Pantanal: Biodiversity's Jewel   

A Gitzo adventure with Milko Marchetti

 In the heart of South America, within Mato Grosso, between Bolivia, Paraguay, and central-western Brazil, lies the Pantanal - the world's largest wetland, spanning 230,000 square kilometers. Recognized as one of Earth's major ecosystems, Pantanal earned UNESCO World Heritage and Biosphere Reserve status in 2000. 

This sanctuary of pristine nature is a haven for unparalleled biodiversity, hosting diverse plant and animal species, from myriad birds and butterflies to jaguars - the true kings of the forest. 

During the rainy season, Pantanal transforms into a waterlogged wonder, with its lands flooded for months, creating a spectacular scene for wildlife enthusiasts.  

Photographer Milko Marchetti captures the essence of this pristine sanctuary through his lens. 

Photography Tips for Pantanal Exploration: 

1. Water perspective: The magic of Pantanal unfolds best from a boat. Small, narrow boats navigate intricate waterways, allowing intimate encounters with winged wonders such as hawks, herons, and kingfishers. From this low shooting perspective over the water, capture not only airborne beauty but also capybaras, caimans, and the elusive jaguar. The result? Images that resonate with impact and proximity. 

2. Ground-Level Perspective: Milko recommends capturing Pantanal's natural beauty by positioning the camera at ground level. This creates an intimate connection with subjects and offers a unique perspective on their habitat. 

3. Wildlife Behavior: Understanding Pantanal's wildlife behavior is crucial for successful photography. Whether tracking jaguars or observing local fauna, knowledge of behavior ensures the perfect shot. Set the camera to the maximum continuous shooting speed; surprises in the Pantanal are constant and sudden. Falcons diving to catch piranhas, caimans capturing bottom-dwelling fish, or jaguars diving are just a few of the fleeting moments that can unfold before your eyes.

4. Gimbal Head: To photograph Pantanal's avian wonders, Milko recommends a Gitzo gimbal head. This tool ensures seamless tracking of birds' flight patterns, providing precision and clarity. The gimbal head proves invaluable for swift and responsive movements during boat photography. Activate continuous high-speed shooting mode for Pantanal's rapid and unpredictable moments. A gimbal head is your ally for shooting from the boat, allowing rapid adjustments with long focal lengths for pan, tilt, and shift. 

5. Essential gear: prepare for Pantanal's diverse encounters with two camera bodies – one equipped with a long lens (500/600/800mm) and another with a relatively short zoom lens for spontaneous close-ups. On the boat, a tripod is indispensable, especially when approaching with the engine off or during prolonged waits, eliminating vibrations for long-exposure shots and video recording. Keep a spacious backpack nearby containing binoculars, batteries, and accessories for seamless outdoor shooting. 

Milko's gear

To bring out the best in your wildlife photography expeditions, choosing the perfect equipment is crucial.   

Milko has been organizing tours to Pantanal, with the next expedition in September 2024. An opportunity awaits those ready to immerse themselves in the raw beauty of Pantanal through Milko Marchetti's lens. 

https://www.milkomarchetti.com/