Oct 21, 2014 | Wildlife Photography
Starting from the first drive, my mind was searching for the word to describe the experience I was having in So Africa. It’s only human nature, right, to try to find a word that summarizes an experience in an attempt to relate the experience to others. And as the days went on and the amazing spectacle of critters continued to appear in front of us, the experiences that unfolded and the wonders still left to the imagination came to life, I was still searching for the word as I said goodbye to my hosts for the week. And that’s something else I didn’t expect, to make such amazing friendships with the Rangers at Mala Mala! I’m sitting here on the floor at JFK waiting to be able to check in so I can get home, after 18hrs of travel to get this far, I still don’t have that word. It’s the one thing I couldn’t find in Africa. I guess then it’s a darn good thing I’m a photographer because my photos are going to have to express what I have no words for. Is Africa all I thought it would be? Hell no! I’ve been hearing for over thirty years from folks who travel there why I should go and how I’d love it. Their descriptions were nowhere close to accurate and that’s probably they too never could find that word.
This Wild Dog, one of just 450 left in So Africa (such a tragic story) is one of a pack of 12 we photographed earlier in the week. They are a fascinating critter with an even more fascinating nitch in the web of life. I can so see why Gene, one of the shooters with us this past week is so into these amazing animals. The pack yesterday (hard for me to grasp this experience was already, yesterday) was bedded down in a sandy wash in the shade after a morning of being on the move. The cameras from our KelbyOne class were all packed, it was our last morning drive so I was doing what I love to do most, just smell the roses. So I sat there with 800mm pointed at the pups, not shooting when all of a sudden, the whole pack jumped to their feet. And as you can see, this adult walked right down the lens barrel looking at me the whole time. And other than this photo to offer you, I have no words for the experience. I owe a big thank you and gratitude to Images in Africa Safaris for taking me to Africa for my first time and the amazing experience. I need to thank KelbyOne for sending Adam who captured it all so we can share it with you all next year. Yes, I will be going back to Africa in 2015. I’ll be not only looking for more critters and more stories, but probably still searching for that word I couldn’t find this time.
Oct 17, 2014 | Wildlife Photography
“Are there birds on safari” the email read. Oh Hell YA!!! Birds are here in every size, color and manor and most, blow your mind! Now if that’s the case, why am I posting a photo of the White-backed Vulture? Well, I can’t think of a better bird to represent Africa. It’s the clean up crew for nearly every party there is here, party thrown by lions, Leopards and Wild Dogs that is. This shot from this mornings drive though I think paints them in a better light. Shot from inside the Landi, the D4s / 800f5.6 AFS with TC attached is perched on the Gitzo 5561SGT which is acting as a monopod. I have my Arca Swiss B2 and with that combo, I’m able to work the big glass from the Landi and get the shot. The tripod for the most part leans against my leg as I stablize the whole rig from movement inside the vehicle. Our amazing ranger Roan then drives forward or back, left or right small inches to help fine tune the shot. There are lots of birds in Africa, photographed about 30 species so far but this iconic one was on my list to get!
Oct 16, 2014 | Wildlife Photography
If there was one species of critter I wanted to photograph here in Africa it was the Hyaena. This morning we had a little time right after the rain with two female Spotted Hyaena just lying beside the road. The Hyaena is a very misaligned critter as most think of them as vicious, smellie, opportunist. They are essential to the ecosystem and do more than just eat dead stuff. Now watching this sleeping female through the 800mm, I couldn’t help notice its smile and I wondered if they have “doggie” dreams. I’m looking forward to hopefully spending more time with them and time with them at a kill. That’s true Africa!
Oct 15, 2014 | Wildlife Photography
Yep, that’s basically all we did last night. Not having been to Africa before, I thought Leopards are kinda rare to see. But we’ve already spent a lot of time photographing SIX different individuals in just 36hrs! Seriously, Images in Africa and the folks here at Mala Mala really know their stuff and our opportunities prove it. This mom had just killed a Impala and when arrived, her two, ten month old daughters had just cleaned out the stomach to lighten it. We were just in time to watch mom carry up into the tree and hang it for the kids to feast on. Afterwards, well you can see what mom did. Shot handheld with the D4s / 80-400VR3 it’s a simple click as we literally for two hours hung around with them. Just bloody too cool!
Oct 14, 2014 | Wildlife Photography
Yep, Africa is magical! I’ve been on two drives so far and seen elephants, leopard, buffalo, even a pack of Wild Dogs taking down TWO antelope! Gavin at Images in Africa and the folks here at Mala Mala have brought us to an amazing slice of our wild heritage. While I planned on lots of blogging live from Africa this week, just dealing with the 8k images so far has got me jumpin. So, just wanted to let you all know I’m here, it’s great and have tons of stories to share, when I can. This is a two year old female Leopard who we were able to spend a hour with last evening. Shot with D4s / 80-400VR3 handheld from the back of the amazing Land Rover.
Oct 13, 2014 | Wildlife Photography
It’s a common question, “Does flash scare birds” or critters? I posted this video some time ago in an attempt to answer this question. But it’s come up a lot of late so just wanted to share my answer with you all again. And for what it’s worth, there are lots of videos with answers like this on my YouTube Channel that you might want to check out sometime.
