About the Author

James Souchon

Field Guide

James started his guiding career at the world-renowned Phinda Game Reserve, spending four years learning about and showing guests the wonder of the incredibly rich biodiversity that the Maputaland area of South Africa has to offer. Having always wanted to guide in the ...

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24 Comments

on Eye-Level With Hippos

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Stunning images. Love the Jacana.

Thanks Marinda

Senior Digital Ranger

great shots again James !

Thanks Dina! So great seeing you the other day! Cant wait to see your pictures from the rest of the holiday.

A brilliant post that combines photography tips, birding, the biodiversity of a riverine area and one of my favourite animals!! I wish I had more photo’s of hippos (will get some soon I hope), but your tips about eye-level photography (along with the other techniques) is something I’ve definetely been able to practise.

That’s great to hear Callum. The trick is to keep practicing on whatever willing subjects you can find!

I must admit that laying flat on the ground to capture hippo images brings a whole new perspective, rather than looking downward toward the subject. Also I want to thank you for including your picture of the Jacana. I’ve seen them walking on top of vegetation (sometimes appears as if they are walking on water), but I’ve never seen the actual size of their feet….huge! No wonder! Thanks James for an informative article.

It’s such a pleasure Joanne, I am glad you enjoyed it!

Great post & great photos as always. What camera were you using for the Pied Kingfisher photo?

Hi Jeff, Thanks a lot. I was using a Canon 7D body with a fixed 300mm 2.8 prime lens.

Great article James. You are so right about changing one’s angle of shooting in order to get a better photo. It is especially true with wildlife. Wonderful bird pics!!

Hi Denise, It’s a fun technique to play around with especially when you have a slow moving subject like a tortoise!

I used the on the belly technique while in the Galapagos, shooting iguanas, sally lightfoot crabs and sea lions. Could really get close.

Master Tracker

That is a really good spot for photos, and if you have the patience to wait, it is a spot where the wildlife comes to.

Hi Ian, Patience is always key to great sightings in the bush! (A bit of luck on your side also helps!)

Senior Digital Ranger

Very interesting read as well as wonderful photos.

Thanks Lucie

Senior Digital Ranger

Once again stunning & all favourites especially the sun shining thru the hippo spray 🙂

Thanks Wendy, it’s always fun shooting with the late afteroon sun in the background as it makes for a very dream like image.

James, What great shots and how special to have the dry Causeway as your platform! You are braver than we are in getting those shots while on your belly!

Hi Michael and Terri, haha lucky I have Rich out there with me to keep a sharp lookout! Sounds like Safari Sarasota was a great success as usual! Looking forward to seeing more pictures of it.

Beautiful photos. The birds are just awesome. I have learned so much by all of your blogs and pictures. Thank you so much

Hi Judy, Glad you enjoy them!

When we crossed the causeway at the end of May/early June, the water was rushing and a crocodile was “fishing” with the water rushing into his open mouth!

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