Don’t Think, Just Shoot

Heading out into the wild with a camera is a special thing and something I don’t think we do enough of.

I might be in the privileged position to get out into nature almost every day but heading out with your camera and the intention of doing some serious wildlife photography is a whole different ballgame.  It also largely depends on who you go shooting with.  I have no qualms about heading out there on my own, actually quite enjoy it, but to be able photograph wildlife with other people who share that passion is something that can help keep your creative buckets full and give you a renewed energy for what you love to do.

After Paul McDougall’s guest post yesterday I cannot wait to head up to Kenya to share some sightings, images and experiences with Paul and other photographers.  Heading out on a photo safari in Kenya has got to be on the top three of many wildlife photographers worldwide so a big shout out to Paul for sharing his images, thoughts and passion.  Look forward to joining him on one of his photo safaris in the not too distant future!

Since I cannot get up to Kenya anytime soon, next week a few photographers, all previous guest bloggers, will be visiting me in Madikwe.  From Monday to Wednesday Morkel Erasmus, Kerry de Bruyn and Grant Marcus will join me as we head out into Madikwe for some unadulterated wildlife photography (can I say that?).  No funny business really.  Head out into he bush ridiculously early, play with the golden morning light, eat something, photograph some more, drink something, shoot sunsets and then drinks around the fire.  Should be good fun and I have no doubt there will be a lot of images to upload next week.  Watch this space!

Since my post on Monday, I have continued to play around with some old ideas the main one being ‘don’t think, just shoot’.  Did not have all that many mind-blowing photo opportunities but on a long enough timescale you will always find something.  We spent an entire morning with two large male lions which did result in a few interesting images.  The bug guy walked right by us so I waited for him to come into the frame and click.  Did a bit of post processing with the same ‘don’t think just do’ type approach and this is what I ended up with.

Different yes, but for me all part of going back to basics, photographic instinct and just enjoying the moment.  Filling up those little buckets.  Step by step.

Before I say goodbye a quick update on the Bush Warriors Photo of the Day Contest.  The four weekly winners for April has been announced and you can now go and vote for the monthly winner.  Please take a moment to go and cast your vote as it means a helluva lot to the photographers who take the time and effort to enter images in these kind of competitions.  I have personally been very very bad at entering competitions and it is something I plan to do a bit more of as soon as I get a chance so I really take my hat off to the guys and girls who put their work out their on a regular basis.  Click here to go and vote now.  There are some great images but I voted for the third image (hint!).

Also a quick reminder that the C4 Images and Safaris Wildlife Photo Competition closes in two weeks.  It’s free to enter and you can win a 4 night photo safari for two people to the Mashatu Game Reserve.  Very very nice!  Don’t miss this amazing opportunity of winning a fantastic photographic trip!  I am going on leave to JHB for a few weeks from next week Wednesday so will be entering my images then!  Click here for more info and to enter your two images now.

Right, time to say goodbye until Monday.  I have a interesting weekend of collaring Wild Dog, notching rhino and possibly darting some lions but more on that, and hopefulyl some pics, during next week.

Have a good one and remember  - don’t think, just shoot!

Gerry