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Jun, 2016Views
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Same photographer See allBehind The Lens
Behind The Lens
Location
Taken in an underground bunker in the town of Kasane, Botswana. This is the area adjacent to Chobe National Reserve where there are simply thousands of elephants. Walking through the bunker which is made of old steel, you reach a small room and from there are just meters away from where the elephants come to drink from a source of fresh water. It is a simply wonderful way to see wild animals in their natural environment.Time
It was taken at twilight, however even during the day it is almost dark in the bunker. I spent a couple of hours sitting on the steps waiting for the right moment however was not happy and returned the next day.Lighting
Unfortunately, I am still totally new at photography and this photo was very much trial and error in my effort to see what the camera can do. I was experimenting with the monochrome settings, toning, blue.Equipment
I only have one camera, a Nikon D7000 with a Nikon 55-300 lens, plus the smaller 18-55 lens. No other equipment at all. Although I long to have better equipment, plus the opportunity to have better training, finances at this stage don't allow.Inspiration
I was drawn to this bunker, with the old galvanised sheeting walls. At first I simply took the photo without my husband, but it was difficult to show the size. So he offered, rather reluctantly to stand at the end. I also had a friend stand around the corner shining a small torch to give a little light in that dark spot. It is difficult and sometimes dangerous in these bunkers, the previous day we spotted a cobra eating a mouse, so I didn't want to spend much time down there for this photo, had already decided, the previous day, which setting to use.Editing
Nothing. This is exactly as I took the photo.In my camera bag
I only have my camera and the two lenses, the Nikon 55-300 and 18-55.Feedback
I guess the best advice I could give, as a newie at this, is simply to always, yes always have your camera with you. I don't move without automatically picking up the camera bag. It doesn't live in my cupboard. So often, it is a momentary setting or spotting and there really is no time to go to great lengths or thought. To capture this particular photo I sat on the stairs of the bunker for a long time, watching the little light there was change and had to return the next day to get the shot.
