News for February 2012
Elephant Images and Stories
Elephants wonderful subjects that are usually at ease around visitors and offer plenty of character which I am happily challenged to capture. One drawback is that they are not the most colorful creatures, but shapes and textures make up for that.
In Kruger we often enjoy lingering on a scarcely traveled dirt road in the middle of a family herd or close to a watering hole. I love watching the hierarchy in action and the protection and caution enforced by the senior females. They truly seem to enjoy simple pleasures such as the daily drink at the watering hole and a choice tree branch. On the private reserves it is not uncommon to be so close that you can hear them breathing, smell them, and hear them chewing. Often the herd is spread across the road: you can not see all the members because they have an uncanny ability to hide in the smallest of trees and walk silently but you can hear the distruction of trees.
Two Juveniles Practice Sparing
Elephants are not shy to go about their business in the presence of the safari vehicle. Our guides have to be very aware of the attitudes of the herd members and sometimes moves us away if something such as sparing gets out of control.
A family Drinks at a Watering Hole
Parking at a watering hole is great entertainment: you never know what you might see. Elephants cautiously approach with the matriarch leading the way. The young ones are kept close and in the middle of the herd. They love the water and spray and drink with the babies causing mayhem. Some seem so young that they do not know how to drink properly.
A mother shows her two young ones how to dig a water hole
This was a great day in Kruger. The elephants were digging in the dry riverbed to make a mud and water hole. The mother showed her juvenile how to dig – making him do most of the work while the baby got in the way and enjoyed all the fun. Mom got impatient and pushed the kids out of the way so she could drink. On the other side of the vehicle was a large wallow full of mud and elephants – splendid.
Playing with water
Watching an elephant use its trunk is fascinating
I have decide that I want a trunk: it is such an amazing appendage and when used by a master such as an elephant it is remarkable what they can do. Watching them strip bark, fling water, and caress their children evokes respect and wonder.
An Old Friend
This is a very old elephant who lives on Thornybush Reserve (our neighbor). He comes very close the vehicle and casually demonstrates how to pick and eat a good lunch. He was famous for breaking the fence to our reserve and camping out at our marula tree gorging on fruit until he was herded back to his own reserve. Sadly he has now passed away.
When there is no mud, dust will do the trick
This is one way to introduce color to a neutral colored elephant!
Good from any angle
Interesting shapes and texture brings interest to photographs and elephants have it all that. There is not a boring angle or detail on them. When they get too close, I like to snap close ups of skin, tusks and eyes. Elephant hair from their tails was once used to make a traditional bracelet.
I hope you have been inspired and entertained by my elephant photos and stories: join me on safari and experience this joy first hand.
Edited: February 22nd, 2012
In your Safari Bag – do not forget Binoculars
Nikon Binocular 10 x 42 Monarch ATB
Even with all of the long lenses on safari I still carry a good set of binoculars.
I like these because they are compact and not too heavy. The multicoated lenses give a beautifully sharp image.
I prefer to observe though binoculars when we are stationary and waiting for further action. It is easier to scan the scene for hyenas or other animals hiding the bush with these than it is through the camera. This way I do not need to reposition the camera once in place.
They are fun and essential for non photographer “spotters” too
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/671383-REG/Nikon_7295_Monarch_ATB_10x42_Binocular.html
They are a good value and they are on sale right now at B & H Photo
The only flaw is the lens caps which are such a bad design that they get lost almost instantly.
Edited: February 21st, 2012
The Strange and Mysterious Greenland Shark
Dr Chris Harvey-Clark was a guest on our January 2012 Tiger Shark Expedition and was kind enough to tell everyone the tale of his discovery of the Greenland Shark.
Read about his discovery and the efforts to conduct further study on this slow and cold member of the shark species.
Edited: February 18th, 2012
Announcing Dates for 2013 Tiger Shark Adventure
get face to face with a tiger shark March 2013
March 8 – 14 2013 $2,700
Join us for an exciting week of diving in the clear warm waters of the Bahamas and Tiger Beach. This is all about sharks and a great opportunity for underwater photography
This comfortable and professional liveaboard has been in the business for years and has been on Shark Week many times. Experience your own Shark Week - book now or miss out
This could be you in March 2013
” The best dive trip I have ever been on” – comment from 2012 guest See my trip log here
All the details are on my website www.TigerSharkDive.com
See my other trips: South Africa Wild Safari, manatee photography workshop, Sailfish and Whale sharks in Mexico
Edited: February 7th, 2012
2013 Sailfish Trip Dates Announced
The Sailfish Trip for 2013 is set and I am now taking bookings for the 5 spaces. This trip is limited to just 5 people per boat for comfort and maximum opportunity to get great shots and encounters during the hunt.
1 space remains for these dates.
Price will be $3,500 which includes shared hotel room , airport transfers, and some meals.
Some openings are available on these other dates. Please enquire about securing a spot.
Dec 29th (arrive) – Jan 4 (depart)
Jan 3 – Jan 9
Jan 9 – Jan 15
Jan 20 – Jan 26
Jan 25 – Jan 31
Jan 30 – Feb 7 ( 7 days on Boat) *inquire for price
See details on my website or contact me
Edited: February 2nd, 2012
Tiger Shark Expedition Report on Website
All the guests signed the TIger Shark Flag after our first encounter
The 2012 Tiger Shark Dive Expedition was fantastic! The weather was great and so was the company. All of the photographers came back with great photos and some said it was the best dive trip they had ever been on.
Read my Expedition Report on my Website
Still have spaces for my April Safari in South Africa - inquire now!
Edited: February 2nd, 2012
