Land of Giants
Mashatu Game reserve, with a historical Baobab on the top of one of the ridges overlooking the reserve.
Mashatu Game reserve, with a historical Baobab on the top of one of the ridges overlooking the reserve.
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Oct, 2013Views
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Awards
Chatter Award
Zenith Award
Top Shot Award 22
Creative Winter Award
Legendary Award
Brilliant
Superb Composition
Absolute Masterpiece
Outstanding Creativity
Top Choice
Exceptional Contrast
All Star
Jaw Dropping
Magnificent Capture
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Behind The Lens
Location
The photo was taken in Botswana as part of a trip to Mashatu game reserve with the team of EcoTraining. The spot itself is referred to as Mamagwa by the guides. Mashatu itself is fondly referred to as the land of giants, and this is derived from the fact that they have lots of elephants and these amazing Baobab trees featured in the photo.Time
It was late afternoon and we climbed up the Mamagwa hill to survey the valley floor below as part of a sundowner excursion. You have an unsurpassed view of the Mashatu valley floor from this point that makes for a perfect landscape image. The spot captures the area. It obviously helps that the spot also includes a massive Baobab tree steeped in history that almost seems out of place on this dry rocky hill.Lighting
I wanted to capture the moment and the activity. I joined a group of learner guides as they took a break from their trails guiding course with EcoTraining to take in the sun setting over the grassland below. Its the end of a day in the bush and it captures the last rays of sun stretching over the savannah. In the bush the light changes drastically in the golden hour before sunset, and it brings with it a range of colours that is worth capturing.Equipment
I actually didn't use any specialised equipment, something that actually makes this image great. Due to the steep climb and time constraints to capture the light as it faded in the late afternoon. I used a light small Nikon d3100 with an 18-55mm lens that was ideal for the landscape shot. I sat on the ground to stabilise the shot as I didn't have a tripod.Inspiration
The are in Botswana is the epitome of all that defines wilderness areas in Africa. I was charmed by the vast open spaces and the biodiversity of wildlife from the gigantic to the minuscule. The "koppie" or hill captures the majestic skies unfettered by smog and has a tranquility interspersed with birdsong and sounds of the wild. The tree itself beautifully captures the slogan for the area "Land of Giants"Editing
The moment provided a lot of the colours needed for this shot, and I used that to capture the image. I did, however, play around with the balance to emphasise the red and orange hues that came with the late afternoon sun setting on the horizon.In my camera bag
I normally travel with two camera bodies, a Nikon D200/or the D300 with a larger lens as well as a smaller lighter body for Macro and landscape options. As an amateur Im still building on my equipment but always have my Sigma 150-600mm F5-6.3 APO DG OS HSM as well as a shorter range (up to 200mm) Nikon lens as a option, as well as a lens that is versitile for Landscape and Macro (I cant walk past an insect). I tend to pack according to the area that I travel too and adapt my bag to deal with the terrian. I also ensure that I have a smaller bag incase I expect a lot of walking, or as in the case of this image climbing. Always have a tripod, and a bean bag. On Safaris I always travel with a kikoi - Its great for very cold winter mornings and keeps the dust away from my camera on dusty roads.Feedback
Mashatu as with other parts of Botswana can be dry and dusty, especially during the winter months. At the time of day and angle of this image, it helps to have a Kikoi (or large cloth to cover your camera to check the results). I always have one with me to wrap my camera, to protect it from dust and it comes in handy if your checking on the results on site. You will have limited time as you are trying to capture the golden hour in the bush. I advise that you use a tripod to steady your shot, although it's not always easy to climb mountains (on even a steep hill as was the case here) with lots of equipment. Try out different angles and positions to capture the best light while keeping in mind your main subject. In this case, it was all about the tree and its place on this hill. I wanted to ensure I can still see the horizon and the valley below, while filling the frame with this big Boabab tree.
