The last few days we really had great lion sightings. For some one who has never seen this majestic beast it is quite a surreal experience to see it for the first time.. For me who spends  7 days a week 365 days a year  looking for them is till special. To get the special moments you need to put in the hours and you will get to experience it as well. I have heard so many people say watching lions sleep is like watching paint dry, and yes it can get a bit much sometimes waiting for that moment where all the cubs get up and play or the adults starts stretching to get ready for the nights activity. I normally leave the sleeping lions and get back to them just before sunset, sometimes they are up a bit before you think but most times you are lucky. As we got there the cubs got up started their tricks where they ran and tackled one another and irritated the adults.  This playing around is vital for their coordination and hunting techniques.

We got all this action just after sunset so photography was quite tricky , What I did:

• Camera setting on AV
• Lowest F-stop F2,0
• High ISO 1600
• Steady hand
• Exposure +1/3

We had the privilege to spend more then 40 min with them as they played their rough and tumble game until it was dark.

Seeing any animal fight is quite a unique experience and sometimes a once in a life time sighting. That goes for the elusive brown hyena, we got lucky enough to see two males fight over territory one morning on safari.

We were driving along and stopped to look at a spider when we heard these awe full and easy sounds of distress, we drove in after the sounds and found the blood stained hyenas tearing into one another with force and determination to kill the other one. They didn’t mind us too much and carried on fighting until one of them retreated to the safety of a fallen tree where he fended of his advisory.

I just wanted to share this with you as it is a very, very rare sighting.

Cheers

Grant

The Black Mamba is probably one of Southern Africa’s most feared snakes with good reason. They are known to be very aggressive when cornered or disturbed. This specific individual was trying to ambush birds in a Sekel Bush Dichrostachys Cinerea.   We were driving around in the rain not thinking we will see anything when we heard the alarm calls from the Cape glossy starlings half way up a hill not far from the road. Scanning the trees with my binoculars I saw this Mamba having a go at the birds.

I  don’t have many images of snakes so this was a great oppertunity to add to my portfolio.  BUT THIS WAS NOT JUST A SNAKE  it was the feared Black Mamba. The fact that yesterday was cold, windy and rainy helped a lot in the fact that the snake was docile and relaxed. He was quite inquisitive when I poked my lens through the canopy of the tree. I was wondering every second as the shutter went of when will his next move be. He never puffed up his neck or opened his mouth at me. I didn’t waste too much time on wondering further and just thanked the snake for allowing me to photograph him so closely, believe me  I used every relaxed second with the snake.

Some interesting facts on Black mambas (Dendroaspis Polylepsis):

• Can get up to 4,3 meters long
• The mouth lining ins inside is black
• Coffin shaped head
• Diurnal snake, round pupils
• Diet : fledglings and small mammals
• Venom is neurotoxic and cardiotoxic and yields 100-400mg of venom per bite, 10-15mg of venom are fatal in humans.
• Up to 10 files of anti venom is required to counteract the venom.
• 12-17 eggs are laid in termite mounds or hollow trees.
• They grow up to 2 meters in length in their first year of growth.

It is always great to get a different subject to photograph.  I have been working with snakes for 12 years now. Just remember that if you are not familiar with any dangerous reptile don’t  attempt to capture or corner the animal. These animals are deadly.

Cheers

Grant

Canon 50d     200mm    ISO 500   F8,0

This was one of those days where the events in nature played of like it was rehearsed, lions attacking kudu wile drinking, elephants came into drink and then chased lions away and kudu stood up and almost got away. In short that was what happened. We literally pulled up on the dam wall and the lions was busy killing the kudu in the mud. You could really feel the intensity in the air as the kudu was struggling to get up but just didn’t have the strength to fight the lions and the mud.

We could see the lions were tired as well as only one female tried to pin the kudu down at the end. It was one of those sightings where something in you just want the kudu to die and stop suffering.  The constant bellowing of the kudu when the lions bit into his side and belly was enough to make the hair on the nape of your neck rise up. Everytime he bellowed the elephants on the other side of the dam wall raised there trunks in curiosity to find out was on the other side of the dam. As the elephants moved in to the water’s edge the lions was very indecisive on should they stay or go.

Eventually the elephants moved around and chased the lions of the kudu , that was when the kudu stood up , but he was to weak and fell over and died on the spot. Many of the elephants moved in together in almost single file next to one another as if they were saying ” Sorry old chap wish we could have done more for you “

The insert below you will also see at http://www.wild-eye.co.za/photochat/behind-the-frame-13-june-2012/ It is a weekly insert from Gerry at Wild Eye to share other photohraphers and their work  This specific sighting I didn’t share with guests but a very good friend and fellow photographer and I do believe you should go and shoot for yourself as well when you have the opportunity.

Being out in the field everyday and getting new shots everyday I am extremely lucky to have that window of opportunity. When you are out with clients/guests you want to try and give them the best experience photography wise you can. So going out on your own and with mates let you share and learn in a different and good way.

We went out not knowing what we will photograph that afternoon and pulled up on the dam wall seeing the lions struggling with something big in the mud that was when this whole chain of events happened.  So firstly position the vehicle in the best way you can and what made it difficult was the distance and the angle we were on but you make the best of it and start shooting. Sharing info on settings and composition on what will the animal do next and questions like where do you think should we position the vehicle?

I decided to go with ISO 500 because of the movement the whole time, F8,0 because we didn’t have a back ground to blur out really.  When the elephants pulled up It was difficult composing the shot so you can see the lions, kudu and elephants in one shots.  By composing it in a certain way you can tell the whole story in one shot. We had very harsh light to work with as well bit the color of the cats and the mud worked well with the underexposure of a third. These sightings are great for for sharing on a blog platform and I feel it is important to share these sightings with fellow photographers and nature lovers. It was one of those sightings that you will never forget and treasure  the memory for always.

Cheers

Grant

During the last two weeks we had quite a few emotional sightings with the big cats. First The Etali male got killed by buffalo and then we witnessed how a cub from the Etali female died after being attacked by dominant coalition from the North East.  The big male of the coalition got hold of the youngster and really did damage internally, he had one puncture wound on his side and was ruffed up pretty good. Afterwards he scuffled to his mother’s safety and she tried to fend of the big male and she kept him away from her and the cub , but the damage has been done. He died a few hours later. The reason the the big males attacked them is because they are not the fathers, yes it is cruel but that is nature and how the best genes gets forwarded.

So the question being asked is , Is it ok to be emotional about it. I think there will be quite a few takes on this. Yes it is nature and in its rawest form you can get.   You do get know the lions quite well but you should never let your emotions get in the way of what is busy unfolding in front of you. There aren’t anything wrong with feeling sorry for the poor animal and feeling sad, but what ever happens must happen.  You do get questions like:

• Can you drive the vehicle between them ?
• Can you phone a vet ?
• Can’t we help him ?

All these questions are normal and it is our human instinct of helping and caring that kicks in.  Seeing lions getting hurt or die are very emotional. It is nature’s way of making space for other genes or stronger genes.

Well it was a very emotional sighting but we were also very privileged  to have been part of it. would like to hear your thoughts on this ?

Cheers

Grant

Etali male : Born April 2002

Died : May 2012

Mother: Dipelo 2

Father : Batia

Grand father : Leeuwenhoek male

It is sad to say that the Etali male got killed  by a buffalo close to thlou dam in Madikwe Game Reserve. His whole rib cage got torn apart. For a lion that is probably the worst death getting killed by buffalo. They do it with such fury. The Etali male did have a really bad back leg as you all know so he could probably not get away quick enough. We arrived on the scene yesterday and his brother was busy consuming his remains, just didn’t feel right.

He had a very good full life of 10 years. His coalition partner Kgala is almost a year older then him.  They are the dominant coalition of the North-West and South-West of Madikwe , so now the Kgala male will have a difficult task ahead to protect his pride in the North-West. The Coalition that will be most of a threat are the formidable Lenyalo Coalition. They took over from Ditaba and Sepedi in the east.

Together they took over from thsholo and Matyea in the South West with the Tshabalala females and Maropeng youngsters. The ruled the South west with the tshabalala’s until the females got euthanized after which they moved up to the North West.  We saw them on a regular basis at Nkurru waterhole when they passed by on patrol. Hopefully that will still happen.

On the photo above are Tschaba pride with all their youngsters at The Nkurru waterhole.We will really mis the big boy and his brother as their roars thunder on the dolomite ridge letting all his advisories know of their presence. together they successfully drove the Naledi brothers out the South West to the South East. We followed these guys for km’s on their morning patrols. They have shared everything and we shared a lot with them as well.

They have given us and our guests great viewing pleasure in the past and hopefully with the Kgala male that is left the sightings will carry on.

We will dearly mis the Etali male, here are some photos in his memory.

The Etali Male will be missed

Cheers

Grant

Canon 7D 70-200 F2.8

F5.6 ISO 500      1/4000

This is not an image to write home about but it is one to share. when last have you seen Catfish actively hunt tilapia. This is what they do if the water is shallow the flush the tilapia and wait with there open mouths for the small tilapia to jump down their throats. It was a very interesting sighting. You can see how one of the tilapia’s are fleeing out of the water on the right hand side of the photo.

Cheers

Grant

The past week we had very good lion sightings in Madikwe. We had great timing and great light. Let me tell you luck plays a major roll in getting good quality sightings. Yah I know you have to work for it and determine where the animals will be next but luck can be your best friend.  One morning last week our goal was to go and photograph the sunrise on the Madikwe plains. This time of the year it is spectacular. We got up and left just after 5:00am.

Halfway to the plains we stumbled app on a group of lions in an open area just as the sun was rising so there went our plans for sunrise on the plains. We spent a good 40min with these cats as they were playing around waiting for the sun so they can move to a more shadier spot.  You can try and make plans on your safari but you never know what will happen next.

We all fired away and shot one of the cubs as he terrorized his mother and aunt. With all the shooting going on and backgrounds being a bit messy and a stick or two in the way……. ……….. What makes a good lion image ?  Well I strongly believe that if you are happy with your work it is a good image. Surely you are taking the photos for yourself and to an extend won’t worry to much if some one are commenting on your work,  I believe all comments are welcome good and bad. That forces you to look at your work and try and better yourself. Being out in the field photographing natural subjects we can not do anything to change a messy background or that stick that is in the way, try and work with what you have to photograph, get creative ! Yes I can position the vehicle in the best way possible but remember these guys move around quite  a bit.  Remember you will  seldomly get the perfect conditions to get a great lion image,  but if it appears that day make the most of it.  Very important observe the behavior of your subject and follow it around with your lens like this cub , he was up to no good when he saw his mothers tale. I caught him in the act , I know I cut the mom of completely but that was the whole idea to get the expression on his face when he got hold of her tale.

Happy shooting , till next time

Cheers

Grant

Canon 7D     70-200 F2,8

ISO 2500      F5,0     1/60

The animal above is probably one of the reasons people come on safari to Africa. As you all know we don’t get much chance to see these magnificent animals. Every now and then we are  privileged enough to spend time with these cats. On Tuesday evening we got that chance again. That was a sighting of note.

She was spotted in a big lead wood tree late that afternoon and we went there only to see her tail as she went down the tree.  We stopped next to the tree to listen and we could hear a whole army of flies buzzing in a raison bush thicket , then we new she had hidden her meal there. We looked carefully and there it was a young wildebeest. So we made the decision to come back later when it was dark and she was more relaxed.  We have found that leopards in Madikwe are more relaxed when it is dark.  After sundowners we went back and sat quietly for about 5-8mins. when we could hear the crunching and tearring of flesh and we thought she was there. After further inspection we found a brown hyena busy on her kill and we all thought well that was it. After waiting that long for her to appear we watched the brown enjoying his free meal.

I scanned our surroundings with the spotlight and right in front of us the leopardess stood up out of the long grass. You could see she was not in a good  mood. She stood motionless , staring at the hyena that was busy eating all her hard work. Then she made the decision and she went flying thru the bush chasing the hyena of her kill, lots of noise came from the thicket. She won over the kill and took it with one jump up the lead wood.  The amount of courage that small female showed was incredible. She fought for what was hers and she won !

As I had people with me with a great interest in photography ,  we all knew the photography was going to be a challenge but fun. It was something different to photograph and it was dark. Everyone was scattering around to get the right settings because with wild life you normally don’t have a lot of time to get the shot. No one had a monopod or beanbag or any support on the vehicle for the cameras, so this is what we did :

• Switched to Program function
• up the ISO to 2500 because it was pitch black around us.
• dropped the exposure to -0,65

The other alternative was to go on Manual setting, remember to always have a beanbag or some kind of support with you for your camera you never know if it might come in handy. Well that was fantastic leopard sighting and we all got some workable images. In wildlife photography patience is one of the key words. Don’t just except your sighting is over make sure and wait if you have to. With that, knowing the behavior of your subject can also help you to  be more successful in getting your shots.

Happy shooting and be patient you will get rewarded

Cheers

Grant

Canon 7D 70-200 F2.8

F5,0  ISO 800

This was one of those weekends where we had one awesome sighting after the other one.  It is difficult to explain to people that this is not normal, hey I am not complaining the photographic opportunities were endless.  Off course we would have a sighting like the following one without any sun to work with….. two words HIGH ISO Saturday we stumbled upon these two white rhino bulls fighting , at first it started out as play fighting but got more serious by the minute. Ten minutes into the fight it got loud , dusty and uncertain on what was going to happen next.

The one kept on chasing the other one around the vehicle and tried to get him of balance and of his feet. Both of them had quite a few puncture marks on the chest and legs. These animals are tough and will recover quickly.

The one bull was a bit older then the other one and he succeeded in showing his dominance to the younger one. It is great to share this with people who is also passionate about photography.

How to successful photograph a moving sighting like this, not so easy because you deal with moving subjects and big angry animals:

• Position the vehicle in such a way that the animals have enough space to move in
• Move with the animals and  try determine in which direction they will move into
• In most cases you will probably be with a guide who knows what to do
• Get away from them if they are not comfortable with the vehicle
• Spend as much time with the animals and don’t just try and get that winning shot

This is all guidelines and remember to respect these animals at all time.

That was what to do in your vehicle now for  the settings I used:

• I used a 70-200 lens , in a sighting like this you want to be versatile because they are moving around a lot.
• I was shooting on AV with a F 5,0 because of the busy back ground and moving animals
• ISO of 800, don’t be scared of high ISO’s
• Remember that in wildlife photography your subjects are mostly moving so using a higher ISO pushes up your shutter speed as well.

You can’t always predict what the animal is going to do , but there are body language signs you can look for to try and determine what they are going to do next, for example when a bird of prey is perched and he poops then 99% of the time he will fly and you can plan  your shot , but you have to be quick

It was an epic fight and both survived with a few scratches and bruises

Cheers

Grant