Guest Post: ‘The Photo Safari Business’ by Shem Compion

January 28, 2010 Categories: Uncategorized by Gerry 0 Comments

Gerry asked me to pen a few thoughts about the photo safari business. The more I thought about it, the harder it became. Firstly I don’t know where to start, and once I do get started, I won’t know when to end- there is so much to talk about. I tried making a video to share my thoughts, but that too was a disaster. There just seems so much to talk about and filling it in 90 seconds wasn’t remotely possible. Even a structured approach of bullet points didn’t help, as I found myself mind mapping on open paper until the A4 looked like my nieces drawings. Circular.

I guess the reason it is so hard for me to define the industry is that I started this business as genuine means to show clients how beautiful Africa’s natural areas are. I was more concerned about getting “out there”, into the bush and sharing my passionate affair with Africa’s travel destinations than actual business acumen.

Another reason why I can’t tell you meaning full things about the Photo safari industry is that my accountant thinks I’m mad. He shirked when I told him “if there is money in the account, I want to use it to get out to the bush. If the account is low, I’ll tighten up a bit…” He actually gagged when I told him that I went on tours with clients without making a cent. Yes nothing, not even covering office costs, or my guide fees. If my flight and accommodation was paid, I was there. And I squeezed the operator for a better rate. I mean, who would say no to a week in the Mara with only two people and no tourists? To me, that is a profit.

So that I guess sums it up. I hate to use the word passion; because all us bush guys have this crazy form of it. But it is the unbridled fervour that I have to get out into the bush with clients that pushes me back to the office every day. The office is where the business runs, but it is only the means to the airport and the flight out into the wilderness with clients.

I guess along the way I have learnt about marketing, accounting (a small amount), strategy, sales, contracts and all the things that make C4 Images and Safaris run. But that is knowledge that can be picked up in any business.

What I do know, is that this model won’t work if you don’t have that unbridled compulsion to keep producing the best safaris for your clients when everything around might fail. Your accountant might not appreciate your lack of income statements, but you can be damn sure your clients will appreciate the minute detail of their safari that you have personally crafted for them. And seeing their delight in it is my profit share.

That is what it is about for me. T o end off with images that showcase the beautiful places and animals I have been privileged to photograph in Africa.