Golden Hour Photography: Chobe National Park.

The ' Golden Hour' refers to that short time either in the morning after first light, or late afternoon/early evening, when the sun is down towards the horizon so the light is angled low casting deep shadows to contrast features in the landscape bringing hitherto unnoticed undulations, hillsides, rocks and trees into stark relief. Features stand out. Colours can deepen or take on hues not seen in the harsh glare of an overhead sun. Landscapes can be enhanced by shadows stretching across the land, creating interest and perspective. Overhead shots can throw up shadows across the ground, making an okay sort of subject appear strikingly interesting where the shadow becomes the picture rather than what casts the shadow.

In Africa, the fine dust of the reddish soil is held in the atmosphere creating a colour filter for the sun's rays and  a softer, but richer colour spreads across the land when the sun is low. It's a fine time to photograph wildlife: as we will see.

On our recent safari across Botswana, early starts and long days travel meant photography opportunities abounded during those hours.

What looked like a very poor day for good shooting because of the heavy overcast skies turned into  brilliant photographing as the sun peeked through at a low angle in the late afternoon. This was winter time and nightfall is sudden at around 6pm so there's little time to stuff around as the campsite has to be ready by nightfall.
I'd like to share these photos with you.
Here's an early shot -

Poor light and almost silhouette photography in mid afternoon. But the simplicity of the scene lends itself to the sepia effect. 

During the day Buffalo appear very dark brownish or black.

Late in the afternoon as the sun breaks through golden light enriches and enhances the buffalo.

The sun is low and cloaks this back lit giraffe in warm, rich colours.

Kudu Male.

With the sun now putting in an appearance we drove into Ihaha Camp in Chobe National Park, Botswana in time to shoot incredible pictures as it got lower. The overcast sky and cloud cover created a natural wonderland for this amateur photographer.

With the sun still obscured by clouds I was able to photograph directly into the sun without getting an over-exposed result.

Here I was trying to get the reflection of the sunlight beam across the water. Almost like a light sabre sword from Star Wars. 

The shots across the Chobe River captured a stunning sunset.
Taken on my Canon SX10 IS on 'Sunset' setting which enhances reds.

Golden Hour Photography: Chobe National Park.

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