NevilleJonesPhoto

What are you looking at?

Mar, 2015

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Awards

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Top Shot Award 21

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Absolute Masterpiece

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Outstanding Creativity

+22

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All Star

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Behind The Lens

Location

This photo was taken in the Selinda Reserve on the northern edge of the Okavango Delta in Botswana. https://wetu.com/iBrochure/en/Home/7027-9985/Selinda_Camp

Time

This was the last day of our stay at Selinda. We had a very early breakfast and headed out on a game drive while the sun was still low and the atmosphere was cool, thick and heavy on the ground. We were driving towards an area we thought we might find Wild Dogs. And then our eagle-eyed guide spotted this young adult female laying on the ground near a fallen tree trunk. Above her in another nearby tree was the half-eaten carcass of a warthog.

Lighting

The side lighting from the still-low sun lifts the subject out from the dark tree trunk in the background. I'm always looking for opportunities to shoot wildlife with classic Rembrandt lighting. This lighting model works as well for animals as it does for human portraits. But this lighting plan depends on the position of the subject, the direction and quality of the light and the nature of the background. Of course, we can't control any of these factors in the bush in Africa. All you can do is to increase the chances of seeing a worthy subject in the right position, with the sun in the right position. That means getting out when the sun is low at every opportunity. Another lighting model I look for is backlighting or rim-lighting, where the I shoot towards the sun, which creates a thin halo of light around the subject. This photo is between these two lighting models. The light is too far to the rear to be a correct Rembrandt light, which would have some direct light on the cheekbone in the left of the image. And the light is too far to the front to be true rim lighting. But the problem of the imperfect lighting is overcome by the compelling engagement with those golden eyes.

Equipment

This shot was taken with my usual kit for Africa. (I go to Africa every year with www.experiential.travel ) Camera: Sony A99 (I've been shooting with Sony for ten years) Lens: Tamron 150-600mm F5.6-6.3 (The Tammy is best compromise between quality and weight, considering that many of my trips are limited to 15Kg, including baggage, cameras and carry-on.)

Inspiration

I'm always trying to reveal something of the character of my subjects. As soon as I saw this leopard I knew I was going to get a good shot of her. She was sitting quietly and confidently in a great position. We made sure we didn't do anything to disturb her and just waited for the right moment.

Editing

I have only applied some basic Lightroom adjustments of contrast, curves and a bit of dodging and burning.

In my camera bag

As mentioned above I need to keep the equipment to a minimum for weight reasons. Sony A99 (Replaced by A7iii) Sony A77 (Replaced by A7Sii) Tamron 150-600mm F5.6-6.3 Sony G70-200mm F2.8 (For night drives) Sony Zeiss 24-70mm F2.8 (For landscapes and video) Sony GN58 flash Beholder DS-1 Gimbal CPL filter Mavic Air Mac Air 11" 2TB external drive for backups

Feedback

When you go to Africa you get an appreciation for how much effort to it takes to capture the great images and documentaries we have seen. So, you must: 1. Go often 2. Choose a travel agent who specialises in Africa 3. Choose a tour operator who understands photography 4. Make sure your guide understands your goals 5. Get up early every day 6. Go out on every game drive, the earlier in the morning and later in the afternoon the better 7. Set your camera and lens up as soon as you get in the vehicle. You could see your first subject within meters of camp. 8. Speak up and tell your guide to stop if you see something because he/she may not have 9. Critically review your shots in camp every day and adjust your technique 10. Backup every day 11. Clean your gear every day. African dust is very pervasive.

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NevilleJonesPhoto

NevilleJonesPhoto

What are you looking at?

Behind The Lens

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