PhotoShare: Mana Dreaming

I can't believe how time has flied. It's now almost a year since I made the epic journey up to Mana Pools in Zimbabwe. What excites me is that I'll be going back in about 8 weeks' time with Marlon du Toit on the first official WILD EYE MANA POOLS PHOTO SAFARI.

After my mind-blowing experience in Mana last year, I vowed to introduce more like-minded photographers to the magic of Mana...and this safari is the result. It should run annually, and it seems like there is already enough interest for a back-to-back double safari next year. This year's trip is fully booked, as you can imagine...

For more info on joining me next year, and to sign up on the waiting list (which is growing by the day) click HERE.

I am still working through some images captured there last year. Here's one I thought you would enjoy. It was taken at sunset on our first afternoon in the Zambezi riverbed. I was sitting on the river bank photographing some elephants foraging in the sandy riverbed. There are few things that compare to the light of an African hazy sunset combined with dust and an iconic animal. 

Enjoy!

Morkel Erasmus

PhotoShare: Kissed by the Sun

It's been a while since I shared a photo outright on my blog for the sake of just sharing a photo. Here's one I processed last night from a 2012 trip to the Kalahari. The first rays of sunlight were just enveloping this lone giraffe and I loved the mood. What do you think??

The key to a good rim-light photo is proper exposure. If you have time, play around until the histogram looks good and you have good shadow and highlight detail...

Until next time!

Morkel Erasmus

A reason for every season in the Kgalagadi

Those who follow my photography will know that I tend to visit the Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park…a lot.

I cannot think of a single naturalist or wildlife photography fanatic in South Africa who doesn’t have a passion for the Kgalagadi. It’s got so much going for it: wide open terrain, big skies, intense predator action, diverse wildlife and some of the best photographic light that you can find.

I often get asked when is the best time to go.

The answer? Any time…

Seriously, though, I thought of a few of the pros and cons of every season in the Kalahari...and wrote them down. You'll have to click through to the actual article on the Wild Eye blog HERE. 

Happy snapping!

Morkel Erasmus

Kruger: December 2009 (Part 2)

Okay, so it's about time I carried on with this trip report...

We carried on in the humid and overcast weather on our first day in the Kruger Park, driving up to Shingwedzi.

This was the view over the Olifants River as we crossed it.

This flock of Yellow-Billed Storks were being lazy by the water's edge.
Next up, some Cape Buffalo...

This elephant skull served as a reminder that even the mighty of the bush can fall...life is short.

We had to wait for this little guy (and the rest of his family) to cross the road. You always give elephants right of way in Kruger!

Shortly before we reached Shingwedzi Rest Camp, we came across this "lifer" for me - a Levaillant's Cuckoo.

Some more Cape Buffalo were enjoying the cool water of the Shingwedzi river...

A family of Southern Ground Hornbills provded some entertainment before we reached our destination...this is a juvenile...

This Fork-Tailed Drongo welcomed us at the Shingwedzi gate.

We unpacked, settled in and took some siesta time. Before we headed out for our afternoon drive I spent some time with the local squirrels...

Our afternoon drive was focused around the camp to explore the Shingwedzi riverbed and the low water bridge behind the camp. It was a quiet drive...here are the highlights though...

When the water flows strongly over the low-water bridge, you can see waders taking full advantage of the easy fishing on offer...

That was the end of our first full day in the Park. The next day was around the bend, but first...a nice braai (barbeque) and some rest...