Wildlife photography is practiced across the globe; it;s probably one of the most popular forms of photography there is, capturing the beautiful beasts that earth has to offer.
Here at Londolozi we are spoilt for choice when it comes to content and photographing animals in their natural environment.
Something exciting happening with all the eyes through the viewfinders!
A rather large elephant bull approaches with the sun hitting just right.
From all the small insects and technicolored bird life all the way through to antelope and the graceful elephants, and of course leopards. With each season bringing new colours and life to our doorstep, it’s a photographic wonderland and when you love photography as much as I do, there is no better place to be.
Big gleaming eyes, and this minute creature against a canvas of green.
Many people have asked me, do I ever put the camera down and just pause to be in the moment and take it in, and the answer is Yes, I’ve tried that. Purposefully leaving my camera behind and going on game drive to be present in the moment and take in what’s happening in front of me, and the feeling I had after that was sometimes regret.
I regretted not taking my camera, because in that moment all I could think of was “I wish I had my camera with me”, “Why did I leave my camera behind”…
Moments like these are great to capture, its a time for bonding as this young lion greets its mother with a nudge.
The truth is, I am a photographer. I love taking photographs. It’s what I do. I might not be a professional or the best at it, but its what brings me joy, and yes its not for everyone.
Some people would much rather leave the camera behind, but for me there is a sense of accomplishment when I hit the trigger and capture a moment forever, and I’m able to share it with people who also not only love photography but also love wildlife. I’m able to be present in that moment and know when to shoot, I’m able to capture composition well enough to tell a story.
Timing is essential, and patience even more so as James Tyrrell and I waited almost an hour for this female leopard to come down!
The lack of scars on this leopards face tells us he is still young and has not yet faced true adversity.
Photography has changed my life, and as long as I am staring through that lens I have opportunity, I have purpose, and I am present in the moment living my passion. There are few people that can say that they are doing what they truly love and I am lucky enough to be of them…
Stunning photographs!!
Thank you!
Lovely blog Matt. I can’t imagine not having my camera driving in the bush. You never know what amazing sighting is around the corner.
Thank you Marinda!
Matt, wonderful photos🤗
Did not think much about photography until my first visit to Londolozi when, until then, I was satisfied with my point & shoot camera. I have developed an interest and some skill for subsequent visits with the help of some skilled guides.
I couldn’t agree more! As an avid non professional photographer, I live for the scenes I see through that camera lens! I watch as I wait for a scene that is significant in my mind, perhaps not in others. I cannot imagine going on a game drive and leaving my camera behind. Beautiful shots! Continue to enjoy, just as I will!
Well said Matt. To add to that I love being able to capture a stunning moment and look back at it later and re-live it through the photograph.
I’m with you! I’m not a professional photographer but I love capturing moments, sharing them, but more importantly they’re for me. I have also tried the “keep my camera in its bag” only to see something that is amazing and missing the moment because I couldn’t get to my camera fast enough. Now I keep it ready, but allow all my senses to take in all that surrounds me and sometimes, that is enough.
Lovely photos, my advice set the aperture at it’s widest, go for spot metering if you can, know about camera shake, the rule of thirds and always aim for the eyes
These Pictures of wild animals are Amazingly Beautiful. Thank You for sharing these pictures with us
Dear Matt, exactly my feelings! To capture these moments of love between a mother and her young one, e.g. or a father who bonds with his cubs, is so wonderful. And the best thing is: later at home, I can relive all these wonderful moments, all these incredible experiences I have had with animals, again and again. Of course, I could do this also in my phantasy, my mind. But it is not the same. I can hear the sounds again, smell the smells again that were there at the time when the photos were taken, feel the same overwhelming sense of awe towards nature, when I look at my photos.
Sometimes one could think that even the animals want us to take photos. When an elephant mother e.g. parades her baby in front of a car or a leopard mother nurses her cubs right next to us. Once elephants came to my cottage at Phinda trumpeting till I came out onto the terrace. Then they were fooling around in the pool as if to say: Come on! take pictures and make video clips of the fun we are having.
And once I was not carrying my camera and a snake was catching a dragon fly. I was so sorry about not having the camera with me.
And sorry; PS: Your Photos are just wonderful!
The photo of young leopard is magnificent – understand your passion!
Thank you Jennifer, its the best feeling!
Amazing photographs!! I also can’t imagine leaving my camera behind, especially in the bush!!
I love your pics – truly magnificent leopard pics, especially the female going down the tree! Wow … that’s really the result of timing, patience & lots of squinting through the camera lens.
Matt this post REALLY hit home for me “I wish I had my camera with me”, “Why did I leave my camera behind”… that’s me completely!
and then you said this…
“The truth is, I am a photographer. I love taking photographs. It’s what I do. I might not be a professional or the best at it, but its what brings me joy, and yes its not for everyone. Some people would much rather leave the camera behind, but for me there is a sense of accomplishment when I hit the trigger and capture a moment forever, and I’m able to share it with people who also not only love photography but also love wildlife. I’m able to be present in that moment and know when to shoot, I’m able to capture composition well enough to tell a story.”
I’m never more present than when I’m in the bush taking pictures of my favourite subject matter, I truly can get lost in it for hours. I CANNOT wait for this lockdown to be over so that I can get back to my happy place!
Nicole, once that bug bites, it doesn’t let go. Ive learnt the hard way! Hope you get back to your happy place sooner rather than later, best of luck!
Brilliant photography, and your gift of passion for photography is a gift to us!! Thank you!
Such an interesting article and great images. Observational sketching is my mindfulness “go to”…my sketch will be nothing like your images but i can recall smells, sounds and exact visual locations. If i close my eyes i can be back in that moment in time. Your beautiful photos put all the detail on my recollections. Thank you.