Panic!
I have started this blog with the word “panic”
The reason? Photographers at some time PANIC, how do I know this PANIC? Because it happened to TWO photographers at the same time at the same place with the same vista in front of us
Time: Two minutes before Gate close
Place: Addo Elephant National Park
Situation: Two photographers, myself and my great friend Dutch Photographer Guus Quaedvlieg (www.spiritsofafrica.nl )
We had spent the afternoon in the park and as it was gate closing time made our way towards the exit. As per normal it was the last minute “dash” to ensure we made it.Around the last bend before the gate this scene – a beautiful sunset with a herd of Elephant in the foreground.
A deep Red Orb of a sun, perfect sky and Elephant as a subject. Pull my car to the side of the road and position Guus and myself for that “perfect” shot. Guus was in the seat behind me so we both had the same view. What followed was rapid clicking, more clicking, then moans and groans, more clicking, followed by curses.
“Have you got the shot Guus”?
No he mumbles, similar grunts from myself, we both must have taken at least 50 shots of the scene. Swear words, more curses!!!!
Time to move on.
The reason for all the angst? Neither of us was ready, or prepared for this once in a lifetime chance of a great photograph. I had the wrong lens but never thought of changing it, the same with Guus, wrong camera settings, no window mount or bean bag. We had both switched off mentally because we thought that was the end of the day’s photography before we arrived at the scene. The Panic that set in was a blind panic, not thinking, not checking settings, and not changing lenses.
We drove away from the scene, through the gates, on towards main camp. I stopped the car, burst out laughing at what had just happened, two so called photographers messing up big time. It was a lesson well learnt; never relax until that first beer is in your hand at the rest camp or tent.
This valuable lesson has stayed with me ever since, I now have two cameras near me at all times, one with a 400 mm lens and the other with my Canon L 105.
How much does luck play a part in a good photograph, I believe “being at the right time right place” does have a ring of luck about it.
This photograph again taken in Addo had a great element of luck, the chances of the Ostrich being captured directly between the Elephants legs? Was very pleased to sell this image to Canon for a princely sum!
Planned photographs?
This highly emotive image was a result of planning, taken in the Kalahari. The evening before we had stopped next to an Eland that was in obvious distress (that year 2009 there was a mass die off of Eland in the Park )
The next morning before dawn we made our way to the scene, to be greeted by at least 12 Black Back Jackals on the Eland carcass.
Both images taken in the sweet early morning light that all wildlife photographers love (Of interest, these two photographs were taken with my at the time “stand by” camera, the reason, it had the right lens for the distance, another case of making sure you have equipment ready )
Being prepared, even at home for the unexpected can bring amazing results and in this case another sale of an image to Canon.
My camera’s are always ready for use in my cupboard. This Chameleon was taken on my veranda. Another garden shot I heard a “thump” noise and just happened to look out of my lounge window, this Red Breasted Sparrow Hawk had just hit a dove in mid flight. Rushed to get my camera, this image taken through the window.
Another method I have developed is for capturing birds in flight. In the Kalahari raptures are often found on the ground feeding, they normally fly off as soon as you approach them. After many occasions of missing the shot, decided another plan of action. Stop the car on sighting the bird, take light readings around the bird, set the camera on fastest shutter speed, and then drive ever so slowly towards the subject, knees steering!!! The bird will always fly away, the stabilized lens will track the bird in flight, shoot off as many photographs as possible, this can be the result.
The Kalahari has been my most productive photography area, but Mkuze in KZN must rank as one of the best photography venues, the hide overlooking the water hole will bring the animals to you as opposed to chasing all over the country side. Perfect to place a tripod and relax.
A very useful tip I was taught a few years back for the bright non golden hours in the Kalahari is the Sunny 16, those mid day shots that are blown out and washed out can be saved by using F16. The Sunny 16 will give amazing warm results, with good detail
I really enjoy creative depth of field.
The Elephant photograph must rank as one of my favourites as the flow moves left to right into an out of focus Elephant head, similar with an old film shot of mine of the Jackal at a waterhole. The front Jackal out of focus and looking out of frame.
Steve Bailey
Steve’s Links
- Website: Steve Bailey Photography
- Images: www.pbase.com/mashona
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Great story; most importantly, absolutely terrific photographs! Kudos to you, and thanks for the suggestion about TWO cameras -
Wow! Awesome images…and congrats on the sales to Canon.
Loved the “Panic” story. Sure made me feel better to hear it. Loved these photos, WOW! Great post.
Wow! Great shots Steve and what a way to earn a living! Some people have all the luck… some of the time. Maybe it should be ‘Panic’ and ‘Masterclass’ somehow combined. The tips are invaluable to those seeking your level of perfection…. and ahcievement.
Nice One Bru. No need to panic though, Time is (Always) Tight.
WOW Steve…what a way to live and enjoy life!
I enjoyed reading your wonderful story.
Great photos
Great photography!
Great photos! And thanks for the Sunny 16 trick…I’ve got to try that!
That was really an experience! Some many good pictures, but the best couldn’t be take because our mind was already stopped with taken pictures!
After this moment there followed a lot of great shots, but none with elephants at sunset …
That was really an experience! Many good pictures, but the best couldn’t be taken because our mind was already stopped with taken pictures!
After this moment there followed a lot of great shots, but none with elephants at sunset …
You are such an inspiration! Your shots are awesome! Thanks for sharing.
Love the advice on approaching the birds!!!
Cheers
DADFAP
Hi Steve,
You have always been #1 in my book since you showed me around Cape Town and starting sending me your pix’s and stories.
I learned in 2006 to always have 2 cameras next to me at all times.
The pix’s you sold to Canon are very impressive, but so are all of your other photos.
Take care, Bonnie
nice blog really like the content very original