2017 TOP 10 Images Captured on Safari
We have come to that time of the year when you look back at the previous 12 months of capturing moments to decide which ones are worthy of making the cut. What makes these 10 moments special ? Is it the technical quality or is it about the moment and who was there with you to be a part of it ? . . . I like to say that it is a mix of both. Yes, getting the perfect shot is great but the moment you experience with likeminded humans is just as special if not more.
All the images included in this post were all captured while hosting a photographic safari and having done 8 tours this year means there is a lot of RAW imagery to go through making it so much harder to pick.
Enjoy . . .
#10 - Spotted Symmetry Ndutu, Ngorongoro Conservation Area
Two Cheetah cubs engage in playtime under light rain while their mother watches from a close distance. Due to the weather conditions and low light the ISO was pushed in order to achieve the correct shutter speed that would freeze the moment. What I really like about this image is the symmetrical position of the two cats while playing .
#9 - Crossing The Mara Northern Serengeti, Serengeti National Park
This is one of those images that has more of an emotional connection than a technical achievement. This was part of a 2 hour crossing that seemed endless from where we were standing. These amazing animals just kept pouring into the river with my group and myself in total AWE. The 3 hour wait until they crossed was well worth the wait.
#8 - Klipspringers on a Kopje Northern Serengeti, Serengeti National Park
Sometimes the "less" important species make for the best photo opportunities. Two Klipspringers keep an eye on the vehicles that were trying to get a good angle on the Leopard and 2 cubs nearby.
#7 - Leopard on A Rock Northern Serengeti, Serengeti National Park
A female Leopard posing beautifully for us in nice light. This image is composed of 5 exposures to achieve the dynamic range that otherwise would have been impossible. The challenge was to get the 5 frames while the cat was motionless.
#6 - Sunset Drama in The Mara Mara North Conservancy, Kenya
Probably the most dramatic sunset I have ever witnessed in Africa. It was a 360 degrees sunset that changed colour every few seconds going from orange to red to blue to pink to . . . you name it ! Truly epic but for me the cherry on top are the 2 ostriches on the left in the far distance. At this size it is hard to see but in full size image it gives you true sense of space.
#5 - Okavango Lions Okavango Delta, Botswana
As these lions came out onto the airstrip the last rays bathed them in golden light that just made for a great moment. We had spent all afternoon with them without getting anything interesting . . . 3 minutes of magic light changed everything. Those that were with me that evening know exactly what I'm talking about.
#4 - Blue Hour Crossing Ndutu, Ngorongoro Conservation Area
This image was captured in February in Ndutu. It was the end of the day and we were on our way back to camp when we bumped into the 2 dominant males of the Ndutu Pride crossing a flooded area after heavy rains. This is pure Blue Hour Magic !
#3 - Art of a leopard Okavango Delta, Botswana
This very relaxed Leopard cub climbed up a dead tree and gave us this pose. In my eyes it had to be a High Key monochrome image that would result in this timeless "Fine Art" composition
#2 - Amboseli Sunset Amboseli National Park, Kenya
October in Amboseli can be very dry which is why I chose this time of year . . . I wanted golden sunsets and dust. I got lucky with this one. The herd was walking south and all of a sudden they turned West and walked into the sun . . . I was loving it !
#1 - Kopje Lookout Serengeti National Park, Tanzania
This is the image that makes it to the top . . . a 5 exposure composition of a Cheetah looking out from a kopje in Serengeti National Park. The monochrome processing adds drama and gives it a timeless feel.
