Baobab Tree
A baobab tree coming into blossom in Ruaha National Park, Tanzania.
A baobab tree coming into blossom in Ruaha National Park, Tanzania.
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Apr, 2016Views
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Awards
Contest Finalist in Dear Trees Photo Contest
Action Award
Chatter Award
Contest Finalist in Frames Of Nature Photo Contest
Contest Finalist in Mother Nature Photo Contest 2021
Contest Finalist in My Incredible Landscape Photo Contest
Legendary Award
Top Shot Award
People's Choice in ALL ABOUT TREE'S Photo Challenge
Contest Finalist in Blue Skies Photo Contest
Featured
Contest Finalist in I Love Trees Photo Contest
Peer Award
Superb Composition
Absolute Masterpiece
Top Choice
Outstanding Creativity
Magnificent Capture
Superior Skill
All Star
Genius
Emotions
Impressed
Happy
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Behind The Lens
Location
This photo was taken in Ruaha National Park in Tanzania. My husband and I went there on honeymoon, and had the most incredible trip.Time
Most of my shots from Africa are taken in the 'golden hour', around sunrise or sunset, when the light has a stunning quality for photography, but I took this shot around midday. It was blisteringly hot, and the sunlight was almost blindingly bright. All the wildlife had settled down in hiding places to wait out the heat of the day, so we were heading back to our camp to do likewise. Normally there wouldn't be much to photograph, but I had to stop for this baobab in blossom, and the blue sky and clouds behind made for a lovely composition.Lighting
With the bright midday sun, the main issue was avoiding white-out and harsh shadows - luckily as the tree wasn't going anywhere I was able to take my time and play around until I got the photo I wanted.Equipment
I borrowed my husband's phone camera! I only had a telephoto lens on my Canon, so I couldn't get the wide-angle shot I wanted with that. The phone did a great job!Inspiration
I had never seen a baobab in blossom before, and the mackerel sky behind made for a dramatic shot. I liked the way the low angle emphasised how imposing and impressive this magnificent tree was.Editing
Nope, none was needed!In my camera bag
Canon 5D Mark III, 100-400 telephoto lens, and always my own phone camera now so I don't have to borrow my husband's!Feedback
Firstly, go to Africa! My absolute favourite photography destination (I couldn't narrow it down from continent to country, each one has so much to recommend it). Secondly, keep your eyes open even when you think there'll be nothing worth photographing. The light was harsh, it was too hot to feel like making an effort, and I was aiming to photograph wildlife, which was all sleeping out of sight, but by trying to remain aware and open to ideas, I spotted this tree and took one of my favourite shots of the trip.
