Safe and secure.
Elephants - Manyara Tanzania
Elephants - Manyara Tanzania
Read less
Read less
Mar, 2014Views
2485
Likes
Awards
Peer Award
Top Choice
Absolute Masterpiece
Superb Composition
Outstanding Creativity
All Star
Magnificent Capture
Superior Skill
Jaw Dropping
Exceptional Contrast
Virtuoso
Emotions
Impressed
Top Ranks
Top 30 rankTop 30 rank week 1
Top 30 rank week 1
Top 30 rank week 1
Top 20 rank
PRO+
PRO+
wildpainter
March 21, 2014
I'm still new to ViewBug so please excuse me if I don't follow edicate of the site. Thank you to every one who has viewed my images and shown their support. I am a wildlife artist and this was the driving force behind much of my photography. 4 trips to Africa in the last 5 years and extensive travel in Australia (my home country) has resulted in a 80000 digital image collection to draw on. I now see my photographs as an equal partner to my paintings. Thanks again!See www.stephenpowell.com.au
Premium
RavenHawk58
April 26, 2016
YOU do wildlife photography great justice. It is so needed. My dream is to make it to Africa one day. I have worked with the environment for over 45 years
PRO+
wildpainter
February 13, 2017
Once you have paid for the flights you can explore very cheaply in Africa.
andrevondeling
June 14, 2016
Nice shot, thank you for joining my challenge. Love it but i do think there are other entries that fit the theme even better...Andre
PRO+
PRO
PRO+
wildpainter
February 13, 2017
Thanks Mark, very memorable time with the elephants and the orange dust!
PRO+
Platinum
PRO
Same photographer See allBehind The Lens
-
Share to Facebook
-
Share to X
-
Share to WhatsApp
-
Share via Email
-
Share to Facebook
-
Share to X
-
Share to WhatsApp
-
Share via Email
-
Share to Facebook
-
Share to X
-
Share to WhatsApp
-
Share via Email
-
Share to Facebook
-
Share to X
-
Share to WhatsApp
-
Share via Email
-
Share to Facebook
-
Share to X
-
Share to WhatsApp
-
Share via Email
-
Share to Facebook
-
Share to X
-
Share to WhatsApp
-
Share via Email
-
Share to Facebook
-
Share to X
-
Share to WhatsApp
-
Share via Email
-
Share to Facebook
-
Share to X
-
Share to WhatsApp
-
Share via Email
-
Share to Facebook
-
Share to X
-
Share to WhatsApp
-
Share via Email
-
Share to Facebook
-
Share to X
-
Share to WhatsApp
-
Share via Email
-
Share to Facebook
-
Share to X
-
Share to WhatsApp
-
Share via Email
-
Share to Facebook
-
Share to X
-
Share to WhatsApp
-
Share via Email
-
Share to Facebook
-
Share to X
-
Share to WhatsApp
-
Share via Email
-
Share to Facebook
-
Share to X
-
Share to WhatsApp
-
Share via Email
-
Share to Facebook
-
Share to X
-
Share to WhatsApp
-
Share via Email
-
Share to Facebook
-
Share to X
-
Share to WhatsApp
-
Share via Email
-
Share to Facebook
-
Share to X
-
Share to WhatsApp
-
Share via Email
Behind The Lens
Location
This photo was taken in the Babati, Manyara Region Tanzania. We had descended from the Ngorongoro Crater and down the escarpment into the Great Rift Valley.Time
I was leading an artist - photographer safari that started at lake Victoria and we traveled through the Serengeti,Tarangire, Manyara and Ngorongoro National Parks. At 12 midday we came across a herd of elephants resting in a small patch of shade. Whilst midday light is not ideal the photo opportunities were glorious and endless. Animals don't always turn up when conditions are perfect for photography. The adults forming a protective barrier around the young elephant. Shading the baby whilst caressing and reassuring it with rumbling whispers. They all took turns on the termite mound to scratch and collect orange dust that they blew in sweeping arcs over themselves.Lighting
Clouds filled the sky producing soft and flat light. For most photographers, this is the time of the day to be in camp talking about the glorious light of the morning game drive. Fortunately, on this day we got to see this wonderful sight.Equipment
Canon 7D and EF100-400 f/4.5-5.6L IS USM. Cullman shoulder stock.Inspiration
Wild elephants are inspiration enough but the endless interactions of a mixed herd with bright orange dust to colour the images was stunning. It was a case of what to shoot first! Babies playing in a sea of legs or capturing the whole herd and the bush setting. There was action everywhere zoom in for intimate moments or back for dramatic dust swirls. I took 125 shots and some video in 19 minutes before the herd moved on.Editing
I do the majority of my post processing in Lightroom and photoshop for some of the more demanding edits. This shot is just Lightroom. This is a full frame shot with no cropping. The raw image was a bit soft and the background was blown out and distracting. I added +20 to contrast, pulled back the highlights -50 and -22 on blacks. I used the Adjustment brush to reduce exposure on the background. I endeavor to get the most from my shots whilst reflecting reality.In my camera bag
At this time I had 2 7D's with a 24-105 and 100-400. I also carried a Canon S95 for video and for the times when the wildlife is very close and shutter noise is not recommended. I also grab over the shoulder video & shots of my fellow travelers. I don't carry a tripod or monopod as most shots are taken from a safari vehicle and use it whenever possible for rests. I have a Cullman Table Tripod that is configured to a simple and light shoulder stock and permanently attached to my 100-400. My Lowepro safari pack is carry on size and holds a laptop, card reader, 2 portable drives, cables, chargers, batteries, cleaning gear,,,,, It is almost double the weight allowance for carry-on luggage but always cleared. I sometimes need to hang my camera and 100-400 around my neck but I never trust check-in!Feedback
On my first trip to Africa, I focused on gaining reference for my Wildlife art my passion. Snapping away at anything that moved. Get a shot rather than get a great shot. On subsequent trips, I looked for every opportunity, vegetation, landscapes, and people. I also looked for wildlife interactions so that my shots told a story as well as captured a moment. Postures and activities that add interest, emotion or energy to a shot. I looked for light to add magic to a shot. Seek out and photograph things you are passionate about your passion will show in your shots. I have pursued my passion for wildlife in my paintings and photography. My love of wildlife started in primary school. My career in art and photography, however, did not begin until the age of 40. It has transformed my life from Factory Manager to Wildlife Artist Photographer, Tutor, and Africa Tour Guide. My passion brought opportunities and contacts. 4 trips and 6+ months in Africa 3 trips as a guide. At age 64 I give regular presentations about wildlife, art, and photography to share my images, skills, and stories. These lead to more opportunities. Looking forward to many more adventures in Australia, Africa, and beyond. To capture a shot like this one you need to work on your photography skills but most importantly you must be where the action is! You don't get great shots whilst admiring your equipment at home!
