718 - Copy
Jan, 2015Views
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Staff Winter Selection 2015
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Behind The Lens
Location
This photo was taken at a resort called The Fort in the Onguma Game Reserve in Namibia. I was sitting on the main lodge outdoor deck looking over the watering hole.Time
This was taken in the late afternoon just as the sun was starting to set, and the animals were all coming in to drink before sundown.Lighting
I love the golden light as it reflected off the beautiful buff coats of the impalas as they wandered about the water hole.Equipment
I used a Nikon D5300 with a Nikon 18-300mm f/3.5-5.6G AF-S DX Nikkor Lens. No flash, hand held...no tripod.Inspiration
I was nearing the end of a 3 month dream adventure on my own in Africa. I was trying to take in as many things as I possibly could along the way, and on this particular evening I was sitting there just reflecting on the glorious surroundings and how I hated to have to leave soon. As the sun began to set the impalas came in to drink as did several other animals and I just loved the light was reflecting up off the water and the golden coats of the impalas. I just shot many photos over about 30 minutes and this one was just one of the ones I loved most.Editing
The only post-processing was to crop it just a little so as to show off just those few animals as opposed to the larger herd.In my camera bag
I always carry my Nikon D5300 everywhere! literally. I just never know when I will come upon something begging to be shot. But when I travel for specific trips or adventures I have upgraded and now have moved up to a Nikon D500 camera with a Tamron SP 150-600 mm f/5-6.3 Di VC USD Lens for photographing wildlife in Africa. But I still carry the D5300 with a Nikon 18-300 mm f/3.5-5.6G AF-S DX Nikkor Lens so I can shoot close up or zoom on the fly without risking missing the shot to change lenses or without introducing the risk of dust and dirt in the camera.Feedback
I love the early morning light as the sun just starts to rise, and the golden hour of the evening for photographing. I also love fog or mist, dead trees, and lots of color. This particular photo was during just before the golden hour but the magic of the reflective light was just amazing. So just sit and listen, watch, and be patient for the chances to come to you. I have spent many hours just sitting in an open game vehicle just waiting for the right shot to happen.
