Into the light

We all have our favorite subjects that we tend to seek out more than others, but no matter the subject, it is the light upon the subject that brings a still image to life. No matter how subtle, sidelight and backlight create shadows that give shape and depth to a photograph, making it much more captivating than just flat over the shoulder light. Seems easy enough, right? Well, it might be if you are completely in control of your subject and light.

In wildlife photography, you have little control over anything and have only seconds to react. Climate change has made this even more difficult because weather that used to be quite predictable (raining season/dry season) is now completely unpredictable. Even if you have off-road access, there is no guarantee you will have light when you have the perfect subject or have the perfect subject when you have light. Now add the challenge of being on a boat or on foot!

It generally comes down to a few lightning-quick decisions not only from you but from your guide! It seems everyone these days carries a big camera, so once a guide drives clients with camera’s they have “experience?” but most do not understand light, and it is more complex than they realize. This is why photographers put such an emphasis on the guide/s we select and work with, and over the years, they become more like friends and family. It can either be a very frustrating situation ending in disappointing images or one where you are completely in sync and nailing the shot!

I love specializing in Africa because of the confidence in what I can achieve and deliver after years of knowing a location, working consistently with the same guides and the whole team. Even when I venture off the continent, it is because I am working with a great colleague who has the same quality guide team experience, I have in Africa; chances are high we first met and worked together in Africa.

It’s not so easy to chase the light these days, so when you catch it, every second counts!!!