The art of the iPhone ‘quick snap’: nothing calculated or pre-planned, just pure spontaneity and slight of hand. The beauty of smartphone images is surprisingly the lack of thought that needs to go into each shot. I often find that while professional camera equipment produces exceptional images, there are times when so much focus is placed on the settings and camera functions that we miss the sighting taking place in front of our eyes. After Mike’s blog last year exploring iPhone images he had taken while his camera was out of action, I have found myself quite enjoying using this medium and have often used my phone in place of my DSLR camera when needing a quick shot of animals too close-by to capture with a telephoto lens.
There are so many applications that allow for easy editing and filters to be used on your photographs that one can really just have a bit of fun with them. I have put together a selection of shots taken over the past few weeks and have applied no alterations, edits or filters on any of these – they are all just unashamedly honest iPhone shots. I particularly enjoy the panoramic photographs which show the incredible “office” myself and the rest of the ranging team and trackers get to enjoy on a daily basis.
A wild dog runs past my vehicle in pursuit of the Inyathini male leopard.
The Inyathini male leopard silhouetted against a magnificent sky after being chased up this marula tree by the pack of wild dog.
A panoramic shot of the Inyathini male leopard at sunset.
The Tsalala pride quench their thirst at Sable Boma Pan in the early hours of morning.
The panoramic view of this scene puts into perspective what a privilege it is to view these animals the way we do.
The Tsalala pride walks past Greg Pingo and his guests en-route towards the Sand River.
Sunset magic!
Tracker Innocent Ingwenya enjoys a 360-degree view of the large herd of buffalo at Siding 61 dam.
Rangers Sean Cresswell, Dave Strachan, Nick Kleer, Innocent Ingwenya and Werner Breedt smile for a shot after an afternoon of alien plant species removal.
Rehabilitation Team: Rangers and trackers get together between drives to rehabilitate areas in the reserve prone to erosion.
A bachelor herd of elephant come down to Rhino Dam for a morning drink.
A cloudy sky is the backdrop for this amazing expanse of wilderness.
Inquisitive hyenas investigate our presence at the den site.
The standard wide angle of the iPhone allows to capture the pachyderms as they saunter past the vehicle.
An elephant comes in for a close investigation!
I am always amazed when animals as large as elephant are made to look minuscule in the vast landscape.
This curious calf enjoys the fresh grass growth post rain.
A male cheetah enjoys the vantage point from a fallen marula.
While watching a male cheetah kill and start feeding on a small steenbuck, the female ostrich decided to pay us a visit!
Which one is your favourite?
Written and photographed by: Andrea Campbell, Londolozi Ranger
![Ntsevu Pride, Wild Dogs And Rhino (10) [rcb]](https://media.londolozi.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/12140133/Ntsevu-pride-wild-dogs-and-rhino-10-RCB-280x178.jpg)
Great pics Andrea. With technology improving all the time it is not impossible to get good pictures with a phone.
Wow Andrea that was a real treat on this windy Sunday here in Alberton. Your pictures are just so amazing, I feel as if I am right there with you! Well done to all on the removal of alien plants 🙂 🙂
I love the wild dog and puppies! I too have taken incredible shots with my ifone! Now I use both my fone and Canon! Sometimes the ifone gets the best! Unbelievable…. Your fotos are super!
Enjoyed them all, but the cheetah in the marula tree made me catch my breath at first view.
Fabulous!
I guess it is time to get rid of my flip phone & get an I-phone before I return to Londilozi next year. Of course I pick the rhino as my favorite.
Hands down the hyenas checking out the photographer. Second is the ostrich visit like “Hey, what are we looking at?”
Goodness I used to scoff at those smartphone jockeys who looked like they were having a day out at the zoo. These pics show what a phone is capable of in the right hands. Will definitely bring my iPhone next time – with a ‘proper’ camera as backup, of course.
My #1? The Inyathini male – this is Londo – need you ask?
Fantastic pics. Gives an a hint of the cameras of the future.
So why do we lug all of this heavy gear around? These are great!
Great photos Andrea – so wish we were there right now! Loved the close up of the elephant, cheetah in the marula tree,hyena and pups, rhino calf, lions etc, etc. Your iphone photos made me feel as though I was right there in the vehicle with you. Thank you.