A slightly different take on the Week in Pictures for this week as these photographs span a longer time frame. Arriving at Londolozi at the beginning of the year, my interest in photography and camera equipment was negligible. It was not long until the amazing photographic potential and culture become so palpable, I had to get in on the action. So this, my first blog, is a compilation of a few of my photos taken whilst experimenting and practising with different techniques and technologies previously not known to me. Thank you for having me on this team full of incredible people, and to the blog subscribers I say hello, it is a pleasure to officially be in touch with you.
A young male of the Mhangeni pride gazes directly into the camera. The eye-level shot, enhanced by the setting sun and spot light, allows you to almost see the emotions of the lion through his eyes. What emotion do you see? 1/80, f5.6, ISO 1600
The impala rutting (mating) season has seen its climax, with the exception of a few (more persistent) males still trying their luck. Males assert their dominance in territorial disputes allowing them to pass on their genes for future generations. 1/1000, f5.6, ISO 800
The Tamboti young female in on high alert as she vigilantly guards her duiker kill hoisted in the tree. The morning sun penetrates through the branches providing much needed warmth in these colder times. 1/1000, f5.6, ISO 800
A caring mother zebra reassures her foal after discovering several waterholes were dry. 1/500, f5.6, ISO 800
This small dam offered a herd of elephants a chance to drink and shower themselves in mud to cool off during the midday heat. 1/800, f5.0, ISO 800
The piercing eyes of an African Barred Owlet are on the lookout for unsuspecting prey to pass its unforgiving glare. 1/125, f5.6, ISO 800
The ever beautiful, rare and elusive African wild dog stares into the distance. 1/250, f5.7, ISO 1000
The enormous tusks of a huge bull elephant on the scent trail of passing females. 1/500, f5.0, ISO 400
It was amazing watching a Brown-headed parrot feeding on the remains of the fruit of a marula tree. 1/1250, f11, ISO 800
Striving for a better vantage point, the Nanga female climbs up a marula tree in search of potential prey. 1/2500, f4.5, ISO 1000
A yawning male cheetah showing its canines. 1/4000, f5,6, ISO 1600
The stark yellow of the Southern yellow-billed hornbill is magnified by the sun whilst the moon shines in the background. 1/1000, f10, ISO 800
A reflection of the short-tailed (Inyathini male) whilst he cools off in a shady spot. 1/125, f7.1, ISO 800
Only small ripples appear when this huge crocodile effortlessly glides back into the water. 1/800, f5.6, ISO 800
Aptly named ‘The Tusker’, this giant elephant bull shows a calm temperament in his pursuit for a mate. 1/800, f4.5, ISO 400
One of my favourites, the Mhangeni pride slake their thirst in the late afternoon. 1/40, f5.0, ISO 1600
Written and Photographed by Callum Gowar, Londolozi Ranger.
Welcome Callum
Great to have you as part of the team…looking forward to see your journey with photography grow, what a great start!
Thanks Bronwyn. It is a pleasure to be part of this amazing team.
Isn’t the Short-Tailed Male named Nyamakunze and not Inyathini?
Hi Shadow,
Nyamakunze was the tribal name of Big Black, a legendary lion that ruled Londolozi more than two decades ago. Although this was initally set to be the new name of the Short-Tail male, as he spends a lot of time around the Nyamkunze crests, some of the senior trackers felt – and I think rightfully so – that this name should be reserved for Big Black and Big Black alone. The team therefore decided to name the leopard the Inyathini male, as he spends a lot of time moving through the Inyathini drainage.
Thanks for the comments
James
Stunning images Callum. Love the last one of the Mahangeni pride
Thank you very much Marinda. When will you be back?
Love your photographs!
I appreciate it Sam. I can’t wait to see my own progress.
If these are your 1st attempts, I so look forward to seeing what is in store! Well done Cal.
Thank you my dearest mother.
Beautiful photos Callum! Love each one of them.
Thanks Katherine. I really appreciate all the help!
Great photographs. So very proud of you
Thank you John! Hopefully you can bring BJ here in the off season!?
Excellent set of images Callum, great to see your photography showcased on the blog. Thanks for posting, I love the picture of the lions drinking. What camera are you photographing with?
Thanks very much Rich. It’s fantastic being part of the team! I’m using a Canon 7D 100-400mm and loving it!
Thats a great setup for wildlife photographers who are getting going with taking images out in the field. I find that the 400mm gives you that extra zoom needed for capturing close up shots of the big cats and birds. In time I would suggest using a 70 – 200mm f2,8 for a really nice depth of field.
Stunning photos, I love the first lion in the sunlight. Can’ t wait for my visit back in October!
Thank you Stephanie, I hope to meet you in October!
Welcome Callum. If this is an example of your first work, you will be thrilling us with your eye for a long time. They are awesome. Thank you.
It’s a pleasure to be in touch with you, Arden. Many thanks for your encouragement and compliments. I am really looking forward to what the future holds.
Hope to c u in nov
That is fantastic! I look forward to seeing you again in November. Please send my reagrds to Claire.
Beautiful job, Callum! Looking forward to more great photos from you.
Thank you very much Judy.
Welcome Callum! Not too shabby for a first time, I’m also looking forward to many more postings from you. I love the 1st & last pics & two tuskers too! Enjoy the weekend & your warmth 🙂
Thank you Wendy. I appreciate the support!
Great pictures!! Truly wonderful! Love the lighting in the first one; the owl…eyes “pop”!…elephant tusk, and of course, the pride of lions drinking!! Excellent!
A huge thanks Kim! I look forward to hearing from you again. Those lions drinking is definetly my favourite!
your work is marvelous
you have captured the true spirit of the ahials
joan
Thank you Joan. I appreciate it.
Wow, great pictures Callum! I especially love the light on the young Mhangeni male, and the one of the very beautiful Tamboti young female. Thanks for a great blog and wonderful images!
Thank you Jill. It is an absolute pleasure and hopefully will get your feedback again in the future.
Looking forward to seeing many of your photos in the future.. The first lion, is looking at you saying I am the future!
Excellent call MJ. The calm before the storm. Thank you very much.
What amazing pictures Callum – loved every single one!
Thank you very much Debbie. Much appreciated.
Really fantastic photos of Tamboti Young Female, the male lion and the parrot enjoying the marula. I also enjoyed the monochrome of the Nanga female. You have a great eye.
Thank you so very much Brian. I am loving my new camera and just learning different techniques all the time. I hope to keep you captivated in the future!