I have just recently returned from a trip to the island of Ilha Grande off the coast of Rio de Janeiro State in Brazil. I managed to take a few photos from Ilha Grande to share with you. Although it was more of a relaxing holiday rather than photo trip.

Ilha Grande means big island, and it is largely undeveloped due to restrictions from being a protected national park. Ilha grande is one of the last remaining areas of Mata Atlantica rainforest and has some of the last remaining populations of certain species such as the red-ruffed fruitcrow (Pyroderus scutatus), the maned sloth (Bradypus torquatus), the broad-snouted caiman (Caiman latirostris). the red-browed Amazon parrot (Amazona rhodocorytha), and the brown howler monkey (Alouatta fusca). The sea around Ilha Grande is also protected and host many tropical, subtropical, and temperate-zone marine life. Whilst I was there i found a few species. I got photos of a typical south american bird the Caracara. Photos also of many black vultures which seems to patrol the beaches all day. Other small birds were spotted too. I came across several sagui monkeys in the trees on Ilha Grande. I got a few close photos with my 85mm 1.8 which made a nice difference. Other monkeys which I heard but didn’t manage to take a photo of were the Howler monkeys on the island.

The whole island is a protected area and there are many restrictions on tourist activities. There are no cars on the island and you can get around by many of the small trails along the coast and island on the island. As well as this there are many water taxi boats to transport you. It is a beautiful island full of mountains, pristine beaches, jungle and wildlife. Taking photos here can prove tricky there are no roads or cycle paths, so to get to a location at sunrise you have to walk through the jungle for hours at a time in the dark. Photos at sunset you will have to make your way in the dark through the jungle. Most boats are not available at time after dark.

A few photo tips for the island are:

• Buy mosquito repellent. This place is full of insects.
• Be prepared to do some serious walking. The trails can be quite difficult on Ilha grande.
• For the best photos try to do a boat tour of the whole of Ilha grande on the first day or so. Scout out locations to visit at a later date, when the sun is best for photos.
• Take a tripod for stunning night photos. There is little light pollution here.
• Take a torch with you. There aren’t many lights on the island and you will be in the dark on the trails should you choose to take sunrise or sunset photos.
• Clean your camera and lenses every night here. The sand gets everywhere and causes all kinds of lens flare problems.