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Photo Safari Report: Colin & Jackie Morris | Flatdogs Camp | 15 – 17 June 2016
I raved about this time of year in my last trip report of Arun & Reeta's safari. And I was very pleased to be able to guide Jackie & Colin from Flatdogs Camp last week and enjoy more of the beautiful early season in Luangwa. So, in a rough order of appearance, here are the stars of our safari from last week. We started our first morning with some wonderful giraffe antics along the main river. [...]
Photoshoots: Conservation South Luangwa & Zambia Carnivore Programme
Conservation South Luangwa and the Zambia Carnivore Programme are NGOs, based in Mfuwe, who do invaluable work for the protection and conservation of the Luangwa Valley. I rate both organisations highly and was very pleased to be asked to join the board of CSL at the end of last year. They work closely together to protect the wildlife resources that this area is dependent on and do so in a considered, educated and thoughtful way. It's [...]
Wildlife: Alice’s Legend Lives On….
Anyone who's followed my blog will know of a famous leopard in South Luangwa called Alice. She wowed us with wonderful sightings for more than 10 years, and has only recently succumbed to old age (she hasn't been seen since November so we fear the worst). But her legend of astounding behaviour (even in the presence of safari vehicles) lives on in at least 3 generations of cubs who are still regularly seen. Two cubs in [...]
Tips for Wildlife Photographers: #3 “Think about Light Direction”
Even those who know almost nothing about photography will know that you "put the sun behind you" when taking photos. This is not a bad maxim to use for photography and certainly it's a safe bet that images taken with the sun behind the photographer will turn out just fine. But, applying this maxim to every subject that you encounter doesn't normally give the best results. Let me show you why.... Take this shot of an [...]
Photo Safari Report: Arun & Reeta | Marula Lodge | 16 – 21 May 2016
Without sounding like shameless promoters, there is no easy way to do justice to the early dry season as a time for game viewing in the South Luangwa; it is quite simply a beautiful, rewarding period which is slightly unpredictable, a trait that only adds to its appeal. It's true that the sightings of predators on the move can be better in the drier months, and that the birding opportunities better in the rainy season. It [...]
Wildlife: Not something you see every day….
On the final day of my safari with Arun & Reeta we spotted an elephant eyeing up the tasty leaves of a wild mango tree. Judging him to be of the size who can rear up on their back legs, I quickly trained my guests' cameras onto him and we watched as he shifted the weight onto his back legs and reared up to his tallest height! While they can't maintain this pose for long, it's [...]
Wildlife: Cool Luangwa Morning
Hot off the press from my safari with Arun & Reeta from India, here is a beautiful lioness contemplating a distant bushbuck as the soft light of early morning reflects the green hues of vegetation across her coat. We took a long time at this sighting of 5 lions, moving carefully around to work on different angles. Finally, this lioness's distant gaze provided a perfect complement to her serene surroundings. Please turn on Javascript Your web [...]
Tips for Wildlife Photographers: #2 “Focus very carefully”
Wildlife photography is a rich and complex subject. A professional can take a lifetime perfecting his art, trying new ideas, pushing his equipment to the limits and seeking that one moment which will make his name. However, whoever they are, and wherever they live, they will have learned about obtaining accurate focus and how to do it every time. Modern cameras have outstanding auto-focus systems. They can obtain focus fast, accurately and in very low light [...]
Through the Lens: Something a little different
Simple composition does nothing to distract from the wonderful details and creases on this old gentleman's face. Please turn on Javascript Your web browser appears not to have Javascript enabled, please enable it to use the form below. This is required to prevent spam and we sincerely apologise for any inconvenience caused. Leave a comment Your Name Your Email(Optional) Your Comment No info required here, please press the button below.
Tips for Wildlife Photographers: #1 “Get Low”
It's one of most common recommendations offered to aspiring wildlife photographers...."Get low, below the subject's eye level or even lower if possible". This has given rise to the common sight of a vehicle-full of people descending the side-steps and throwing themselves on the ground with their cameras to get that low-angle shot that they're looking for. And yes, I will admit, the effect is dramatic: compared to looking 'down' on the animal from above, the angle [...]
Photo Safari Skills: Sharpness, Focus and Blur
It's question that I am regularly asked: "Why is my image soft?". It's actually a good question, as it opens up a discussion about factors that affect how clear and sharp the details of your subject are in your final image. But before addressing the causes of 'soft' images, we need to ensure that we have correctly identified the type of softness in our image. There are 3 types: 1. Softness due to incorrect focus - [...]
Wildlife: Lions and Dogs
I must say it's a relief! Much as I value the rains as a time of regeneration (and for great birding opportunities) a day comes when the air is drier, and the breeze is fresh, and I celebrate! Not only am I happy to be able to move around without permanent perspiration, but it's a very exciting time of year - the promise of a new safari season. The wildlife seems to feel it too, beginning [...]
EDWARD SELFE
I organise & run photographic safaris in the finest wildlife areas on Earth.
