Safari Update

From the Serengeti to the Ngorongoro Crater, here we come.

Today was our drive day as we moved from our camp in the Serengeti to our new home high on the rim of the Ngorongoro Crater (7,800 feet). About half way to the Nobi Gate we ran into a huge line of wildebeets and zebras that had to extend for several miles, as it seemed to never end. With the line on the move, they provided us with some wonderful panning opportunities. Continuing our drive to the Crater, we arrived at my favorite Maasai village for an insight into the Maasai way of life. After visiting with the Maasai, I arranged for an impromptu portrait session with several of the warriors and women. If I recall the details correctly, they were ready to arrange a low cost marriage for me. Something like 200 cows would get me a Maasai bride – I took a pass. Tomorrow will be another early rise - off to the spend the day in the Ngorongoro Crater.

Blogging live from the Ngorongoro Crater.

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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

Safari Update 1 June - Hippo time

Man-oh-man, up early again today, breaking camp at 0545. Our first objective was the hippo pool for a very early shoot. I wanted to give the clients a shot at photographing the hippos as they were retuning to the pool after a full night of grazing as well as taking advantage of very low lighting angles. It is during this period when most fights break out as everyone tries to get the best spot in the pool. We continued onward to the Massai Kopjes in hopes of finding the lions again. This time all of the lions were together, still looking well fed. As we continued toward the Research Area, we hit massive herds of zebras and wildebeests, many in a single file march as they continued north toward the rains and Kenya. Again, the cloud formations were just wonderful. As we bring the night to a close, it was lamb with mint sauce, broccoli, squash, potatoes, and a green salad with a lime tart to finish off with – there goes the weight. One interesting thing this safari, is the tall grasses. This is causing a change in the animal behavior such as numerous lions in trees. Lake Manyara, just outside of the park, is well known for its tree climbing lions however, seeing all of these lions in tree after tree in the Serengeti has been a new experience for me.

- Blogging Live from the Serengeti - 

And the Serengeti Never Disappoints

Our first stop today was the Retima Hippo Pool followed by a journey to the Maasai Kopjes. These Kopjes turned out to be a great bet as they produced two huge male lions and two females with three cubs estimated at 3 months of age. Although the cubs were located deep inside a tangled web of tree trunks, making photography very difficult, they were fun to watch. On the way back to camp, we were treated to a huge herd of herd of giraffes, some 60 strong with many young ones. Zebras were scattered among the giraffes and heading our way is a long line of Wildebeests. An impressive African sunset, sitting around the campfire telling stories from the bush with zebras, hyenas, lions roaring in the distant – it is going to be a noisy but relaxing African evening.

The Great Migration Herds Head On

Another magnificent day in the Serengeti. Before we left the camp area, we came across some 50 giraffes and about 100 zebras just hanging out taking advantage of the tall grasses and the lush trees. What a way to start the morning! Last night I received a game report at dinner concerning the migration herd. I made the decision to rise early and make a long drive to the Lobo area in hopes of running into the wildebeest herds. My hunch paid off in spades with wildebeests as far as the eye could see. Along the way we were treated to three cheetahs and of course some wonderful cloud formations that made for some great landscapes. I wonder what tomorrow will hold for us in the Seregenti?

Blogging live from the Serengeti........

Hello Serengeti

We left Rivertrees very early this morning for our private charter flight to the Serengeti. Within 20 minutes of leaving the airstrip located in the central Serengeti, we found a pride of 15 lions all in a huge tree. Several of the young ones left the large tree and attempted to try their skills at climbing a much smaller nearby tree with limited success. Clearly THE SAFARI HAS BEGUN.

Continuing onward, the plains of the Serengeti soon turned green with lush tall grasses everywhere. Before we knew it, we had 4 of the big 5 photographed; now only for the Rhino.

Blogging live from the Serengeti.........

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So Long Dubai

Having just completed several days in Dubai meeting with potential clients, I am now in Africa having breakfast with my clients before we head off to the Serengeti for a "Through the Lens Safari" with Thomson Safari.

I did find time to do some shooting while in Dubai.  The Iconic Bur Al Arab is most often seen in color.  With the lighting conditions, I decided to hand blend this into a b&w.

I will be back in Feb to work with my contact from the Ministry of Tourism, so excited.

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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Where Have I Been?

If you may have noticed that I have been 'inactive' over the past month. Well, blame it on New Zealand! Yep, a full month overseas, starting in the remote reaches of northwest Tasmania for a few days followed by incredible weeks in the land of the 'long white cloud.' I tried posting to FB but the internet connections were beyond ridiculous. I finally 'let go' of staying connected and focused on 'seeing' differently to improve my landscape shots. I am pleased with the results!

I was traveling with Jaime Dormer, one of the best photographers in Australia. Jaime and I met in Iceland last year and we pretty much kept our super jeep in stitches so I knew we would hit it off. Jaime put together a great trip for us, including visits to a couple of renowned photographers in Tasmania and New Zealand. David Murphy, who owns and operates the Cow and Calf Gallery in Tasmania, had lots of helpful hints and locations for us and of course his work is exciting and wonderful. Andy Apse is often regarded as the Ansel Adams of New Zealand. A pure gentleman and wonderful soul, Andy was a joy to share a meal with and talk about all things photographic and not. One could not help but walk away from these two galleries without new ideas on composition.

Another unforgettable visit was the art gallery of Tim Wilson. Tim and I hit it off famously and I must tell you, very few painters cause me to pause and look. Tim's work stopped me dead in my tracks. When he raised and lowered the lights focused on a huge wall painting of Doubtful Sound, I gained new appreciation of working in layers. I highly recommend a visit with Tim if you find yourself in Queenstown, New Zealand, and I look forward to hosting Tim when he comes to Seattle.

During this trip, I mainly shot my Nikon D810 (see the FaceBook Post) and my Hasselblad H5D40 unless I was flying and then it was the trusty Nikon D4. However, as luck would have it, I broke my D810, so then it was all Hasselblad.  In an interesting turn, I started using my i-phone as an aid in composition before I would put the Hasselblad into final position. This worked out great and gave me a new perspective on composition. No doubt, working with Jaime and spending time with Tim, Andy, and Dave, greatly improved my landscape composition in a very short span of time.

I am already plotting a way to return to New Zealand. Put the South Island on your bucket list.

Hasselblad hard at work in New Zealand

I'm not going to tell you how much Tim's painting sells for, but if I could, I would have it on my wall at home. Love it.

Randy and Tim Wilson at his gallery in Queenstown, New Zealand.

ICELAND PHOTOGRAPHY WORKSHOP 2016

 ICELAND - UPDATE  - NEW DATES COMING SOON

I estimate that I will have a new program scheduled by mid summer, so please stand by.  Due to some events that are beyond my control, I have had to move these dates around a bit, so hang on with me for just a bit.

I have selected travel in September this year for an improved chance of photographing the Northern Lights without going in the dead of winter. The crowds will be gone and the daylight hours will be nearly normal yet winter has not hit full on which means we can still journey into the highlands.

Highlights include Landmannalauger, numerous waterfalls throughout such as Godafoss, and Dettifos. Geothermal areas, Iceberg lagoon and Stokksness round out this wonderful adventure. Sign-up details will soon be available via my website so stay tuned. For those interested, you can arrive a day early for an optional one hour helicopter flight. Flight will be on Astar Eurocopter A350 series, specially configured for our photography requirements with doors off for all three shooters. We will have up to three flights available on the afternoon of the 13th. I used this same aircraft and configuration last year and I obtained some remarkable images. To put it shortly, every chance I get, I will fly in Iceland. If you are interested, drop me a note AND join the mailing list to make sure you don't miss out.