Through the lens: An epic photographic adventure in South Africa

Prologue: The beginning of an unforgettable journey My latest photography project took me on an epic journey through South Africa, from Cape Town to the Kruger National Park. Armed with cameras, lenses and an insatiable passion for the wilderness, I embarked on an odyssey of over 2000 km in search of the perfect images.

Cape Town: Where the ocean meets the mountain The journey began in cosmopolitan Cape Town. At sunrise, I strategically positioned myself to capture Table Mountain wrapped in the famous ‘tablecloth’ of clouds. I used a long exposure to render the silky effect of the movement of the clouds, creating a dramatic contrast with the solidity of the mountain.

The Cape Peninsula: A unique ecosystem Exploring the Cape Peninsula, I encountered the colony of African penguins at Boulders Beach. Here, the challenge was to balance the bright light reflected from the white sand with the dark bodies of the penguins. I opted for a wide-angle lens to capture the penguins in the context of their unique habitat, with the iconic rock formations in the background.

Garden Route: A mosaic of ecosystems Along the Garden Route, the ancient forests of Tsitsikamma offered me a unique opportunity. Using a macro lens, I captured intimate details of the rainforest’s biodiversity, from tiny orchids to dewdrops on mosses. The challenge here was working with the low light of the undergrowth, pushing the ISO capabilities of my camera to the limit.

Knysna: Secrets beneath the surface In the Knysna lagoons, I experimented with underwater photography. Using a waterproof case, I captured images of the rare Cape oysters in their natural environment. The biggest difficulty was managing the limited visibility and filtered light from the water, requiring the creative use of underwater flashes.

Addo Elephant National Park: Gentle Giants In Addo Park, I focused on the majestic elephants. I spent hours observing and photographing the family dynamics of the herds. A particularly poignant moment was when I captured an image of a cub sheltering under its mother during a brief downpour. The use of a 600mm telephoto lens allowed me to maintain a respectful distance while capturing intimate details.

Kruger National Park: The beating heart of the African savannah The three weeks in the Kruger were the highlight of the trip. Each day brought new challenges and photographic opportunities.

Sunrise in the bush: The golden hour The first light of dawn in the Kruger offers magical light. I used to get up every day well before sunrise to be in position. One morning, I was rewarded with the image of a leopard crossing a clearing, illuminated by the first golden rays. The challenge here was to balance the exposure between the deep shadows and the lit areas.

Hunting drama: High-speed action One afternoon, I witnessed a breathtaking scene: a pack of wild dogs on the hunt. I had to react quickly, increasing the shutter speed to 1/2000th of a second to freeze the frenetic action. Using my camera’s tracking autofocus proved crucial to maintain sharpness on fast-moving subjects.

Patience rewarded: Intimate moments at the waterhole I spent many hours hiding in a hide near a waterhole. Patience was rewarded when a herd of elephants came to water. I captured tender images of cubs learning to use their trunks, using the warm late afternoon light to add depth and atmosphere to the photos.

African Nights: The realm of predators Night trips to the Kruger allowed me to photograph nocturnal wildlife. Using external flashes with diffusers for soft light, I captured images of genets, owls and even a rare pangolin. The challenge here was to balance the need for artificial light with minimal disturbance to the animals.

Epilogue: Reflections on an extraordinary journey Back home, I reflect not only on the images captured but also on the importance of preserving these unique ecosystems. Each photograph tells a story of biodiversity, struggle for survival and wild beauty. I hope my work will inspire others to explore and protect these precious places, contributing to conservation through the power of images