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Behind The Lens
Location
This photo was taken in the Pilanesburg nature reserve in northwest province South Africa. The photo was originally shot in color but the subject screamed to be converted to black and white.Time
The photo was taken on 29 July 2010 at 9:30 in the morning, this was only the 2nd trip that I took with my 1st DSLR camera, before that it was all old school and point and click.Lighting
African skies are the clearest and the light the brightest, on this day however the sun was behind a thick cloud bank which defused the light perfectly.Equipment
Sony DSLR a-330 2010 model, beanbag on the car windowsill for movement and vibration, no flash neededInspiration
I am inspired by nature, the things you do not see every day or the things you see but do not always see as beautiful or unique or even noteworthy. The two Zebras standing looking at me was a challenge to see how fast I can stop, turn the motor of, place the camera , focus and get the right balance.Editing
Yes I took it from color to B&WIn my camera bag
I travel light on a small budget, I have a lens kit pairing 18-70 and a 55-200. I recently obtained a 2nd hand lens but had poor luck with it as it had dust trapped behind the one lens and it caused all my photos with a sky line in to appear grainy and full of fibers so that is no longer in the bag. I carry a small paint brush for dust, a micro fiber cloth for dust and smudges on the lenses, a bean bag to rest the camera on in place of a tripod, 3 memory cards and lastly I carry a UV filter and a polarized filter for the off chance of seeing something in the water that needs seeing. I used to carry a note book and pen to note all interesting things but the i-device works much better.Feedback
In the bit above I mentioned what I do carry however I believe you should avoid the following in your bag, 1. a watch, photography takes time, if you are checking your watch then you will not get the right photo, 2. do not "carry" people who do not share your passion for the lens, they will try and rush you as they will not see what you are looking to capture. 3. Do not carry a list of must click's or must photograph things, as an amateur you are free to take what you want when you see it. 4. leave the how to book at home, it is only good to see what you did wrong after you took the picture, if you want to Annalise and try and pose every subject then you will miss the joy of nature. probably your subject and the reason for being outdoors. I am not saying do not try and get the perfect pic, if it is there and you have the time set it up, but if you think the moment might pass, take the pic instinctively and then if the subject is still there take your time and set up the shot. This shot was one of those stop aim and click moments as I was afraid they might look away.