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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Marinda Drake
Master Tracker

Stunning images. Love the Jacana.

James Souchon
Field Guide

Thanks Marinda

Dina Petridis
Senior Digital Ranger

great shots again James !

James Souchon
Field Guide

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

Callum Evans
Guest contributor

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.

James Souchon
Field Guide

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

Joanne Wadsworth Kelley
Master Tracker

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.

James Souchon
Field Guide

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

Jeff Rodgers
Digital Tracker

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

James Souchon
Field Guide

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

Denise Vouri
Guest contributor

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!!

James Souchon
Field Guide

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

Denise Vouri
Guest contributor

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

Ian Hall
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.

James Souchon
Field Guide

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

Lucie Easley
Senior Digital Ranger

Very interesting read as well as wonderful photos.

James Souchon
Field Guide

Thanks Lucie

Wendy Hawkins
Senior Digital Ranger

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

James Souchon
Field Guide

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

Michael and Terri Klauber
Guest contributor

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!

James Souchon
Field Guide

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.

Judy Hayden
Explorer

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

James Souchon
Field Guide

Hi Judy, Glad you enjoy them!

Laura Bishop
Explorer

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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