Ground squirrels grooming
Dec, 2016Views
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Contest Finalist in Small Wildlife Photo Contest
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Behind The Lens
Location
This was taken while on holiday in 2011 in a stunning South African nature reserve called the Kgalagadi Transfrontier National Park (which extends over three different countries). As an amateur photographer, this was taken during my learning and experimenting period, getting to know my camera and developing my sense of creativity and speed because Ground Squirrels are really quick!Time
This is one of my favourite (and lucky) photos taken in the heat of the day after driving nearly 12 hours to our destination. We were hot, tired and ready to relax when I noticed the wildlife scampering around the campsite. It was too tempting not to bring out my camera for some shots, hopping between the shade of trees because it was 40 degrees C!Lighting
Bright desert lighting can be almost blinding, leeching the colour and definition out of the environment and makes for a very challenging photographic conditions but fortunately, the shade can provide the much-needed relief from the harshness, bearing in mind that one had to avoid heavy backlighting by careful positioning and composition. These two were perfectly situated in a spot with just enough light in the shade with no backlighting.Equipment
This was taken with my very first camera, a Canon D500 and Sigma 100 - 500 mm lens with a UV filter, no other equipment.Inspiration
The Kgalagadi is an incredible place with the most amazing diversity of wildlife, what I love the most is being able to get really close to the smaller animals people often overlook because they aren't as spectacular as lions and leopards. These little Ground Squirrels have such a dynamic social structure and are fascinating to watch as they play, feed, and groom one another. Having the opportunity to capture such a tender moment was very special.Editing
Back, in the beginning, I used to shoot in jpeg (since I was still in the learning phase) and minimal editing because I was experimenting with Photoshop. This was converted into black and white to enhance the detail and removing any distraction caused by highlightsIn my camera bag
Firstly I think I need a bigger bag, I currently travel with my Canon 760D, Canon 80D, and Canon 90. Lenses include my portrait lens, telephoto lens 100-400mm, Macro 100mm lens, and Sigma wide-angle 10-20mm lens. Filters include polariser filters and variable graduated filter. I use three tripods, a mini tripod for Orchids, and large tripods for lighting and landscapes.Feedback
Patience and practice.
