Welcome to September!

Yeah, I know it;s a few days late but it’s time for this months free wallpaper downloads.

I am going to use my recent photo expedition to the Masai Mara as an excuse for not having these up sooner.

You see, we returned to South Africa last night after a magical experience in Kenya.

There will no doubt be quite a few images and blog posts coming up but the short version is that when a combination of great people, amazing photographic opportunities and a special place like the Mara come together the result is something that has to be experienced to be understood.

For me the game has changed on a number of levels.  Photographically, business, personal but more on that later.

For now, I have included three images from our Kenyan trip for you to choose from.  I have not even looked at the bulk of the images from the trip so I just choose the first three that caught my eye (and that could work with a calendar in the corner!)

As always, each of the three wallpapers are available in two sizes.  The large versions are sized at 2560 x 1600 and small ones at 1280 x 800.  To download your favorite, without the frames, simply use the text links below the image of your choice.

Hope you enjoy!

Wallpaper #1 – September 2011

Nikon D700, Nikon 600mm VRII, 1/4000, f/4, ISO 640

This was the first of more than 10 cheetah we saw during our photo expedition.  After following get around for more than an hour we watched he successfully hunt a small Thomson’s Gazelle.

This scene, to me, is a perfect example of the southern parts of the Masai Mara.  The African landscapes you see in movies and in books.  It is breath taking.

To download the large version of this image click here.  Alternatively click here for the smaller version.

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Wallpaper #2 – September 2011

Nikon D700, Nikon 200-400mm VRII @ 400mm, 1/13, f/16, ISO 640

If ever you were looking for a place to shoot motion blur images the Masai Mara would be it.  The wildebeest and zebra are the obvious choice but the options do not stop there.

This young Hyena was running in an open field and it gave me the perfect opportunity to create this image.

To download the large version of this image click here.  Alternatively click here for the smaller version.

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Wallpaper #3 – September 2011

Nikon D3s, Nikon 200-400mm VRII @ 400mm, 1/1000, f/4, ISO 2500

I shot this image on the last evening of our expedition while we were out having drinks.

An African moment.

Enough said.

To download the large version of this image click here.  Alternatively click here for the smaller version.

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These three image do not even start to scratch the surface when it comes to trying to describe our trip to the Masai Mara.  I am in the process of catching up on some admin but will have more images, thoughts and blog posts in the coming weeks.

Please feel free to download one of, or all of the wallpapers and share this blog post with your friends and family.  Also, before you go, why not take a quick moment and let me know which one of the above is your favorite and why?  Won’t take long.

Exciting times ahead!

Until next time.

Gerry van der Walt 

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Welcome to August!

Yeah, I know it’s already the 5th!  Sorry!

Been running around a bit but finally found a minute to site down and get the free wallpapers sorted out and ready for you to download.

Being based back in the city has been way easier than I originally thought.  I think a combination of the right time to move, great working partners and very interesting things in the pipeline has made the transition smooth, fun and exciting at the same time.

The biggest difference is that I won’t be seeing and photographing wildlife on a daily basis.  Yeah, sounds bad but…

I think it’s a good thing!

There are just too many guides out there, working in game reserves, who take pictures on a daily basis and the reality is that after a while all their images start looking the same.

This is partly due to the area they work in as visually your scenes and landscapes do not change but… and this links to the but above…

If you spend to much time doing the same thing in the same area it takes a very special photographer to not create the same looking images over and over again.  It becomes difficult to break out of the mould, see things differently and create new, fresh and exciting images.

So, one of the things that excites me about the future is that apart from leading various workshops and photographic expeditions to some awesome destinations I will also have the ability and opportunity to photograph different areas, different subjects and create new images.

It is important, in the quest to not get stuck in a personal or photographic rut, to do things differently.  Anyway…

Enough of that.  Will delve more into that whole conversation soon.

For now, back to this month’s free wallpapers!

As always, each of the three wallpapers are available in two sizes.  The large versions are sized at 2560 x 1600 and small ones at 1280 x 800.  To download your favorite, without the frames, simply use the text links below the image of your choice.

Hope you enjoy!

Wallpaper #1 – August 2011

Nikon D7000, Nikon 200-400mm VR II @ 400mm, 1/800, f/4, ISO 250

During my last weekend in Madikwe we did some conservation week and in the process noticed and microchipped four white rhinos.  These animals truly are amazing and to think that there are still sad, pathetic individuals who hunt them down for their horn is absolutely heart breaking.

To me this image has a deep, almost sad feeling about it but it shows an animal that, if things keep going like they are now, could be wiped out in the next 5 to 10 years.  Let’s do what we can!

To download the large version of this image click here.  Alternatively click here for the smaller version.

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Wallpaper #2 – August 2011

Nikon D3s, Nikon 70-200mm VR II @ 200mm, 1/800, f/6.3, ISO 400

This image was taken during our recent Great White Sharks of Seal Island photo workshop.  Unbelievable morning of action and photography!

Yes, the workshop report is still on it’s way but for now this wallpaper can keep you intrigued until then.

To download the large version of this image click here.  Alternatively click here for the smaller version.

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Wallpaper #3 – August 2011

Nikon D3s, Nikon 70-200mm VR II @ 200mm, 1/3200, f/4, ISO 200

Another image from the above mentioned workshop.

I fell in love with these little guys.  They are cute, charismatic and make for the most amazing photography.

Next step – emperor penguins! (Watch this space!)

To download the large version of this image click here.  Alternatively click here for the smaller version.

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Please feel free to download one of, or all of the wallpapers and share this blog post with your friends and family.  Also, before you go, why not take a quick moment and let me know which one of the above is your favorite and why?  Won’t take long.

The Weekly Chat will be posted later today or tomorrow morning so make sure to pop back for that one.

So, as my new adventure keeps on unfolding I look forward to sharing more images and updated with you.

For now, keep photographing, keep experimenting and don’t get stuck in a rut!

Until next time.

Gerry van der Walt

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Welcome to July!

So this it.  The start of the second half of 2011.  It’s a cliche but damn… time really does fly!

Looking back it has been a helluva six months butlooking forward I think it’s going to be even worse.  In a good way.

A while ago I posted a quote on my Facebook page which went something like “In life, and in business, if it doesn’t scare you – is it really worth doing?”

Well, must be honest.  In both circumstances I am there.

Scared?

Hell yeah, but I am even more excited as there are some amazing changes coming.  Don’t worry, the moment things start happening you’ll be the first to know.

Anyway, for now it’s time for free wallpaper’s for July 2011.  As always, each of the three wallpapers are available in two sizes.  The large versions are sized at 2560 x 1600 and small one at 1280 x 800.  To download your favorite, without the frames, simply use the text links below the image of your choice.

Hope you enjoy!

Wallpaper #1 – July 2011

Nikon D3s, Nikon 300mm VR II, 1/320, f/4, ISO 320

This little guys was just to cute to not photograph.  I shot this from a very low angle which makes a huge difference to any wildlife image.

To download the large version of this image click here.  Alternatively click here for the smaller version.

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Wallpaper #2 – July 2011

Nikon D3s, Nikon 300mm VR II, 1/500, f/5, ISO 200

Yesterday afternoon we sat at a watering hole the whole afternoon as Africa passed us by.  Wildlife photography heaven!

I think too many people still race around looking for subjects instead of slowing down, enjoying what nature has to show you and capture moments like this.

To download the large version of this image click here.  Alternatively click here for the smaller version.

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Wallpaper #3 – July 2011

Nikon D3s, Nikon 14-24mm @ 15mm, 15 sec, f/2.8, ISO 2000

I had a request to add this image to the wallpaper list and I am sure you will agree that is a great choice.

I have had a bit of an infatuation with star and low light photography the last few weeks so you can expect a few more of these as time goes on.  Already have one lined up for next month!

To download the large version of this image click here.  Alternatively click here for the smaller version.

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Please feel free to download one of, or all of the wallpapers and share this blog post with your friends and family.  Also, before you go, why not take a quick moment and let me know which one of the above is your favorite and why?  Won’t take long and it helps me with my wallpaper choices each month.

Time to get going but stay tuned for all the very exciting updates coming up in August and September.

Until next time.

Gerry van der Walt

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Welcome to May!

It’s the beginning of another month which means it’s time for this month’s free desktop wallpaper downloads!

As always, each of the three wallpapers are available in two sizes.  The large versions are sized at 2560 x 1600 and small one at 1280 x 800.  To download your favorite, without the frames, simply use the text links below the image of your choice.

Hope you enjoy!

Wallpaper # 1 – May 2011

Canon 1D Mark IV, Canon 70-200mm IS II @ 200mm, 1/8000,  f/2.8, ISO 400

I find giraffe quite a difficult animal to photograph but this one made it easy.  We were watching him walk across the road so all I had to do was wait for the moment when he was away from all the trees and scrubs to click the shutter and get a nice and clean image.

To download the large version of this image click here.  Alternatively click here for the smaller version.

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Wallpaper #2 – May 2011

Nikon D3s, Nikon 70-200mm VR II @ 180mm, 1/320, f/2.8, ISO 3200

In between his kill in a tree and keeping an eye on a Spotted Hyena in the area, this young male leopard was, photographically, very obliging.  We spent almost an hour getting creative with a spotlight and different compositions.  This is one of my favorites from the evening.

To download the large version of this image click here.  Alternatively click here for the smaller version.

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Wallpaper #3 – May 2011

Nikon D3s, Nikon 70-200mm VR II @ 200mm,  1/30, f/4, ISO 200

Many people overlook the more common general game species that you find out on safari.  Zebra are not only very photogenic but they also make for great subjects when it comes to motion blurred panning shots.  We were watching a pride of lions staling this herd when they decided to turn and run.  After a quick change to my shutter speed, with the idea of blurring the image, I was able to capture this image.

To download the large version of this image click here.  Alternatively click here for the smaller version.

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Please feel free to download one of, or all of the wallpapers and share this blog post with your friends and family.  Also, before you go, why not take a quick moment and let me know which one of the above is your favorite and why?  Won’t take long.

Until next time, have a great May!

Gerry van der Walt

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Welcome to April!

Yeah, the first quarter of the year is gone and things don’t look like slowing down anytime soon.

This year started off with a bang and now, after a lot of work and planning, Photo-Africa is proud to announce that out brand new equipment rental service if up and running.  This rental service will not only be runnign as a stand alone service but will also form a big part of our workshops and photographic safaris.

I will be sharing a lot more info on this exciting new venture during the next few weeks but if you just cannot wait to find out more you can click here!

Back to the reason for this post.  Yip, it’s free wallpaper time again and this month features a very eclectic mix if images.  I am sure that there are not many places out there where you can download a stunning (if I have to say so myself) wallpaper of either a Lesser a Lesser Striped Swallow, a flower or a waterbuck.

As always, each of the three wallpapers are available in two sizes.  The large versions are sized at 2560 x 1600 and small one at 1280 x 800.  To download your favorite, without the frames, simply use the text links below the image of your choice.

Hope you enjoy!

Wallpaper #1 – April 2011

Landing

Nikon D3s, Nikon 200-400 mm VR II @ 400mm, 1/1000, f/4, ISO 800

I photographed this Lesser Striped Swallow during our recent Wildlife Photography 101 workshop.  We all had a great time trying to capture this little guy in flight and we came up with some amazing images.

The lifted wings and soft background are two of the reasons I kept on coming back to this image as a choice for this month’s wallpapers.

To download the large version of this image click here.  Alternatively click here for the smaller version.

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Wallpaper #2 – April 2011

Serenity

Nikon D3s, Nikon 200-400 mm VR II @ 380mm, 1/3200, f/4, ISO 500

Another image from the Wildlife Photography 101 workshop, this one was originally going to be a plain and simple image of a flower.  The bees buzzing around the flowers only became evident when I looked through the lens to start composing the image.

A quick change to the shutter speed left the originally intended image of a flower but with that little bit of extra buzz.

To download the large version of this image click here.  Alternatively click here for the smaller version.

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Wallpaper #3 – April 2011

Sentinel

Nikon D300, Nikon 300mm f/2.8 VR II, 1/100, f/2.8, ISO 1250

I photographed this male Waterbuck a few days ago as we were heading back to our lodge.  He was posing on the top of a little ridge as the last bits of light brought him and the soft sky to life.

At ISO 1250 I still reckon my Nikon D300 performs pretty damn well for this time of day.

To download the large version of this image click here.  Alternatively click here for the smaller version.

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There you go.  A great collection of images for your desktop a little calendar in the corner to keep you up to date. (Pun intended).

What?  No Big 5?

Well, yeah.  There is a whole lot more to African wildlife photography than just the Big 5 but since you ask so nicely, here is another wallpaper with one of the Big 5!

Wallpaper #4 – April 2011

Marching Ahead

Canon 1D Mark IV, Canon 70-200mm IS II @ 120mm, 1/640, f/3.5, ISO 160

We spent a long time photographing this big guy and all the time there is that thought in the back of your head “How can they do it?  How can they actually murder these incredible animals?”  Suffice to say I am one of the people that feel very strongly about the rhino poaching situation but let’s leave it there for now.  I think in some way the current situation out there make spending time with and photographing these amazing animals so much more precious.  Let’s hope they keep marching ahead well into the future.

On this particular day I was shooting with a Canon 1D Mark IV and the new Canon 70-200mm f/2.8 IS II lens.  Awesome camera, but this lens absolutely rocks!!

To download the large version of this image click here.  Alternatively click here for the smaller version.

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Well, that’s it.  Four free desktop wallpapers for you to download.  Please feel free to download one of, or all of the wallpapers and share this blog post with your friends and family.

Before you go, why not take a quick moment and let me know which one of the above is your favorite and why?  Won’t take long.

Until next time, have a great April!

Gerry van der Walt

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Welcome to March!

Yeah, it’s the third month of 2011 and time is flying.  All going well, March 2011 is going to be a big month for Photo-Africa as I am on the verge of announcing a brand new service which is going to take all our workshops and photographic safaris to a completely new level!  It sounds so simple when I say it like that but if you could see how excited I am about this new venture you’d get an idea of where things are going!

If you have been scratching around the new look Photo-Africa site you will have seen a few pointers as to what will be going down in the next few weeks but make sure to keep on checking back.  As soon as I have crossed all my t’s and dotted all my i’s the site is going to be bursting at the seams with new service, products and workshops.

Anyway, before I get completely carried away let’s turn our attention to the free wallpaper downloads for March 2011.

As always, each of the three wallpapers are available in two sizes.  The large versions are sized at 2560 x 1600 and small one at 1280 x 800.  To download your favorite simply use the text links below the image of your choice!

Enjoy!

Wallpaper #1 – March 2011

Lion King

I photographed this lion a few weeks ago in the Madikwe Game Reserve.  Even as a youngster you could already see the regal arrogance that make these guys such sought after photographic subjects.

To download the large version of this image click here.  Alternatively click here for the smaller version.

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Wallpaper #2 – March 2011

Painted Wolf

You can see where the name comes from.  The African Wild Dog, one of the most endangered predators in Africa, is truly a beautiful animal.  The Madikwe Game Reserve is one of the best places in Southern Africa to photograph these amazing creatures so if you are keen to join me for a photographic safari where we will focus purely on pointing our cameras at Madikwe’s Painted Wold click here for more details.

To download the large version of this image click here.  Alternatively click here for the smaller version.

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Wallpaper #3 – March 2011

Lone Springbuck

It’s not always about the Big 5.  Simple scenes like this are not only fantastic to see and be a part of but complete the African story.  Open landscapes, vast skies and a huge diversity will always be there should you not find the elusive Big 5.

To download the large version of this image click here.  Alternatively click here for the smaller version.

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Please feel free to share these images with your friends, family and work colleagues.  It’s my way of sharing some of the photographic magic we see out in the field.

Oh, before you go and stare at your brand new African desktop wallpaper why not leave a comment to let me know which image you chose and why?  ;)

Make sure to keep on checking back.  Big news coming soon!

Until next time.

Gerry van der Walt

Welcome to February!

2011 is no well underway and things are moving along very nicely.  All going well I will have a very exciting announcement on 1 March but cannot say anymore at this stage.  For now, here goes with the free desktop wallpapaers for February 2011.

As always, each of the wallpapers are available in a large (2560 x 1600) and small (1280 x 800) size and includes a little monthly calendar which you can download by clicking on the appropriate link below the image of your choice.  So to kick off a new month, here goes with the first wallpapers of 2011!

Enjoy!

Wallpaper 1 – February 2011

Seeing Double

I shot this image yesterday in the Madikwe Game Reserve.  As per my previous post you can only shoot what you see.  Right now we are not seeing much in Madikwe as the place is so green and so thick that you can even loose an elephant in the bush!  These two zebra were quite happy to pose in the middle of the road which gave me the chance to get this photograph.  I liked it in color but it just seems right in black & white.

To download the large version of this image click here.  To download the smaller version of this image click here.

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Wallpaper 2 – February 2011

Moving Along

Any Leopard sighting is always special and this one was no different.  The young male obliged us for almost two hours as the shutters kept on clikcing.  This image was, to me, slightly different and thats what made it stand out. The pose, the intended movement, the colors.  Great moment.

To download the large version of this image click here.  To download the smaller version of this image click here.

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Wallpaper 3 – February 2011

Sentinel

In the Kalahari the Oryx is most definitely the most regal of all the animals.  On a cooler, overcast day this one paused for a brief second before proceeding down the hill to a watering hole.  One shot was all it took before the moment was gone.  One of my favorites from a recent trip to the Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park.

To download the large version of this image click here.  To download the smaller version of this image click here.

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Download one, download then all and tell your friends and family to do the same.  Africa has so much natural beauty and this is my way of sharing it with you! Once you have chosen your favorite leave me a comment and tell me which one you chose and why!

Until next time.

Gerry

This year has started very productively for me and if things can keep on like this… exciting times ahead!

As promised last year, the free Photo-Africa desktop wallpapers are back!  This month sees three very different images that you can download to beautify your desktop.  It’s like a bit of Africa on your pc.

Each of the wallpapers are available in a large (2560 x 1600) and small (1280 x 800) size which you can download by clicking on the appropriate link below the image of your choice.  I have also added the calendar back onto the image as the feedback was pretty unanimous – you like the calendar!

So to kick off a brand new year, here goes with the first wallpapers of 2011! Enjoy!

Wallpaper 1 – January 2011

Ellies on the Move

All too often I find that people are too critical of a scene and wait too long before clicking the shutter.  The reality is that when you are out in the wild, nature will not wait for you and normally you will not get the shot you want.  I got this image when we were photographing a massive herd of elephants at a watering hole in the Madikwe Game Reserve.  The herd was on the move and with elephants everywhere it was difficult to either isolate an individual or get the whole group in the frame.  As I was looking through my viewfinder this little group of youngsters moved into my frame, thereby helping me compose the image and I clicked the shutter.  The scene, along with soft diffused light, makes for an interesting wildlife image.

To download the large version of this image click here.  To download the smaller version of this image click here.

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Wallpaper 2 – January 2011

Southern Masked Weaver

I pulled this image from my archives.  This bright little guys was building a nest right above a small watering hole.  I knew that he was going to be busy for quite some time so I settled in and waited for the harsh afternoon light to fade a bit.  Eventually he stop for a second to give me a look.  The piece of nest-building-material was a nice bonus.  Click.  Done.  Initially the little branch across his tail concerned me but, and this is something I wish more wildlife photographers would realize, it does not matter.  This was a part of the scene and, to me, it does not detract from the image.  It’s nature after all and in nature you cannot always plan your shot 100%.

To download the large version of this image click here.  To download the smaller version of this image click here.

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Wallpaper 3 – January 2011

Lovely Lioness

I photographed this good looking cat this morning as she was relaxing in a meadow like area with her sister .  Soft light, direct eye contact, stunning.  I only clicked the shutter twice during this particular sighting.  You see, there was not a lot happening so I had the time to look, plan and capture my image.  To me there is no point in firing away at 9 frames per seconds if your subject is static like this.  Yeah, you might get a great shot but you missed the sighting.  In between all the photography we have to take a moment to truly look and appreciate our subjects as well.  Appreciation is a very big part of wildlife photography.  By appreciating your subjects you will be able to create more emotional, more striking images.

To download the large version of this image click here.  To download the smaller version of this image click here.

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And that, as they say, is that.

Hope you enjoy and please feel free to share these images with your friends and family.  Before you leave, why not take a few seconds to leave a comment as to which of these images is your favorite and why?

I hope you all have a fantastic 2011 with awesome sightings and great light.

Until next time!

Gerry

As promised, and requested, it is now available as a free wallpaper download for your computer! Yay!

To download the photo as a wallpaper, sized to 2560 x 1600, simply click on the image above.  I have also done a very quick conversion to B&W so if you prefer a monochrome desktop, this one’s for you.

As mentioned in the previous wallpaper post, I am playing with the idea of not including the calendar on the wallpapers anymore.  What do you think?  Would you prefer the calendar on the wallpapers or should we keep it plain and simple?

I personally like this image because it is a real wildlife image.  I have not added or subtracted anything.  Yes, there are grasses in the background and and front of the lion.  Yes, his tail might draw your attention away from his face.

You know what?

I don’t care!  :)  I still like the shot.  It shows a real lion in it’s real environment.   Awesome sighting, great wildlife image!

Enjoy and please feel free to share it with your friends and family.

Until next time.

Gerry

Welcome to September!

Before we get going with this month’s free wallpaper downloads, a big thanks to Brendon Cremer for his guest post yesterday.  I am sure you will agree – that is about as good a leopard photography gets!  Truly spectacular photographs!  Thanks for sharing!  Make sure to go and check out Brendon’s site for to view more of his work.

Next week Thursday we do it all again as another amazing photography shares their work with us in guest post Thursday!

Right, it might be a few days late but here goes with this month’s free wallpaper downloads.

This month features a golden lioness, an elephant eye, an abstract shadow and a pair of hippo.  All of these subjects have been photographed in the wild.  No cages.  No zoos.  This is real wildlife photography.  You can download the images in two sizes.  The large version of each image is sized to 2560 x 1600 and the smaller version 1280 x 800.

Hope you enjoy!

September 2010 – Wallpaper #1

I photographed this lioness a few mornings as she paused for a second to let the rest of the pride pass her by.  To me this image is all about light, golden morning light.  The out of focus lion in the background also gives it more ‘interest’ than if she was all on her own.  To download the large version simply click on the image or click here for the small version.

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September 2010 – Wallpaper #2

I featured this image on the blog a few days ago in a post called ‘Why Do It?‘.  Nothing more to say really.  If you are happy for an elephant to keep an eye on you all month long this one’s for you.  To download the large version simply click on the image or click here for the small version.

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September 2010 – Wallpaper #3

Something different and more abstract.  This image shows the abstract shadow of a dead leadwood tree in the rippling water of a dam in Madikwe.  Did not see much game that day but if you look around there are always images around.  To download the large version simply click on the image or click here for the small version.

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September 2010 – Wallpaper #4

This image, by Kerry de Bruyn, shows two hippo in the water.  No doubt about the subject in this one.  Nice clean background and the eye contact makes it work.  To download the large version simply click on the image or click here for the small version.

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Please feel free to share these images with your friends and family and take a moment to let me know which one is your favorite!

It is amazing how much has happened the last few weeks and there is a whole lot more to come.  2011 is gonna be a big one!

Oh yeah, might have an exciting announcement towards the end of next week so make sure to pop in.  This is something I have been wanting to do for a while but more details later.  All I will say at this stage is photography meets conservation!

Have a great weekend.  See you on the flip side!

Gerry