Safari Update 2 June - Lion Hotel

Today we rose to heavy overcast skies and with two of my clients off to a balloon ride over the Serengeti, the rest of us headed for the central area of the Serengeti. More lions in trees and more lions in trees. The wildebeests and zebras have moved into the plains near our camp in full force. Following some landscape work on the way back to camp, it was an early return as we started prepping for another early morning departure and head for our new home high on the ridge line of the Ngorongoro Crater. As I write this, a storm has moved in complete with thunder and distant lightening. I always love falling to sleep under the skies of the Serengeti with rain hitting the roof of the tent. What a way to end the day. Oh yes, we celebrated one couple's 48th anniversary tonight with a special song and dance from the crew. Classic touch from the Thomson Safari Serengeti Crew. Thanks guys, you made the night very special for two lovely folks.

- Blogging Live from the Serengeti - 

The Lion Hotel

Seattle Photoshop Users Group

Yesterday I found myself before the SPUG folks at Adobe HQ in Freemont.  I spent a hour talking about how I organize and photograph on Safari and during my travels.  With a mix of gear-heads, photoshop experts and camera junkies, I pulled together a lecture that started with a concept all the way through being on safari.  From equipment recommendations, to composition, to a photographic journey through Africa...... I had a blast.  What a wonderful group of folks.  

Now, I'm sitting in Washington DC getting ready to head to Dubai and then on to Tanzania to lead another 'Through The Lens Safari' for Thomson Safaris.  I'll be blogging live from the Serengeti, so stay tuned and followed as we safari.

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Throw-Back Thursday

Taking you way back to 2009 in Kenya.  This image was taken at Mara Plains Camp next to the Masai Mara Park in Kenya.  Taken with a Nikon 400mm lens, it is a prime example of why I love long lenses for sunsets.  When we rounded the corner returning to camp we saw the huge sun setting.  We ran at full pace from the car park to the front of the camp for the shot.  During the final few shots, several wildebeests walked across the plains.  I am transported back to this wonderful place every time I look at this image.

Cheers and happy photo'ing

Photo Safari - Tanzania

While leading a photo safari for Thomson Safaris, our group followed this large male leopard for nearly an hour has he walked through the tall grass and the undergrowth in the Serengeti.  While tracking him, we observed what we thought was a limp from time to time as he walked.  After passing up numerous trees, he finally found one that he considered suitable and up he went.  Once he took up his perch, we could see a recent wound on the right leg.  Thankfully the wound appeared to healing.

Cheers and happy photo'ing

Dad and Daugther on Safari

It’s always very special when family members join one another on safari.  I told both of my daughters some time ago that I wanted to take them on one of my safaris.  This May safari I was lucky enough to have Coogan join me in between her MBA graduation and the start of her new job.  Coogan, thanks for finding time to join me and really making this safari very special to me.   Love you lots, Dad.  Thanks to Scott for taking time to snap this photo of us on the overlook deck at Mbaligiti Lodge.

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Nikon D4, 70-200mm @ 135, ISO 250, 1/100 sec at f/13.  This image was taken here.

Cheers and happy photo’ing

Wildebeest Video – Safari Update Day 7

As we started our move from move from Robanda to Mbaligiti, we found ourselves directly in the middle of one of the main herds of migrating Wildebeests.  This time of the year (May), they are on their way from the calving grounds of the Southern Serengeti and Ngorongoro Conservation Area to the northern Serengeti and then onward to Kenya – only to return again in September and October when the rains begin.

So here is my very first video from my D4 (I have have the camera since it came out, I just don’t shoot  video and now I am having second thoughts).  I really like having the massive elephants in the background – just wish I have figured out the video focusing a bit faster.

Then there was this little elephant who just figured out that if he trumpeted and charged into the herd of Wildebeests, he could get an reaction from them, causing them to run.  Every safari, I always observe some type of animal behavior that I have not seen before.  What fun……

DSC4035 from Randy Hanna on Vimeo.

These movies were taken here

Cheers and happy photo’ing