Sunday, June 5, 2011

Why I Love Africa!


Fiery sunsets, blazing sunrises, wildlife and vast wilderness areas make Africa a visually exciting continent, especially for the photographer, whether amateur or professional. So get up early and you'll be enthralled with Nature's surprises.

 The above photo was taken as the sun arose in Damaraland, Namibia last month. I awoke while still dark, and was playing around with different settings on my Canon SX10 IS. I was trying to get the early sunlight spreading its fire through the tops of the dry grass seed heads and got this!
This is unadjusted and not photoshopped. Taken on Sunset setting which tends to heighten red and yellow colours and deepen contrasts. I'll post later, a series of the same scene taken on different settings and focal lengths giving a range of effects.

Just spent 2 weeks in Namibia in the Damaraland - Brandberg Mountain region, then 2 weeks on a 4WD trip through Botswana. Keep checking this site for great landscape and wildlife pics, along with stories of my surviving a head on smash, elephant encounters of the close up kind, playing hide and seek with 4 lions in the dark, and chasing up an elephant poaching incident.

It's been an exciting 4 weeks!
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17 comments:

Melissa Tandoc said...

It's my first time to visit your blog page and I'm glad it opened me to Africa's sunrise. It has always been my dream to go to Africa (southern part)...

I liked how the sun played with the sky and the fields... like a smile that greeted the day...the colors are soft ... the glow is magical :)

Thanks for sharing this :)...will read your earlier posts.

Anonymous said...

Oh my gosh Jim, it takes my breath away! Totally beautiful!

Nelieta said...

Great photo Jim! Nothing beats an African sunrise or sunset!

Jessica M said...

Stunning photo Jim! I look forward to visiting again and seeing more photos from your trips! Sounds like you had an amazing time :)

My friends (the husband originally from S. Africa) are thinking of moving back. I'm going to share this post with them, I'm sure they'll enjoy your photos and stories.

~blessings

Finding One's Way said...

Jim,
Breath taking Loved it can't wait to see and hear more.
: )
xoxox
Jessica

Mary Hudak-Collins livingthescripture.com said...

Absolutely breathtaking Jim! I can't ever imagine seeing something like this here where I live. You are a very lucky individual to have seen images like this! Thank you for sharing :)

Larry Lewis said...

What a breath taking view. Can't wait to read about your adventures

Anonymous said...

Hi Larry, just one of the many breathtaking views I shot!
Mary, yep, we are lucky to be able to travel when we like, but it took a lot of hard work years ago.
Jessica B , lots moreto come!
Jessica M. Yes, really exciting with wild elephants eyeballing us from 2 metres away. I'll post up some shots of them shortly. Stay tuned.

Hi Nelieta, you know that too well from experience. And this time I went back determined to capture them all.

Hiya Melissa, yes, when the sunlight first hits the grass tops, it creates a truly wonderful sight. Not often seen as later and heavy rains have made the desert bloom and there is grass everywhere.

Unknown said...

Jim, soooo beautiful!! I am looking forward to reading more about your trip.


Deb
sorry I've been mia...

http://scattermusings.blogspot.com/

Pamela said...

Incredible photo. . .no words do it justice. Glad you're back! We've missed you! xo

Corinne Rodrigues said...

Amazing, Jim. You make me want to make that Africa dream come true!

Rachel Hoyt said...

So pretty! I look forward to seeing more photos. :)

JIM said...

Jim I absolutely love this especially the composition.. perfect composition and exposure is great!!!!!! Leading lines and all are wonderful


http://jpweddingphotograpy.blogspot.com/

Andrea said...

Welcome back! =) Gorgeous photo - can't wait to read more about your adventures!

Cathy Sweeney said...

Wow! How great that you were able to see this sunset in person. But at least I get to see it via this gorgeous photo. Glad to have you back on the blog. I'll look forward to more posts about your experiences.

Kerry-Ann said...

You are making me home sick! What a stunning photo. One thing Africa guarantees is fantastically beautiful sunsets and sunrises.

Anonymous said...

Just visited your blog again to look it this photos some more! The light on the top of the grass is just beautiful.