Kenya

Unfortunately I have yet to see a cheetah running at full speed. This guy did a little bit of stalking through the grass right beside our safari vehicle but then decided to just give up. I guess he decided it wasn't a realistic hunt and would be a waste of energy to go flat out just so I could get a photo.In the early afternoon the Gazelles tend to lie down and take a break. However one needs to always be aware as predators are always on the prowl, though less are around during the heat of the day.I still have to find a subject that suits black and white better than a Zebra. The contrast always makes for a good image. However I think I still haven't succeeded in finding a zebra that makes a stunning black and white. A good excuse to go back to Africa.I was lucky to go straight out and find a lioness on my first game drive in the Masai Mara in Kenya. Well I thought I was lucky. Our guide explained afterwards that some animals are creatures of routine, and this lioness and her pride always took an afternoon siesta in similar places.I was lucky to go straight out and find a lioness on my first game drive in the Masai Mara in Kenya. Well I thought I was lucky. Our guide explained afterwards that some animals are creatures of routine, and this lioness and her pride always took an afternoon siesta in similar places.Elephants normally travel in herds which means that family portraits are relatively easy. However just like any family they don't always look at the camera all at the same time.Elephants normally travel in herds which means that family portraits are relatively easy. However just like any family they don't always look at the camera all at the same time.Elephants normally travel in herds which means that family portraits are relatively easy. However just like any family they don't always look at the camera all at the same time.Nothing compares to seeing the majesty and size of an elephant up close. Maybe that clouds my judgement when chosing images for my portfolio. It is always possible that the image means more to me than to those who buy it. However I still love the power and strength of this massive creature.Elephants are often hard to photograph on safari, especially if you aren't a professional with multiple cameras and lots of lenses. Sometimes they get so close that your longer wildlife lens is just too much for the herd. However that allows for nice close ups of the smaller members of the family.Serval's are one of Africa's lesser known cats. This is only because their size fails to grab the attention the way the big cats do. However they are equally adept at hunting and stalking and are amazing to see in the flesh.The lilac-breasted roller is relatively common in East Africa but again the problem is getting these birds to sit still long enough to get a good image.The plains zebra is a bit like tourists in Europe. When you want to take a landscape shot of the typical savannah view, they just get in the way. At least in St Mark's Square getting up early gets you a nice clean view. The zebras are up and about straight after sunrise.There is a reason why the collective noun for zebras is a dazzle. It is impossible to single them out and count them individually with all those stripes.Just because there are over a million wildebeest in doesn't mean they are all best friends. Sometimes though rarely you do see them on their own. As a photographer though it is also possible to be a bit creative and isolate them.I met this guy with his brother out for an evening stroll. They were just wandering as cheetah do. Just looking for a bit of prey that would be easy enough to stalk and capture. Since they found nothing they just settled under a bush for a bit of shade.After the small rainy season the land is still relatively dry. However one or two afternoon storms make it a lot easier for animals to find water without the long trek to the nearest big river. At least there are no crocodiles in this puddle.Sometimes animals come a bit too close to your safari vehicle. Cheetahs especially like to do this for shade, camouflage and sometimes climb on top for a better view point. I am not a fan of this though so we drove back a bit before he got any ideas.Waking up after a siesta is never easy.I find the Waterbuck to be one of the most beautiful of the Antelope type animals. Normally they are found by water, hence the name but sometimes also standing nicely in the grasses for a simple portrait.The plains zebra is a bit like tourists in Europe. When you want to take a landscape shot of the typical savannah view, they just get in the way. At least in St Mark's Square getting up early gets you a nice clean view. The zebras are up and about straight after sunrise. This is one of my first attempts to make art from my photos, using photoshop to add a more 'traditional' look.During the great migration a lot of Wildebeest die crossing the rivers leaving nice food for the vultures to scavenge. However as the carcasses are in the water the birds' feathers can get wet and a drying session is necessary. It makes the feather detail so much easier to photograph than on an individual soaring on the thermals.This vervet hung around our camp and was willing to sit and pose quite a lot. He also tried to steel our fruit as well, so wasn't always perfectly behaved.Photography Lesson number 1. Back everything up twice. The NatGeo level photos I had of Hippos were on a memory card that got corrupted. The back up was stolen. Hippos aren't easy to photograph but do provide opportunities for dramatic story telling images. I need to go back and get some more.The lilac-breasted roller is one of Africa's iconic birds. It is visible all over when you are on safari. However being such quick fliers and graceful movers, getting a good image is rather difficult sometimes.

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