The first rains are now a distant memory but the rejuvenation is unmistakable. Green as far as the eye can see, rich nutrients freely available, a far cry from the dry cold winter months. Clouds build and disperse occasionally offering life that gives water to the ever thirsty bush. It is these pockets of condensation that excite me, the rare opportunity for the sun to sneak through a small gap to illuminate a scene with the backdrop of a Lowveld storm. Incredible texture and shape that develop and change due to the constant sculpting winds, winds that have the potential to open up a gap for this special light to burst through and add definition to an otherwise flat scene, my favourite natural lighting situation.
Here are a few occasions where the summer skies have provided great natural lighting. I look forward to what the rest of summer holds and to hopefully capture more of these breathtaking windows.
Two of the Tsalala lionesses quench their thirst after the sun broke out to dramatically increase the temperature.
Baby wildebeest abound as the day breaks under a dark blue blanket of cloud.
One of the Sparta pride young males stirs as the distant rumble of thunder disturb his sleep.
A storm that drenched the bush within minutes. Beauty and power.
A massive herd of buffalo warm up after a cold and wet start to the day.
A tree skeleton in the open south western reaches of Londolozi.
One of my favourite trees on Londolozi, an isolated acacia adds character to the sea of grass.
What do these scenes stir in you?
Written and photographed by Simon Smit
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The tree skeleton by the road makes me want to be there.
Beautiful scenery. Never thought the photos will look so good with storm clouds in the back ground.
Beautiful. Makes me want to return even sooner. The clouds over Londolozi are magnificent.
SPECTACULAR!!!! Love the cloud roll – we are spoilt in this country with our beautiful scenery – made all the more special by our very creative photographers – WELL DONE Simon!!!
I love watching storm clouds gathering, no matter where I am & your pictures depict that love for me as they are always better over the bushveld <3 Thanks Simon