White lions are not man produced like white tigers, they are natural in small areas in South Africa.

So I decided to go down to SA and get photos of these fantastic animals.  I would spend my time down there in tent and spent every morning and evening with the lions as it turned out to be the only time of day I could get any kind of nice photos of them!

In the group I spent time with it was 9 lions 6 adult and 3 young ones, 1 white male and 2 females and one young white male.

I rented a jeep but found that this didn’t work for me so did find a small pickup in the scrap yeard after some re building it was perfect, even if the door didn’t close probably it left a 10-15cm gap on the door.  That gap turned out to be perfect when one of the female lion kept to lay down on the side of where I was to take photos true the window , but since the car was so low and if she move here head up she would hit my lens.

I had to get her away from the car !

And you don’t pour water on her throw the window when she is that close so I decided to pinch her try the opening. And so I did with result that she screamed and jumped up .  I think God was on my side this day and she didn’t go for the car but she didn’t lay down there again. So from then on I could have an open window and take photos of these wonderful cats.

My goal was to get a lion in the sunset and I worked hard to get that but in the end I did get it.

I spent every morning before sunrise and every evening before sunset at the lions and after a time I know all the personality’s of all the lions and know soon that the two that could kill me was the dominant female and a young brown male the others was really nice and in the end I could move around rather well.

Since I got back I heard that the dominant female have got cubs and there was a white male born and he is now called Tom !

To see more photos of the white lions or any of my other trips to take photos extremely endangered animals please check the links below.

Regards,

Tom Svensson

Tom’s Links:

- Website:  Tom Svensson Photography
- Facebook:  Tom Svensson Photography on Facebook

Fading light does not mean you have to pack your camera gear away.

It means you have to start playing around with different approaches.  Different settings.

You see, nature has a cruel way of showing you the most amazing things the moment the sun dips below the horizon.  You can still see the magic happening but your camera just won’t play along.  The majority of people, and I have seen this happen time and time again, put their cameras away the moment they have finished the obligatory african-sunset-safari shots.

Don’t do it!

Keep shooting.  Keep experimenting.

Apart from not knowing how to shoot at slower shutter speeds a lot of people are so stressed and obsessed out by getting a perfectly in focus, no-grain image that they miss some amazing photo opportunities. They would rather miss an opportunity than shoot an image that is not as sharp as one of Gordon Ramsay’s knives.  Or, and I think this is even more sad, they shoot some of these images but are then so super critical of their own work that they never end up showing those images to anybody.

I shot the following image yesterday evening.  The sun was gone and the light was fading fast.

(Nikon D300, Nikon 80-400 @ 320mm, 1/5 sec, f/11, ISO 320)

We sat watching a small group of zebra around a watering hole when I captured this image.  They were quite nervous and kept on running to and from the waterhole.  Their pattern, no pun intended, was evident so we started playing with some motion blur shots as they ran to and from the water.

The goal here was to choose a slow shutter speed,  which will blur the animal’s movement, and then you track along with the moving animal to show the story of the scene we were watching.  Ideally you should get the head in focus with some blurring of the rest of the body which implies the movement.  Aperture here does not make much of a difference as the background is going to be streaked anyway.

So, is this a perfect motion blur image?

Absolutely not?  I am sure some people will say that the head is not in focus enough and the blurring of the zebra’s backside is distracting but, and this is a very important but, I like it!  The image tells the story of the scene we were watching.  And that was my goal.

If you like this shot you can download it as a desktop wallpaper.  There are two different versions of this image, both sized to 2560 x 1600.  This version is exactly as you see it above and this one has a calendar in the top right corner.  I am playing with the idea of not including a calendar on the free wallpapers anymore as it will make the image more timeless but still not sure.  Let me know what you think!

Anyway, I guess the bottom line is… don’t pack your camera away when the light fades!  Just go with it!  Oh, and don’t worry too much about what everybody else thinks of your images.  The most important thing is that you like it and the rest will happen from there.

I am happy to welcome, as tomorrow’s guest blogger, Tom Svensson.  Tom live on the west coast of Sweden.  He works with conservation of endangered animals and on his spare time he travels the world to take photos of extremely endangered animals and ultimately writes books about them.  Tomorrow Tom shares some of his white lion images, and storied of how he got them, so make sure to pop in.

Until next time!

Gerry

That title makes it look like I know what I am doing, I do in some sense but my techniques are all self discovered.  I did a bit of search for this blog when Gerry asked me to be a guest blog on the subject.

There are many types of back lighting, but there are two types that concerns most wild life photographers, Silhouette’s and Halo of Light.  I must say that the technique I use probably break a lot of photography rules.

It works for me.

Silhouette is when the subject is completely blackened out.  This is usually done by having the animal agaisnt a pretty sunset.  There are how ever other ways too achieved this.

I have found great pleasure in getting behind the animals on the move, they kick up a lot of dust and this becomes the back drop on to which I photograph the silhouette.

It adds drama and mood to an image the a pretty sunset cannot do.

Halo of Light, this is when your subject is outlined by light.  This is usually easiest to do when your subject is fury, the hair catches the sunlight.

To capture the Halo of light on a fury animal, I use a technique I learnt while trying to photograph animals at night with a white light.  As I dont use a flash. What I  do is meter off the brightest part of the image and then under expose by a whole 2 stops.   I did this at night to increase my shutter speed so to reduce blur.

The results were the my blacks where pitch black and my highlights where just right.  This works will with a halo type image as the ring of light around the subject is pronounced and make it pop a little. If you expose correctly the white halo tends to be over exposed and blown and this is the punch of the photo and has to be correctly exposed.

I dont like shooting straight in to the sun, Halo’s (not the same as above – this is a circular white bubble also known as lens fare) are created which even thou it can be found as a Photoshop tool, it is not appealing.

This should be your number one concern when photographing a back lit subject. This is not a relevant problem when silhouetting against dust.  There is also an issue with safety here, be very careful when shooting into the sun a telephoto lens can magnify the rays of light doing damage to your lens or worse you eyes.

When metering meter off the brightest part of the image in front of you, this is the usual technique for silhouettes.  I like to play with my photography, with digital it is possible to do this.

Break those rules occasionally!

Regards,

Etienne Oosthuizen

Etienne’s Links

- Website & Blog: Photographic Africa

When I was asked by Gerry to be a contributor in his Thursday Guest Post slot, a multitude of ideas and images and  went racing through my head.  Actually sitting down and choosing the few that may have some value to talk about was probably a harder task than sitting down to write this post.

How do you add value to a website that has had so many established and acclaimed Wildlife Photographers as contributors?  How do you choose 10 to 12 images out of tens of thousands?

Initially I had decided to focus on Leopards as my subject, the main reason being that, currently, I am in the long and laborious process of scanning old slide images to digital files, and I decided to start with the library of Leopard Images that I have accumulated over the years.

Following a mere 2 weeks after Brendon Cremers leopard post, I thought it better if I added a few other images to use as examples to highlight certain tips, and ideas when trying to establish how to be creative in composition.

The first two images that came to mind when starting to compose my article were these 2 leopard Images.

The Young Leopard in the Marula Tree was a treasure trove of potential images on this particular day.  I snapped away merrily while he was peering across a plain at his retreating mother, as she was going to hunt for the evening. Such a vulnerable position to be in when you get left on your own to survive the night, with Lions and Hyaenas in the area, was me and my guests thought at the scene presented before us.

Each images that I take, should tell a story, and when I looked up quickly from my camera after adjusting some settings, I had to take 2 looks to see the cub.  With the late afternoon setting sun, accentuating rich red colours, he started blending in with the textures created by the bark of the tree, and I then had the intention of getting an image of the youngster, against the backdrop of the bark, with no profile visible against the sky.

This image to me represents not only the beauty of nature, but the sometimes mind boggling camouflage that is presented where least expected.  The texture contrast between the Rosettes of the fur, and the mottled bark of the tree was a goal that I set out to achieve. What makes this an appealing image, further to the above mentioned ideas, was the drooping paw, adding a point of reference, balancing the head out to a certain degree.  The youngsters head has also been placed in the left of the frame, giving him space to look into.

This space I attempted to accentuate by composing a visually pleasing diagonal line between the Bark and the Sky.  The uncluttered blue sky then creates the perception of more empty space, leaving one to guess what the intent of the stare into the distance may hide.  Getting more technical, the appeal of the image also has a further, almost hidden composition element. The diagonal of the bark and the sky separation, is almost mirrored by the diagonal of the leg and paw, dividing the image into three portions.

The above image is a similar image to the first, and I have included it, again, to highlight the value of the visible paw in balancing an image.  By including the paw, in a Landscape format rather than portrait, I was also able to include the branch of the Silver Cluster Leaf tree, dividing the frame diagonally.  A fairly shallow depth of field also served to blur the back tangle of branches, that could have been distracting to the eye had a aperture of f/11 or more been chosen.  The most appealing feature to me regarding this image, was the colours and contrast.

My style, which is not chosen, but just comes naturally, has been described by many as very “contrasty”.  The rich deep colours of the late setting sun were helped by the red tinges on her face and neck, from feeding on a Duiker, that I have not included in this composition.  The dark bark, and blue sky behind helped create pleasing vivid colour contrasts.  Typical of Velvia 100 Slide Film.  Never to be ignored, is the value of the catchlight in the eye or eyes, as can be seen in both the discussed images so far.

In the previous paragraph I have mentioned Depth of Field.  Short of having to right a book explaining DOF to everyone, I will just highlight the value of a shallow Depth Of Field by including the above image.   A shallow depth of field, allows one to capture your intended subject in crisp clear focus, with the focus getting blurred rapidly into the background.  No elements are thus distracting to the eye, and a person will thus focus and appreciate more intently the intended subject.  Admittedly though, f/2.8 lenses are very expensive, and to those who cannot afford one, me included, a photographer needs to be creative in attempting the said shot.

This female Leopard was atop a termite mound, and being able to place myself near the bottom, I was able to change the angle of composition, which included the vegetation in the background, a whole valley distant.  At f 6.3, the distance to the background vegetation allowed the illusion of using a very shallow DOF to get the shot.  The light was perfect, as was the foreground, which was uncluttered, and the final element was the visible catchlights in the eyes of the subject.

Dark Backgrounds help the image POP sometimes, by this I mean, help the image stand out from the rest of the image including both foregrounds and backgrounds.  Composing the above yawning leopard against a very dark backdrop, helped accentuate the now very visible white whiskers.  These can sometimes melt into a brighter backdrop, and the impact alot less noted.  An almost 3d effect has been created by placing yourself in a position, to capture your subject against a dark background.  No catchlight is visible here, but there is enough action to satisfy me, seeing the open mouth, raspy tongue, bared teeth, and the already mentioned whiskers.

Another example, this time with the help of a shaft of early morning rising sunlight, is a female leopard that I was following across a plain one morning.  She had been walking through a thick tree forest, on the edge of the plain, when she stopped in the middle of a patch where the sun’s rays fell directly onto her.  Trying always to be prepared, I raised the camera and shot away.  She stood for about a minute before moving away, but in that minute I had captured about 20 images.

The most pleasing was this one, where my colours were just as I had intended, emphasising her golden colour in the sun, contrasting with the shadowy fore, and backgrounds. The textures of the long grass also helped in aiding with the concept that she is blending in to her environment, and I specifically chose to exclude more space on the bottom of the image, as I wanted her legs to simply vanish into the darker vegetation.

The last example in this particular series, is the reflection shot of the drinking Male Leopard.  Here a landscape orientation was necessitated by the posture of the drinking leopard, and especially his curling tale.  A shaft of early morning light illuminated this subject against the dark areas of the mud, vegetation, and water, making for pleasing colours and contrasts.  Thankfully it was a still morning, and capturing a reflection was possible, this is what ultimately makes this image into something worth sharing.

Creating a mood, and capturing the essence of an animal does not always mean photographing the animal itself.  Leopards are by reputation, shy, secretive, elusive.  Sometimes described as phantoms.

After the Sand River had flowed, and the water receded, the canvass of sand was left pristine.  Stopping to track a male leopard, I noticed the tracks heading down the river bed.  The above image is an attempt to highlight the nature of the animal that I have already described.  Visible tracks, in typical environment that leopards tend to be found in.  The tracks lead to a central point, the water, getting more and more out of focus as they proceed further away.

No visible track lead away from the water, and it would appear that the Leopard had simply vanished into thin air after quenching his thirst at the water pool. This mystical property is what I have attempted to impart on the subject, even though no Leopard features in the frame itself.

Sometimes we get so side tracked by trying to place ourselves with the sun behind us, in order to have great light on our subjects, that we tend to miss great chances.  The composition of the following 2 images are an attempt by me to convince you all that you have to be receptive to a variety of different environmental factors when attempting to get great shots.

I had been taking pictures of this leopard cub high up in a tree, with 3 hyaenas beneath him, when I turned to the sun to see how much light I had left to take pictures. That’s when it struck me, the light was so low because the sun was dull from all the smoke and dust in the air.  Knowing that lens flare would not be a problem, I repositioned to include a silhouette of the tree, Leopard Cub, and the Setting Sun behind the Drakensberg Mountain Range in the distance.

Taking a light reading from the brightest part of the sun, and then setting the automatic exposure lock, I took the above moody image. I moved a long way away from the subject to get the right composition, but in the end, when the developed slides were returned I was overjoyed at the result.  To me it again told a story, of a long and lonely night that awaited the Leopard, perched atop his isolated and lonely tree stump. A metaphor to the state of nature and the natural world can also be created, with the sun setting, the end coming, unless us as humans can change our ways and do the necessary work to conserve.

Another example of breaking the rules and taking photos into the sun, as a further example, is the image of the rhinos, with the setting sun directly behind them.  The sun’s rays and colours really helped a usually mundane subject, be transformed into a visually pleasing image, simply with the addition of great light.  We need to think out of the box, and go against the grain when attempting to create art.

Light is one of the most important factors when taking photos in the natural environment.  I must stress however that light is by no means essential to taking great images.

The Warthog in its burrow is a prime example.  Here, in a steep valley in the Waterberg, I came across this old boar waiting for things to heat up before he emerged to forage for the day.

The sun had not yet crept over the ridge above us, and light was not going to be an element in capturing his portrait.  Sometimes shadows or a lack of light, help improve your image by making more detail visible in the subject and its surrounds. This Warthog has been framed nicely by the round hole of the burrow in which it is located, and this adds a pleasing visual element to the final image.

Luck!

After all I have said already, we need to remember that ultimately, the greatest treat is often based on luck.

These are the opportunities and chances that do not come along too often, and to get a chance to take unusual images, that may not have been photographed before, is the holy grail of Wildlife Photography. I think at this stage, of a series of Images I saw of Gerry’s a week or so ago, of mud covered lions, pitch black in appearance, with only the eyes really still natural in colour. You need to be ready at all times to capture these strange scenes.

The unusual subject matter, or environment, will often get the awe filled response that you as a Wildlife Photographer crave when showcase your images, or simply when you treat yourself to your own slide show.

The 2 examples of the above are portrayed in the attached images of the Python swallowing a Wildebeest Calf, and the Leopard Cubs hiding away in a storm water drain running under a road in the Manyeleti Game Reserve.

What makes these images, is nothing regarding the technical ability of the photographer, the composition, the colours or the light, their appeal, is from the unusual circumstances at the time of taking the photos.

Capturing, and saving a point in time that will not be repeated let alone captured too often in the future.

As Gary Player said “ The harder I practice, the luckier I get.”

We can apply that to our journey as Wildlife Photographers, and continue to strive for something different, something unique. The trick is to keep at it, and never be unprepared for the shot.

Rudi Hulshof

Rudi’s Links:

- Website: Rudi Hulshof Photography
- Facebook: Rudi Hulshof Photography on Facebook
- Outdoor Photo: Rudi Hulshof Photography on Outdoor Photo

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

Known locally as Ingwe, meaning “pure sovereignty”, the leopard can still be found on farmland as well as other habitats throughout Southern Africa where they co-exist with their human neighbours depending on the attitudes of both parties.

Game Reserves that are inadequate in size to hold most big cats such as lion and cheetah, show evidence that they are occupied by leopard but the animals themselves are seldom seen.  This secrecy is their best defence against humans and other potential dangers.

There is no larger predator as elusive and shy as the leopard.  For many locals and travellers from abroad, the only memory of seeing a leopard is a blurry, fleeting image of the animal crossing a game park.  For others that are fortunate to visit the Sabi Sand Game Reserve, leopard sightings are frequent and abundant.

The Sabi Sands Game Reserve is the oldest private game reserve in South Africa being formed in 1934.  The reserve is part of the Greater Limpopo Transfrontier Park, one of the largest conservations areas in Southern Africa.  It has only ever been a wilderness area creating a diverse eco system encompassing a number of species including the Big 5 (lion, elephant, rhino, and buffalo).

The 65 000 hectare / 153 000 acre reserve shares a 50km / 31.25 mile unfenced border with the world renowned Kruger National Park.  This immense area’s game viewing is second to none – nowhere in South Africa will one find a wildlife experience like the one experience in the Sabi Sand Game Reserve.

The Sabi Sand Game Reserve has been the base for most of my photography, with the reserve being particularly abundant with leopards, one of my great passions.  There are a number of leopards in the reserve that we could call “habituated”, meaning simply there are some individuals that are used to vehicles and do not feel threatened by them.

This behaviour is however due to consistent, respectful and considerate behaviour on the part of the people driving in the reserve.

Habituated animals are more commonly found in private game reserves.  In these reserves, vehicles are out on game drives daily, thereby creating a great deal of exposure to the animals.  It is thanks to this process that I have been privileged to be able to experience first-hand these otherwise elusive creatures whilst they go about their business, paying us no heed whatsoever.

Being able to spend extended time with these animals has enabled me to capture and share with you the images in this article.

I hope you enjoyed viewing my images as much as I did capturing them!

“Photography is the most powerful conservation tool on the planet”

Brendon Cremer

Brendon’s Links:

- Website: Bush Fanatix Photography
- Facebook: Bush Fanatix Facebook Group
- Website: Sabi Sands Game Reserve

Louis Psihoyos, Director of the most awarded and ultimately successful Activist Film to date ‘The Cove’ said it best for me when he exclaimed … “You are either an Activist or an Inactivist. I chose to become active”. Well, some years back I tipped into this very Active Mode when my Camera Lens no longer conveniently protected me from reality, from acknowledging what we are clearly doing to Nature, our Wildlife, our planet and ultimately ourselves. Eventually every Photographer and Journalist fights this very devil and for me the daily demons of de-evolution drive me to use my passions, skills, experience and convictions to further the plight of many Wildlife and Environmental Causes.

My approach is dual fold. On the one hand I frequently travel to take Nature and Wildlife Photos to remind us as people of the very thing we aim to protect and conserve. During these trips I also expand my ever-growing contacts list (people ready to make a difference) and never miss an opportunity to educate people about the beauty of Mother Nature and the magnitude of threats challenging her due to Mankind. On the other hand I lend these very skills and experiences pro-bono to further the reach and effectiveness of as many Causes as I can work with. During the years some have become my most involved Causes and to date I am especially proud and committed as photographer for The Jane Goodall Institute South Africa (Animal Planet ‘Escape to Chimp Eden’). I am also part of the Sea Shepherd Conservation Society (SSCS) South Africa (Animal Planet ‘Whale Wars’) and very recently People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (Peta). I also work ongoing with instrumental individuals from the foremost South Africa Environmental Journalist Television  Series 50|50 on numerous stories that must simply be told.

‘Old Man Joao’ Jane Goodall Institute South Africa (Chimp Eden) With his distinctive looks, Joao is the oldest resident at Chimpanzee Eden and could even be the oldest in South Africa.  Joao arrived at the Maputo Zoo in Mozambique when he was 3 years old, left behind by a touring Circus company.  At that stage he had a companion but soon after the war broke out in Mozambique, the war lasted for more than 30 years and Joao saw it from start to finish.  His companion past away falling ill to an unknown virus leaving Joao in isolation from another chimpanzee until April 2006 when JGI South Africa convinced the zoo to release him to the care of JGI Chimpanzee Eden.

For more information and to make a donation go to http://www.janegoodall.co.za (Information courtesy of Jessica Ney)

People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (Peta) Anti Fur Protest, 8 July 2010 Hyde Park, South Africa
For more information go to http://blog.petaasiapacific.com/skins/world-cup-coverage-united-we-stand-against-fur-cruelty
To join or make a donation go to http://blog.petaasiapacific.com

‘Seals Revenge’

The Namibia Cape Fur Seal Cull is happening and as we speak. An estimated 91,000 Seals are savagely clubbed to death annually in Namibia starting July, despite very few legit reasons left for this inhumane massacre. Be informed and join the action to stop this savage event. There is a Namibian Seal Cull Protest on Saturday, 17 July 2010 at Hyde Park, Gauteng, South Africa starting 11am.

As a Photographer and Activist I have committed my life to making a real change. “If an images can speak 1,000 words, then imagine how many words I can speak for those who cannot speak and stand for themselves. Silence is suicide, so with my Photography and travels I aim to educate and inspire and instill change.” DD. Oosthuizen | Devographic (Devoted to exposing and fighting De-Evolution).

How will we be remembered by future generations? Will we be the Generation that managed to kill the last animals and learn that you cannot eat money, or will we be remembered as the Generation that managed to find the courage to make a change and turn this all around. Will we walk in the footsteps of the Gods, or drudge in the demise of our own inactivity and greed?

Edmund Burke once wrote , … “All that is necessary for evil to succeed is that good men do nothing”. This could not be more true today. In South Africa we pride ourselves as being united as a Nation of “Black and White under The African Sun”, yet we seem more distant to the plight of our Animals than ever before. In fact, it is in our African Culture and Tradition to be cruel to Animals.

“Zebra Sunset” – Pilanesberg Game Reserve

“Flyby Dawn” – Kruger National Park

So much is written and know about the Great Men of our Time. For instance, despite overwhelming adversity Nelson Mandela triumphed above oppression and walked the Long Walk to Freedom. Today South Africa is a much better country due to the courage of such men. We even hosted the top Sporting Event in the World, the World Cup Soccer 2010. However, whom will be the ultimate Champion and Saviour of our Environment and Wildlife?

There are so many unsung heroes fighting for our Animals and Environment Worldwide, yet they may walk past you in a crowd and you will not even recognise them. It is time you get to know your heroes and start supporting the Causes and Passions that have the potential to ultimately make changes to save our Wildlife and Environment.

“The Long Walk to Freedom” – Apartheid Museum, South Africa

“Ayoba Time” –  The South African World Cup Soccer 2010 Celebrations (Unifying a Nation)

There is so much to see and admire in our own country. Many people in South Africa dream about leaving for ‘greener pastures’. Most of which never bother to stop and see the beauty around us. The glass is half full people, and the time is now to make a difference. We are in the best position to turn South Africa into the most desirable of all.

Already so many people come to see our Animals and Wildlife, yet when they are all gone what will people come for. Corruption has lead to the highest Poaching Numbers in South Africa since the mid 1980’s.. Demands in Rhino Horn and the Bush Meat Trade are systematically killing the African Tourism Draw Card.

Not even our splendid Scenic Landscapes and fantastic weather will not save us when all the Animals are gone.

“Dawn Rhino Dual” –  Crocodile River, Kruger Park, South Africa

“Solitary Waterhole Tree” –  Madikwe, South Africa

“Table Mountain Lights” –  South Africa

“Sea Point Sunset” Cape Town, South Africa

“Marakele Mountains” – South Africa

At this stage we are on a Downward Spiral to oblivion, seemingly uncaring and obvious to the fact that when Nature and our Environment dies … we die! We are all part of the intricate web of live. Ripples in our Environment will ultimately spiral the intricate Web of our own lives out of control and the next extinction will be at our own hands.

At this rate we shall be the only initiator of our own extinction … and ironically life has shown to be far more perseverant that Mankind … life will ultimately find a way to continue long after Mankind ceases to exist on this Planet.

“The Downward Spiral” – Dullstroom, South Africa

“Web of Life” – Kirstenbosch National Botanical Gardens, Cape Town

The rate of extinction and de-evolution is  accelerating daily, so literally every day counts. If I can reach just one person daily and count on the viral-effect of my message then surely an Eco Warrior Army is sure to evolve from the ashes of our own ruin. Time to put our heads together and  think outside the r=traditional confinements to construct methods that will save lives and restore us as respectable caretakers of our Planet. Remember, we have so much to love for and so much beauty around us … do not let this go to waste.

“Tri-Zebra” – Mabula, South Africa

“Elephant Tussle” – Pilanesberg, South Africa

“Malachite Kingfisher” Mankwe Dam, Pilanesberg, South Africa

“Bateleur Eagle Stare” (Terathopius Ecaudatus) – Moholoholo Predator Rehabilitation Centre, South Africa

“Duality” – Sondela, South Africa

“Jurassic Pose” Yellow Billed Hornbill – Sondela, South Africa

“Cheetah Gaze” – Kruger National Park, South Africa

“Mirror Equids”  - Kruger National Park, South Africa

Stay well, stay true, always fight the good fight … making a real difference starts with you!

Best Regards,

David Devo Oosthuizen

David’s Links:

- Website: Devo Graphics
- Facebook Page: Devographic Facebook Page
- Twitter: Devographic on Twitter

DevoGraphic Activism Through Photography proudly supports:

- The Jane Goodall Institute South Africa (Animal Planet ‘Escape to Chimp Eden’)
- Sea Shepherd Conservation Society South Africa (Animal Planet ‘Whale Wars’)
- Seal Alert South Africa
- The Taiji Action Group: South Africa (TAG)
- The Animal Ambulance
- Ripples for Good: Motivating Change in our Waterways
- Fur Free Africa
- 50|50
- Beauty Without Cruelty
- Puppy & Kitten Haven
- Peta International
- Oceanic Preservation Society (OPS)
- AfriOceans
- The South African Vegan Society

Last Saturday 9 people joined Photo-Africa at the Centurion Country Club for the Digital Photography 101 workshop.

Starting from the very beginning and working through all the technical ‘stuff’, artistic elements of photography and even a bit of post processing the day was not only a lot of fun but a huge success.

The approach Kerry and I use at the workshops is to not only explain, in a fun and informative way, the various terms and photographic principles that can make digital photography quite daunting.

Guided by the manual and slideshow presentation, there are various exercises that help the participants to understand the ‘what’ and ‘how’ of photography but, more importantly, the ‘why’.

I strongly believe that if you know why you are doing something the ‘what’ and ‘how’ becomes a whole lot easier.

The Centurion country club was a fantastic venue and with the golf course and rolling landscapes the photographic opportunities was plentiful as we looked for all kinds of images as prescribed by the manual.  Landscapes, color, panning motion and macro.

Here are a few of the images, each a result of various exercises and mini assignments on the day.

Thanks to everybody who joined us on the workshop!  Keep on practicing and hope to see you on one of our follow up workshops!

If you want to learn, remember or find a bit of inspiration make sure to keep your eyes on the blog for future workshops dates.

Or… join David Devo Oosthuizen for his guest post tomorrow.  David is the Thursday guest blogger and he shares his thoughts, and images, in ‘Activism Through the Lens’.  Awesome images, inspiration and some food for thought.

As you are reading this I will be in the Pilanesberg Game Reserve declaring photographic war on some of the multitude of waterbirds in the reserve.  Armed with a Nikon 600mm f/4 and a 1.4x converter I have a few images in mind that I am hoping to get.

Just me, a super telephoto lens and a full day of photography.  Just doing it for myself!  Bliss…

Enjoy David’s post tomorrow and I’ll see you on Friday.

Bye 4 now!

Gerry

A name that is certainly not unfamiliar in the natural world, is “The Kalahari”.

Many people, although they haven’t been there, have heard about this strange hinterland where African bushveld merges with Namib desert in a marriage that produces one of the most unique ecosystems in the world. Covering a massive 900,000 square kilometers and spanning across large sections of South Africa, Namibia and Botswana, this magnificent biosphere is home to a surprisingly large variety of life, from small to great and from root to mammal.

The Kalahari is a place of space, sand, silence and serenity. The space envelops you until you realise exactly how small you are in this vast expanse. The silence creeps into your soul and saturates you with a relaxation that is hard to describe. The red sand between your toes is surprisingly cool and makes you feel like you are now really in Africa. And then you experience the serenity…that deep-sighing “aaaahhhhh” feeling…

Now I’m sure many of my non-Southern-African friends are wondering: “What are the options for the intrepid safari-lover when contemplating visiting the Kalahari?” There are a few options indeed. If you’ve been to Botswana, you might be familiar with the Central Kalahari Reserve and places such as the Valley of Desolation, but the part of the Kalahari I want to introduce to you today lies to the Southwest of that famous park. I am talking about the Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park.

A legendary park in the sense that it was the first “Peace Park” put in place after the initiation of Nelson Mandela as president of South Africa, and it paved the way for many more like it. Essentially, the old “Kalahari Gemsbok National Park” in South Africa (which was established in 1931) was merged with the “Gemsbok National Park” in Botswana, to form one gigantic wildlife reserve that would reopen and protect the ancient migratory routes of the countless herds of animals that traverse this vast region, chasing the rains and the fresh grass.

Now, for all the “5-star safari purists”, take note that the Kgalagadi is a self-drive destination…which means you will have to do a little more planning than usual. However, it can be a very rewarding experience, as you rarely feel more in touch with Africa than when you are sitting in your tent listening to a lion roaring right outside it! There is something special about finding your own sightings, having to learn how to read the signs of the bush, of the animals, and to read the spoor of a lion made earlier that morning in the dirt of the road…to experience this you need to step out of the comfort zone of a guided safari!

On the Botswana side it gets even rougher – you have to take ALL your supplies (water as well) and rough it out in the bush along 4×4 tracks and sleep in unfenced camps with no electricity where the predators literally come through and sniff on your tent flaps.

Enough ranting – let’s get to introducing you to the Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park…at least the South African side. The park is situated in the most northwestern corner of South Africa, where Namibia, Botswana and the Northern Cape province of South Africa converge. Now what makes the Kgalagadi such an attractive photographic location is the wide open spaces – if you have a good sighting you can keep it provided the animal doesn’t disappear over the dunes.

The park is basically composed of 2 dry riverbeds (these rivers haven’t flowed in more than 100 years or so), with multiple waterholes set up in the Nossob and Auob riverbeds to help sustain the animals when the rains cease and the long dry season commences.

Let me forewarn you – I am probably going to go against all blogging convention and give you a visual sensory overload today…not because I want to show off as many of my images as possible, but because the Kalahari is one of those places where talking about it alone doesn’t even give you a whiff of what you will experience. Showing you visual images that transport you there – now that will get you considering this destination much faster, will it not?

A major drawing card of this wonderful locale is the amazing photogenic qualities of the landscape. The contrasts of deep blue African sky, bright red sand dunes, yellow and green shrubs and iconic camelthorn acacia trees make for amazing landscape photography and also sublime backgrounds for your wildlife and avian portraits.

To quote the South African National Parks website: “Red sand dunes, sparse vegetation and the dry riverbeds of the Nossob and Auob show antelope and predator species off to spectacualr advantage and provide excellent photographic opportunities. Kgalagadi is also a haven for birders, especially those interested in birds of prey.” Even if you aren’t that avid a photographer, be warned – what’s beautiful to a photographer is just as beautiful to the nature lover who just wants to sit back and take it all in systematically.

As the sun sets in the Kalahari, barking geckoes chirp you into darkness, and in the distance (sometimes VERY close) you will hear the yelping of black-backed jackals and the roaring of lions, and maybe you will even have night-time visitor…in the fenced camps there are usually black-backed jackals and Cape foxes who find a way in to come and scavenge, and in the unfenced camps even lions and leopards visit you while you are sleeping snugly in a tent or wilderness chalet. The climate is what you would expect from a semi-desert.

The summers get unbearable hot during the day, and the night is quite cool. This only changes slightly during winter, when daytime temperatures can still reach the 25 degrees Celcius mark, and the night temperature drops to below freezing point. Luckily most of the rest camps on the South African side have now got crystal- clear swimming pools to assist with the hot daytime temperatures. This see-sawing of extreme temperatures is part of what makes this place so interesting – never a dull moment!

Due to its remote setting it is recommendable to book yourself for a lengthy stay – since you won’t want to leave soon in any case once you have been here. You can find more information such as tariffs, availability, traveling options and so forth on the South African National Parks’ website (link provided below). Do not be put off by the self- catering nature of a trip to the Kgalagadi…half the experience is making your fire under the African stars and putting a juicy piece of meat on the grill to prepare for your evening feast.

There are so many possibilities for photography in this wonderful place. The Kalahari is in fact much more than just the place where the famous black-maned lions roam and where cheetahs chase down springbok in the dry riverbeds.The big cats are plentiful and well exposed, but if you focus only on them, you will frustrate yourself. The Kalahari offers a little bit of everything for your photographic portfolio…small adorable critters like meerkats and mongooses, rare sightings like the brown hyena and honey badger, a plethora of birding, unbelievable sunrise and sunset light and of course BIG skies!

And if you think the daytime skies are endless, wait till you see the covering of the milky way at night. With almost zero light pollution this reserve has a nearly unparalleled vista of the expanse of the universe at night. The only place I have seen MORE stars was at the bottom of the Fish River Canyon in Namibia!

Here are few shots that epitomize these characteristics.

I really hope that my photos, or my descriptions, or a combination of both have inspired and motivated you to make sure the Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park is next on your hot- spot safari locations to gallivant off to. As you can see – I have really been taken by this place (and I have only gone twice since getting into wildlife photography – although another trip is on the cards already), and I hope some of that has rubbed off on you as you read this today.

Cheers for now!!

Morkel Erasmus

Links:

- Blog: SAFFAscapes (Exploring Southern Africa in HDR)
- Facebook: Morkel Erasmus Photography
- SANPARKS: South African National Parks

The reason I started photography 28 years ago was to share my memories of my first school trip aboard to Israel. Photography is one of the biggest hobbies in the world, whether you are capturing your family, birthdays, weddings, celebrations or that special moment.

Photography is all about passion, I still have the same excitement that I had all those years ago. When I first picked up my camera, looking through the view finder to record that memory of an event. Pressing the shutter and hearing it click, not knowing whether that magical moment has been captured for ever!

Of course it has changed with digital photography, you can now see that special moment instantly. At least now when I go to Africa or any other trip, I’m not spending huge amounts of money on film instead it seems to be going on storage devices and laptops, but the rules of photography and the simple tips of getting great images hasn’t changed at all.

Teaching Photography can be as hard or simple as you want it.  I’m sure some night classes and articles make things so difficult that it often goes over the head of the new inspiring photographer who just wants to take better photographs.

Tip 1:  Getting the right equipment.  I have known so many people buy the wrong equipment and waste a lot of money just by not asking advice. When you are buying your first camera make sure it fits nicely into your hand and is not to heavy to hold for long periods of time. If the camera is too heavy you wont take it out! So what’s the point of having a camera ?

Tip 2:  Have the right lens to do the right job ! If you are a baker, you don’t use a hammer to bake a cake!  The same applies to photography you wouldn’t have a short lens to photograph something that’s in the distance. Lens are expensive so you need to decide what type of photographs you intend to use your camera for, i.e. a macro lens for close-up flowers and insects, a short lens 28-70mm for portraits and landscapes, a 70-300mm lens for distance etc., and always buy the best you can afford.

Tip 3: What length of lens do you need?  If you are going to use extenders on lenses to get a longer length, i.e. make a 70-300mm lens into a 140-600mm by placing a 2x extender or convertor between the camera and the lens, remember that it also changes your f stop on your camera lens. Many cameras will not auto focus when using extenders.  When adding an extender, the aperture on the camera automatically changes, a f stop of f2.8 becomes f5.6, and a f stop of f4 becomes f8, therefore altering the amount of light that reaches the camera.

Tip 4:  Is deciding what style of photograph you wish to take, i.e a vertical image (portrait style) or horizontal (landscape style). The same image can be total different by changing it from a portrait to a landscape. So take both and see which image you prefer, therefore creating your own style.

Tip 5:  What do you want to be in focus, all of the picture like a jigsaw puzzle, or just a part of the picture so everything else is blurred making that part of the image the most important.

By setting your aperture you control your depth of field, using that famous little ‘f stop’. By setting your camera to an f stop of f22 everything will be in focus, but as the lens needs to stay open longer to allow the light in the shutter speed will be low. Dependent on the amount of available natural light you may have to support your camera with a tripod to avoid camera shake and blurred images.  Alternatively if the aperture is set at f5.6 there will be more available light and a faster shutter speed will be achieved but only part of your image that you are focusing on will be sharp and everything else in the image out of focus.  So if your camera isn’t steady you will get camera shake !  This is where you need a tripod.

If you have enjoyed these simple tips then you will love :

My book 365 Photography Days.  It tells the story of awarding winning, freelance photographer Phil Gould, as he travels the globe in search of adventure. At the outset he sets himself the challenge of capturing a definitive image for each day, and these stunning photographs are accompanied by a journal-style commentary of the author’s journey.

This book is also a practical guide to photography techniques with hints and tips from an expert. Each day of the journey includes a photo tip, giving advice about everything from lighting techniques and camera settings, to groupings that work and images that sell.

From the majestic wildlife of the African plains and the awe-inspiring beauty of Antelope Canyon, Arizona, to the shanty towns of Rio de Janeiro and the plight of South African orphans, Phil details his journey with a refreshing honesty, humour and great compassion.  (Available from bookshops & online retailers, ISBN 9781846244599)

Phil Gould

Phils’ Links:

- Website:  Phil Gould Photography