick vegetation. Turn off sounds. Free up storage before the trek. A clip-on telephoto lens adds little and can reduce quality. The gorilla permit costs US$800, or US$600 in April, May and November. See our guides to batteries and charging and protecting your gear.
Phone or camera?
A dedicated camera with a fast lens still gives better results in very dark forest and when gorillas are partly hidden, but a good phone is enough for most visitors, especially on the savannah parts of a trip. Many people carry both. See our guide to choosing a camera for gorilla trekking.
Frequently asked questions
Yes; at about seven metres, modern phones produce good results.
The main 1x lens in dim light; telephoto only in good light.
No, flash is not allowed near gorillas.
Tap to focus on the face and lower the exposure slightly.
