So, here’s the question: Why would a commercial photographer, with over forty years of experience, visit Londolozi without his or her cameras to record the adventure?
I first visited South Africa in 1998. It was an amazing experience, and as a result, I decided to visit Londolozi for the first time the following year based on a recommendation from a good friend who had been there on several occasions. On each of those trips, I documented the experiences with the usual array of pro camera bodies and fast, long lenses. I ended up creating images that I was very pleased with.
I decided to return to Londolozi this year to once again experience the magic. After some thought, it occurred to me that on my previous trips I only witnessed the experiences through the back of my cameras. I was so interested in making great photos that I actually missed seeing some incredible scenes. If the light or angle wasn’t quite good enough, I would ignore the scene and continue the hunt for the next perfect image. Although I made a lot of good images, I missed a huge part of the experience that was available to me. Something had to change.
On this most recent trip, I decided that I needed to experience a deeper connection to what I was seeing. I wanted to not only see, but to hear, smell and touch as well (and I certainly didn’t want to lug around and manage 25kg of camera gear).
After a lot of thought and consideration, I decided that a radically different approach was in order. As a result, I decided that I would only need a good pair of binoculars and a solid smart phone to record the adventure. The binoculars went around my neck and the phone went into my pocket. In no time at all, of my senses came alive and I was able to acutely participate in the experiences in a remarkably clear, simple and rewarding way. I also captured some images that I’m pleased with. A win-win!
Did I miss some really great photo opportunities by not using my “real gear”? Perhaps. But what I gained was immeasurable in terms of truly connecting with the environment that my wife and I traversed through during our recent stay.
In the end, I’ve come to the conclusion that it’s really not about the equipment. It’s about participating in the experience in a deep, profound and personal way (did it really matter what kind of typewriter Ernst Hemingway used?).
All of these photos were shot on an Apple 8 Plus iPhone that weighs 202 grams. (7.13 ounces.) They were edited in Snapseed.
The Nkoveni female leopard walking across boulder at Londolozi
Five lions from the Ntsevu pride at twilight.
A dead tree against storm clouds.
A family of elephants feeds near us.
An elephant mother and calf walking away from the camera.
A female lion in bush yawning.
A lioness camouflaged in brown winter grass, looking at the camera.
Giraffe among the thorns.
Giraffe with early morning light.
Ranger Grant Rodewijk looking at white rhino wearing a Londolozi ball cap.
Female hyena with young pup at den at base of termite mound.
Photographing young male leopard with an iPhone 8 Plus.
Head Tracker Jerry Hambana surveying landscape, searching for wildlife during sunrise at Londolozi.
Female leopard on boulder looking at camera.
Lion pride of 11 waking up with one female lion sitting up and looking at the camera.
Female lion with pride beginning to hunt at twlight lit with tracker’s spotlight.
Young male leopard in tree calling to other male leopard (not in frame).
Birmingham male lion looking up at camera while hunting.
Nyala looking up at camera photographed from Varty Camp deck.
Winter landscape with tree at Londolozi
Stunning images. It is all about the experience in nature. You realy don’t need the newest and best camera. For me it is just about the memories. Lovely blog.
Great post Patrick! A lesson we can all learn from!
To me, at least, the mind is the most powerful recorder of memories and I love my gear as much as most. Hard choice to put the camera down, but you lived the life of the bush fully. Good for you! Lovely images and a well written blog about lessons we all need to be reminded of in life, as well as the bush.
I think we are all a little guilty of concentrating on the photo rather than the experience, but I don’t think I am quite ready to give up on getting that shot I want! But I do agree with you on many points, including that ‘lugging of all the equipment ‘! Very interesting post! Enjoyed seeing your iPhone shots!
First, these shots are gorgeous and most importantly your insights are lovely. I have been aching the last couple of weeks to just “be” at Londolozi….to hear the birds and feel the warm wind, embrace each sunrise and sunset and celebrate each new discovery. Photos are fantastic but I tend to reflect more on the feeling and memories than the pictures I took myself. Cheers to you.
Awesome set of pics and taken from your iphone no less! Thank you for a great message as well.
Good article Patrick. Just goes to show “less can be more”! Sometimes when I hike I just take my iPhone 7s and am pleased with what I capture, even though I have a stable full of Nikon equipment.
These images are stunning. Why would you bother with camera gear when you can immerse yourself in the experience with just a phone in your pocket?
Interesting images. I took away an impression of moody, wild, dark, dramatic. Snapseed looks to be pretty powerful…
And I liked them!
Congratulations to you Patrick! I am always saying that the pictures you take will be special, but will be forgotten, but the “pictures” you have in your head are the memories that you will never forget! Thank you for this 🙂
Lovely photos even with a phone. It is difficult to not take every shot possible is, like me, it may be your one and only safari. Have to have those memories. But I agree with your decision to live in the moment; not through the lens. We were told by more than one guide at more than one lodge to be in/experience the moment. I do not regret sitting and enjoying some of my favorite sightings, without the camera. Great advice.
I couldn’t agree more. Just bask in the moment.
Truly inspirational, and all very true, food for thought! Great post!
The best camera it has often been said is the one you have with you
This blog is fantastic. The first time I went on safari, 20 years ago – and Londolozi was on the itinerary – I bought a book about wildlife photography while on safari. In the first chapter, the author said to make sure that you didn’t spend your whole time having the experience through the viewfinder. Your writing reminded me of what I see when I go to a rock concert. So many people are so concerned with taking video and images of the performers that they forget to watch and listen. Kudos to you and my friends at Londolozi for recognizing that ‘Being There’ is so much a part of what makes being on a safari a life-changing experience.
Beautiful images of the most profoundly beautiful place I have ever been. Londolozi lives within me and I can’t wait to go back. These photos capture the beauty of the experience.
Thank you for sharing your photos.. What a wonderful place to spend time.
Thanks so much for all of the kind words. Londolozi is an amazing place that is staffed by a wonderful and caring team. Having the opportunity to share all of these experiences and to witness and photograph life at Londolozi is a gift that is priceless. (Even when using an iPhone as a camera!)
Patrick, Your shots a re amazing and we think it’s a testament to what we can do with mobile phone photography today and using simple apps like Snapseed to edit. We are going to try to do more of that as well as video on our next visit to Londolozi!
Thanks so much for your comments. Have a wonderful time on your next visit to Londolozi!