Tag Archives: South Africa

Portrait of a Barn Owl


This fine art portrait of a Barn Owl was photographed on one of my visits to South Africa.

Barn Owl

Until Next Time – Happy Shooting

What Makes A Good Black and White Photo?


 

Have you ever wondered what makes a good black and white photo?

When I photographed this Warthog in the Kruger National Park, I was anticipating the final image to be in colour however after a quick conversation to black and white in Photoshop I changed my mind.

What do you think makes a decent black and white photo? Do you think it has anything to do with the texture or is it something else. I’m still scratching my head. Please tell me the answer!
A warthog eating grass in the Kruger National Park

Textured Impala


 

 

 

Cropped to a square, the original image was too clean so film grain was added to enhance the detail. I have been debating whether to put this image on the blog. Do you think the texture works on this photo? Feedback needed good and bad please!

A close up photograph of an Impala

 

Until next time – Happy Shooting.

The Africa Series


In celebration of my new website (coming very soon) I’m putting my collection of African photographs together. I captured a series of images over two trips to the Kruger National Park.

The collection will feature animals like lion, elephant, giraffe, wildebeest, impala, white rhinoceros and wild dog to name a just a few!

I can’t wait to share my African wildlife passion with you all. I am always dreaming of my next trip to Africa and have a few ideas in store for the next trip. Maybe I should run a few wildlife workshops over there or do you think the market is a bit saturated? Anyway just thoughts at the moment.

Below is the very first lioness I photographed in the wild.

I can remember my heart pounding so hard I had to put the camera down frequently as I was shaking so much with excitement. The large warming sun was setting and the beautiful last light was fading fast.  I watched the big cat walk care free through the golden African grasses almost like a scene out of the Lion King. Stopping suddenly to raise her head she spotted a lone zebra camouflaged within the scrub ahead.

Seeing an opportunity, crouching and crawling low to the ground she covertly stalked the unsuspecting victim. Minutes passed and the lioness ended up within striking distance from the Zebra happily grazing the edge of an open plain. Holding my breath to control my breathing my finger mashed the shutter button. A sweet smile rose upon my face as I watched the preview appear on the back screen. The shot was taken. My first wild lioness photograph. I was proud as punch!

Retiring the camera and heavy lens to my lap I watched the lioness waiting patiently, hidden from the view of the unsuspecting Zebra. I don’t know what the lioness was thinking but her anticipation to launch into a chase was nail biting. I couldn’t wait to see what was going to happen next.

Over the next 10 minutes or so the zebra grazed without a worry and the lioness stayed hidden amongst the grasses. At this point the light had faded and I was wishing I had a camera with better noise reduction. Still with a smile on my face I headed back to camp. I couldn’t resist stopping multiple times on the way back to look at the photo I had just taken – after all I had just successfully photographed one of the animals on my bucket list.

Until next time.

Happy Shooting!

Impala


White Rhinoceros


 

Burchell’s Zebra


A quick break from wedding photography….

Here is another black and white photograph to add to my African series. Enjoy.

Burchells Zebra


Hasn’t time flown? Since before the Easter break I have been madly redeveloping our backyard.  Caroline and myself have decided to go all eco. Raised veggie beds, chooks and new plants (including retic) all have to go in! So that is why you haven’t seen many photos for a while.  Bruised and sore from all the soil shifting and construction I have managed another African image for you all.

I’m off to the Hunter Valley (NSW) tomorrow so if my wireless works you may see a few images while I’m over there!

Until then,

Happy shooting.

White Rhino


I remember being so scared on this day. These two HUGE White Rhinos decided to walk a little bit to close to my car. With horns as big as my arm these animals can do serious damage.

As they came close my instant reaction was to put my camera and lens inside the car while staying perfectly still.  For a good 20 minutes they both just stood near the car. I heard each giant breath exit their mouths and the sound  seemed to be coming closer. My legs were shaking now! I was thinking just how fast is this car?

If I turn the key will I have enough time to get away, then I remembered that they can run 60km/h!  I couldn’t start the car or they would charge.  I would be crushed for sure!

I braved the risk of being crushed alive to get some shots (as any photographer would). This one was before I put my camera away! After about 20 minutes of what seemed to be a staring contest they moved on. Each THUD was felt as their feet hit the ground with weight as they walked passed the rear of my car.

All I can say is that I’m glad I got the shots!

Got to love Africa hey?

Lilac Breasted Roller



African Elephant


What is with my mind only being creative at night???? It seems like I only post images late at night!

I searched my Elephant data base and found this image which was perfect for a bit of B&W and a touch of film grain.

My thoughts are the blacks in the image are a little bit too crushed but hey I kind of like that.

Thanks for taking the time to view my images.  I really enjoy your comments so keep them coming!

Impala – The rest of the herd


With these images I wanted to get really close rather than show a whole herd of Impala. Sort of like animal portraits.

Let me know your thoughts of these 5 images. Which one do you like the most?

Until next time….

Happy Shooting!

 

 

Impala


Here is the start of some more wildlife images from Africa.

You should see a herd of Impala developing on the blog (Saturday)….I have so many shots!

Enjoy

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When you subscribe you will get notification of all the posts going up so you don’t constantly have to remember to check the blog.

Too close?


Yes I know more lion shots….I have 600 or more images of lion to go….

I took these images from the car window where I had one hand on the ignition and the other on the shutter. The problem was I was driving a ‘new’ 4WD that had electric windows. I had to turn the car off to reduce any vibrations. If the lion was going to attack there would be no time to turn on the car, pull in the lens and press the button to wind the window up….I was shaking in my boots! Africa can be a deadly place at times!

 

 

Burchells Zebra


How long has it been since the last post?

Sorry to all those people who have visited the blog daily only to find the same images up!

I have been extremely busy with weddings. It takes me four weeks just to finish one wedding. (Thats the reason I don’t advertise myself sometimes two jobs can get a bit overwhelming!)

Hope you all enjoy this one.

Until next time

Happy Shooting!

Leigh Diprose

African Elephant


I would be quite content to sit down and watch elephants all day. Each individual animal has such a different personality. They are true entertainers.

The trick is to try and portray the elephant’s personality in a photo….its kind of like taking photos of people I guess.

You know what they say…..never work with animals or children! (They are so wrong)!

Until next time

Happy Shooting!

Leigh Diprose

African Elephant


With this photo there was no way I was going to go any closer. Earlier in the day I had photographed a herd of elephants who decided that it was a good idea to charge me. At this point I had the memories fresh in my mind. Squashed car = bad. The car was in reverse and ready to go. I think I just need a bigger lens – don’t we all?

Enjoy

Suprise!


Many people don’t have the patience when it comes to photographing animals. It takes a lot of waiting around and quite a few days to get what you want. The age old saying “never work with babies or animals” is so true!

Persistance is the other thing you will need a lot of when trying to capture that winning image. I have lost count of the number days that I have been to the same location just hoping that it might be my lucky day. Eventually you might get it and thats the day you sit back with a cold beer in one hand, hopefully cheque in the other and a big smile on your face.

So I encourage every photographer out there…landscape, wedding, portrait, artistic or just plain amature to take your camera and lens, point it at an animal and click! Then send me the link to your photo and I will post it on my blog so everyone can see it.

Happy Shooting.

Leigh Diprose