LensofLawrence

Warts and All

Possibly not the handsomest animal in the kingdom but they are full of character.

Possibly not the handsomest animal in the kingdom but they are full of character.
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NIKON D7100

settings

Aperture f/9 ISO 1000 Shutter 1/2000 Focal Length 80/1

upload_date

Sep, 2017

Views

1626

Likes

+310

Awards

Peer Choice Award

Contest Finalist in Image Of The Month Photo Contest Vol 26

Peer Award

+95

Superb Composition

+17

Top Choice

+16

Absolute Masterpiece

+14

Magnificent Capture

+13

Outstanding Creativity

All Star

Superior Skill

Virtuoso

Genius

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Top 30 rank

Top 30 rank week 1

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Behind The Lens

Location

This was taken at Indlovu River Lodge Bird Hide in Hoedspruit South Africa. The hide is beautifully set up with luxury executive chairs and fixed gimbals that are set at the same level as the water. Basically you are sitting underground and this and other photos taken on this day show the importance and dramatic affect perspective can have on photos. It was the first day of a Big Cat photographic safari I had organised for 10 of my fellow Kiwi (New Zealand) photography club members. We were all from Cambridge Camera Club and for many it was their first trip to Africa. There was plenty of anticipation and excitement in the eir and this was a perfect start to a memorable week of Big Cat photography.

Time

This was taken in the early morning - probably around 8.00 am judging by the length of the shadows on August 27th 2017. We had got into the hide much earlier and had already taken several fabulous photos. Indlovu River Lodge has 2 bird hides that have been specifically designed and placed to take advantage of the early morning and late afternoon lighting conditions. This was the smaller of the two watering holes and the preferred one for early morning photography.

Lighting

I can't take any credit for the lighting I am afraid. That was provided by mother nature in conjunction with the architect who designed the hide specifically to take advantage of early morning light. We were very lucky with the weather being perfect - cold crisp and clear. That being said I think that even in inclement weather this would be a fantastic place to get some incredible photos. You are after all seated very comfortably, dry and warm regardless of the weather outside.

Equipment

I used my Nikon D7100 with my 80-200 mm f2.8 lens for this shot. The focal length used was 80mm with ISO 1000 and f9.0 And of course the camera was mounted on the supplied gimbal. Looking back I think I was in aperture mode - as advised by our guide. The reason for this was that birds came down in flocks and to ensure maximum depth of field for them f9.0 was a safe bet. Things happen very quickly in this sort of environment, birds interchanging with larger animals and smaller species virtually every minute, so I went with the guide's recommendation of using Aperture modedalthough I usually shoot in manual.

Inspiration

No insipration here I am afraid - very little needed as the animals are right there - less than 6 meters away. I did try to get as much of the reflection as possible in the shot but with the proximity of the animals and my focal length this was pretty difficult. A 50mm lens would probably have been better to get the whole reflection in. Still I love the shot of these two.

Editing

I always shoot in raw for post processing purposes but for this photo there was very little PP. I straightened the horizon and I may have done a bit of burning to bring out the texture of their skin.

In my camera bag

I have very simple kit - a Nikon D7100. It's older technology now but still takes great images. My favourite lens which almost lives on the camera is my Nikon ED AF 80-200 f2.8D - the one used for this photo. I bought this older lens specifically for this trip and have no regrets. I also carry a Tamron SP 24-70 f2.8 - a nice versatile lens, a Tamron 90mm f2.8 macro lens and a Sigma 10-20mm F4 - 5.6 wide angle lens. My tripod is always with me as is my 10 stop filter (which I don't use often enough). A fixture in my bag is a blower, a soft brush and several lens cloths. I've been caight once with rain drops on my lens and never again - hence a couple of cloths.

Feedback

Africa has unique wild life and very sadly the numbers are dwindling rapidly. I know it is hard to decide where to go when money is an issue but I highly recommend a photographich safari to South Africa with an outfit that is specifically geared up for photographers, by photographers. I would not recommend just going and mingling with the other thousands of tourists and vehicles that roam the game reserves. Pay the little bit extra for a private safari where a maximum of 3 vehicles at any one time will be at a particular sighting and all occupants with the sole intention of taking the best photos. It truly is a once in a lifetime experience!

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LensofLawrence

LensofLawrence

Warts and All

Possibly not the handsomest animal in the kingdom but they are full of character.

Behind The Lens

See more amazing photos, follow LensofLawrence

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