“Photography is a way of feeling, of touching, of loving. What you have caught on film is captured forever… It remembers little things, long after you have forgotten everything.” – Aaron Siskind
Working and living in the bush has been the most incredible time of my life. When I first started guiding, I never took photographs, I always thought I would remember amazing sightings and moments that I am privileged to have witnessed. But, the truth is, memories fade with time. Yes there are moments that stand out in a ‘highlights package’ for me, but there are also moments that have been put into a box and stored in the back of my mind.
Photography allows us to capture moments and provides us with a key to reopen this box, to relive, to remember, to share moments and to inspire. I often find myself lost in the images of other photographers, captivated by the story they tell.
A good photograph is not just one that is sharp and well composed but one that tells a story without the use of a single word.
It’s not just about photographing a subject in perfect light, unobstructed by a blade of grass and at a unique angle, but the opportunity to be able to take that moment that you share with your subject, to set a mood or evoke emotion with a single image.
In this blog I would like to share some of my photographs that mean something to me. I want to unlock the box and bring back memories of the special moments that I have been lucky enough to be a part of, and I want to share them with you.
Composition and spacing of an image is a good way to create a mood and a feeling in a photograph. The Tutlwa female and Gowrie male mating. ISO 1250 F 4.0 shutter 1/400
Using a Lower F-Stop allows for a concentrated image of your subject. One of the fourways males on a patrol looking confident and powerful. ISO 800 F 2.8 Shutter 1/800
The Tamboti young female walks towards us at eye level. Often having the subject at eye level creates a feeling of being one with the subject as well as adds intensity. ISO 640 F2.8 shutter 1/2000
The beautiful and elegant Mashaba young female. Using a spotlight to create side light brings out key features and highlights the natural beauty of an animal. ISO 1000 F2.8 shutter 1/125
Taking advantage of good light and tight angles shows off beautiful details and textures. This water monitor was sunning itself at the causeway . ISO 800 F4.0 shutter 1/1000
The winter months allows for some beautiful sunrises as the sky explodes with colour just before a whole new day in the African bush begins. ISO 200 F7.1 shutter 1/60
Exploring with panning photography is a great way to create movement in a photograph and a very different feel to a still photograph. A wild dog on the move and in search of its next meal. ISO 200 F5.6 shutter 1/60
The Tamboti young female. Once again composition is key, Creating space for her to look into gives a great feel and setting for the photograph. ISO 1000 F 4.0 Shutter 1/250
One of the Fourways males – Using the natural light to my advantage and darkening shadows creates a feeling of power and strength.
Hi-key images enhance detail and add character to ones subject. This hyena was watching vultures circling above. ISO 800 F2.8 shutter 1/800
One of my favourites – Lying down on the floor and using a low F-stop blurs the foreground as well as the background which, in turn, draws the viewer’s focus to the subject. ISO 800 F2.8 shutter 1/2000
Silhouettes are always captivating – it is all about being in right place at the right time. ISO 200 F4.0 shutter 1/60
One of the fourways males resting in the shade of a tree with beautiful dappled sunlight allows for a beautiful black and white finish. ISO 800 F4.0 shutter 1/800
A very similar to the image of the Fourways male. Post processing allows me to enhance key features in the image such as horns, eyes and mouth. ISO 800 F2.8 shutter 1/200
Do any of these images tell a particularly interesting story for you? I would love to know!
Written and photographed by Trevor McCall-Peat, Londolozi Ranger.
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Stunning images Trevor. The Four ways males are awesome.
having spent a week with Trevor back in September, I am not surprised at his growth as a photographer & as an artist. Absolutely stunning portraits of the world of the bush. Well done young man!
your photos are stunning Trevor, thank you for sharing them with us
Loved these photos. Each one truly tells a story. I feel like was there. Nice work!
Trevor, Congratulations on your amazing images! Very inspiring for sure! See you in July!
I think the Fourways male with the shadows shows vulnerability and power and strength at the same time and that there are two very different sides to lions. They can be affectionate to the lions they bond with but have to be violent to survive.
Wow, Trevor…right when I think I have seen the best of your photos, you throw these out there!! Completely captivating!! Very, very nice job, all of them.
1. The eye-level shot of the Tamboti female is stunning. Takes my breath away; made my heart beat a little faster!
2. The close up of one of the Fourways
3. The B&W of the Fourways – beautiful photo of a magnificant animal.
4. giraffe profile….love it!!
Thank you for sharing! Have an amazing day!
Beautiful Trevor and so true about not photographing at first and then getting into the photography side to preserve the memories