SaminAlmaty

#Himba @Grootberg Lodge, #Namibia #IloveNamibia #Africa

#Himba @Grootberg Lodge, #Namibia #IloveNamibia #Africa

#Himba @Grootberg Lodge, #Namibia #IloveNamibia #Africa
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Mar, 2015

Views

490

Likes

+11

Awards

Winner in PEOPLE DOING WHAT THEY DO Photo Challenge

Top Choice

Superb Composition

Superior Skill

Magnificent Capture

Peer Award

Top Ranks

Top 10 rank

Top 20 rank month 1

Top 30 rank week 3

Top 30 rank week 2

Top 30 rank week 1

Top 20 rank week 1

Top 30 rank

Behind The Lens

Location

This photo was taken near Grootberg Lodge, Nambia whilst on a tour of the local Himba Village. The village was situated in a remote area, close to fresh water but otherwise a very desolate and dry landscape. The mud huts were traditionally built by the women and housed approximately 40 people including about 15 children who were extremely excited to see the 5 tourists participating in the tour. The photo was taken inside the hut of this young lady with her baby who was approximately 15 months old.

Time

The sun was starting to get warm by the time we had arrived at the village around 11am. We had travelled down a dry riverbed and knew we were arriving in the village when we saw a number of children waiting for us. We were enthusiastically embraced and welcomed by the chief of the village and shown traditional techniques on how they bathe, cook and prepared jewellery.

Lighting

The lighting inside the hut was dark, shadowy and smokey due to the young lady showing us some traditional Himba cleaning techniques with coal. The added element of the smoke was highlighted when the photo is viewed in black and white.

Equipment

This was shot on a Nikon D7100 with a 18-300mm lens with no flash.

Inspiration

I wanted memories of such an amazing experience meeting people living life so different to my own. My love of Africa, its animals and people is solidified when I see my photos and dream when my next visit is. I love the fact that this photo represents this Himba woman as a strong, courageous mother and provider, they really are the backbone to this society.

Editing

I used a black and white filter to change the photo from the original colour.

In my camera bag

I am carrying a Nikon D7100 and backup D90 until I can afford a D810 this year. I use a Sigma 50-500mm as my go to wildlife lens but when working with people and landscapes I use a Nikkor 18-300 and a Sigma 10-20mm. When videoing I use a Canon Powershot X50, GoPros 3 and 3+ and a DJI Phantom 2 with a gimbal attachment for support. As I continue to practice and learn more I develop more camera/lens envy and hope to invest in more equipment this year.

Feedback

I was forced to squat inside the small room as my guide also joined us to help translate my questions. Trying to balance whilst watching, listening and taking photos was difficult due to the heat and smoke inside the room. If you have a bag to help you lean on to balance it would be ideal. Always best to wear khaki and who cares how dirty you get. The young lady was a little apprehensive at first whilst I was taking my photos but I asked her what she wanted to know about me and I seemed to put her at ease and she became comfortable enough to be able to smile and laugh. I had the added bonus of flying a DJI Phantom drone and made sure that I showed everyone how the drone worked, the footage from the drone and other movies/photos I had made from my travels around Africa on my iPad. It was one of the best ways to put the people at ease, to show them other cultures and animals that they had never seen before. Lots of laughter and breaking down of barriers.

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SaminAlmaty

SaminAlmaty

#Himba @Grootberg Lodge, #Namibia #IloveNamibia #Africa