This has nothing to do with numbers, unless it’s the sheer number of incredible photographs that Londolozi’s head-of-finance takes.
A couple of years ago David Dampier landed his dream job, pursuing his chosen career in finance while still indulging his passion for the bush. Living on site at the lodge allows David to get out into the field most afternoons to hone his photography skills, while most of his contemporaries living in the city are honing their short game on the golf course.
Dave has contributed to the blog before, but we thought it was time he properly stepped up, and we managed to inveigle him into committing to a monthly series of pictures.
We therefore present the first part of an ongoing series, From Behind the Finance Desk:
A male coqui francolin. These birds are heard far more than they are seen, and Dave’s ground-level shot makes for a far better picture than an elevated one from the vehicle. f6.3, ISO250, 1/500s
The female of the same species. Most of the time when these birds are encountered they are seen in a pair. f6.3, ISO250, 1/500s
A pair of bateleur eagles. They can be sexed when perched, as the female (on the right) has an extra grey patch on the lower part of her wing. f5.6, ISO 500, 1/1000s
The Piva male has been mating with the Xidulu female recently. We don’t see her often on Londolozi, as most of her territory lies east of our boundary, but reports indicate she has recently raised a litter to independence, so is looking to reproduce again. f7.1, ISO 1000 1/3200s
The same pair of leopards. One can clearly see the difference between the head of the much larger male (at rear) and the smaller female in the foreground of the frame. f6.3, ISO 2000, 1/800s
The ubiquitous pied kingfisher, pictured here with a catch in its beak. These birds will often fly back to a perch after catching a fish in order to batter it to death on a branch before attempting to swallow it whole. f7.1, ISO 800, 1/3200s
A curious hyena investigates a sleeping pack of wild dogs. Heavily outnumbered, the hyena would have probably been forced to beat a hasty retreat had it come any closer. f7.1, ISO 800, 1/800s
The Dudley Riverbank young female has been seen mating with the Inyathini male on a number of occasions, and our hope is that she will reproduce soon. If she does, it will be her first litter. f5.6, IS0 2500, 1/800s
A glint in her eye brings this photo to life as she rolls in the grass. f5.6, ISO 3200, 1/800s
This leopard can be easily identified by the four spots on her right cheek; a line of three with a single spot above. f5.6, ISO 2000, 1/640s
A stunning capture as the leopard stalks towards a nursery herd of impalas. f5.6, ISO 4500, 1/500s
A neutral density filter decreased the brightness of the sky here, creating a more moody image and slowing down the shutter speed enough so that a motion blur could be captured on the water of the Sand River. f14, ISO 100, 8s
Drinks under the stars at Finfoot Crossing. f2.8, ISO500, 13s
A magnificent African fish eagle soaks up the last rays of the sun for the day. f4, ISO 160, 1/1600s
Photographed by David Dampier, Londolozi Head of Finance
Stunning images
Some great shots!! . I can’t wait to come back for a visit. What camera was used for these photos?
Hi David,
They were shot for the most part with a Nikon D4s.
Regards
Thank you David, your photography is far too to good to be hidden, so I am glad that we are going to see more & make it soon please! 🙂 The Sand River looks like there is a lot more water, is that for real or the motion blur? Have a great week, behind the all important figures 🙂
These are absolutely stunning images David! I especially love the close-up of the Dudley Riverbank Young Female stalking the impalas — what a beauty she is, and also the image of the Sand River. The shot of the Hyena is great as well and I’m surprised even a Hyena would come in that close to a pack of Wild Dogs. Thanks James for another great blog and for sharing David’s wonderful photographs with us!
Fabulous Doyle….
Incredible set of images David, the female leopard stalking is unbelievably good!
Hi David,
You “stole” my dream profession and I see that you have an inbuilt pension scheme to – selling wildlife prints Great stuff.
The photo of the Leopard stalking the Impalas is one of the best Leopard photos I have ever seen.
I wish I had taken it
Great photos.
Doyle, that portrait of the stalking leopardess must be one of your best! Nicely done.
Close-up of DRB young female is just great! Love to see this seldom seen young leopardess (so many up and coming young females, hope they all get a chance to stay permanently)
“Glint in her eye” is especially beautiful. Captivating. Thanks for sharing.
And who said that bean counters didn’t have flair and creativity. Wonderful shots!