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KambuaPhoto

The Zebra Illusion

Like most photographers, I take loads of photos. It wasn't until recently that I started going through my photos from my Kenya trip last year. I don't...
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Like most photographers, I take loads of photos. It wasn't until recently that I started going through my photos from my Kenya trip last year. I don't even remember taking this photo but imagine how delighted I was want I came across it. I like to refer to it as "The Zebra Illusion". There are three bodies but 2 faces or are there 3 faces?
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Canon EOS 5D Mark II

settings

Aperture 71/10 ISO 400 Shutter 1/800 Focal Length 280/1

location

Kenya

Nov, 2016

Views

1956

Likes

+180

Awards

Contest Finalist in Can You See Me Photo Contest

Peer Award

+34

Superb Composition

+10

Top Choice

Outstanding Creativity

Absolute Masterpiece

Magnificent Capture

All Star

Superior Skill

Top Ranks

Top 10 rank

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Top 10 rank week 1

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Behind The Lens

Location

This photo was taken at the Samburu National reserve in Kenya during a photo safari trip I was leading. It was great fun getting to share my beautiful country with my American photography friends.

Time

This photo was taken mid-morning in the Samburu National reserve on May 10, 2015. Every morning, we woke up early to go on game drives before it got too hot. Many animals stay away from the sun later in the day. On this day, I was amazed that I took 452 photos. I didn't start really looking through my photos until 2016 so imagine my delight was I came across this shot!

Lighting

This was shot in natural lighting. In post, I wanted to create an intimate feeling amongst the zebras. I added more warmth to the image to create a cozy feeling as you look at the image and the used of a vignette.

Equipment

I am a canon photographer. The zebras were shot with a Canon 5d mark II using the 70-200 on the EF 1.4x III extender. The camera was hand held and there was no use of a tripod.

Inspiration

When you go on game drives, you look for anything interesting lurking in the bushes or animals hanging out in the vast savannah. On this day we were hoping to see a pack of lions but when we came across this dazzle of zebras I could not resist. There was something mesmerizing about these zebras as they stood there, as if awaiting a photo shoot. Naturally, I obliged....

Editing

I did the basic editing in Adobe Lightroom and used used Color Efex Pro 4 adjustments. This was followed in bring out the details, then used the indian summer filter and lastly vignetting the image to create the frame.

In my camera bag

I try not to change lenses but in the event it's needed, my camera bag is equipped with DSLR lens cleaning hurricane blower. On African safari driving around the open air cars, there's dust every where. I carry two bodies, the canon 5dsr and 5d mark II. My lenses of choice are the canon 85 mm 1.2, 24-70 mm and the 70-200 mm. I have a rain protector for my camera bodies and lens cloth. I also find it helpful to have my camera manuals in a zip lock bag just in case I ran into some setting issues. I take my 600 EX-RT canon flash and my Gary Fong diffuser which I love!

Feedback

I have learnt that it's important to go on a photo safari with a mission or a focus of what you want to accomplish or rather what type of shots you want to walk away with. I remember going on a trip once where all I wanted were portraits of animals and people. It made lens selection much easier and also eliminated carrying lenses that I didn't need. When you have a clear goal, you walk away from an adventure with amazing images. It may also help to bracket when you shoot because in some instances, the places we travel to are once in a lifetime opportunities. Lastly, I try to compose scenes in your mind before putting the camera to your eye. When I do this, it helps me to think through the image before taking it. It's not always easy when you're on game drives and the car is moving but it's important. This way, you are able to savor the moments first in your heart by seeing them before you take your shot.

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KambuaPhoto

KambuaPhoto

The Zebra Illusion

Like most photographers, I take loads of photos. It wasn't until recently that I started going through my photos from my Kenya trip last year. I don't... Read more

Behind The Lens

See more amazing photos, follow KambuaPhoto

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Like most photographers, I take loads of photos. It wasn't until recently that I started going through my photos from my Kenya trip last year. I don't...
Read more

Share photos. Enter contests to win great prizes.
Earn coins, get amazing rewards. Join for free.