Dune Prowler

During our recent family safari to the Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park, we came across two male cheetahs who were strolling down the dry Auob riverbed with full bellies (having made a kill earlier that morning). We drove next to them for probably 8km, and after they slaked their thirst at the Kamfersboom waterhole, they crossed over the road and onto the dunes next to us. I managed to get a couple of photos of them in this typical Kalahari setting by repositioning the vehicle as they moved along the line of the road. At times they were close enough to reach out and touch - a special Kgalagadi sighting.

It was already mid-morning so the light wasn't at its absolute best, but once they did cross the road some photos were manageable. I just love the red sand and blue sky surroundings here, making it unmistakably Kalahari.

Techs:
Nikon D800
Nikkor 70-200mm f2.8 VR-II @ 200mm
f8.0  |  1/800 SS  |  ISO-250

click on the photo to view at proper resolution and sharpness

Morkel Erasmus

Lady of the Dunes

It's almost Kalahari time for me and my family again. By now you already know that I love the place. The Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park takes a bit of your heart every time you visit - and you return to try and get it back, but you leave even more behind every time. Where else can you see a lion in this setting, right beside your vehicle?

Getting a low angle perspective is critical to increase the impact of your wildlife photos. So much of wildlife photography is done shooting "down" from your position in a vehicle, and in most places getting out isn't really allowed, so being able to position yourself to get this kind of perspective on your subject is first prize!

Techs:

Canon 7D

Canon 100-400mm L IS USM @ 340mm

f5.6  |  1/1000 SS  |  ISO-1600

click on the photo to display properly

To find out more about booking your own trip to the Kgalagadi one day, check out these links:
South African National Parks
Ta Shebube Lodges

Until I write again - keep clicking!

Morkel Erasmus

PhotoShare: Kalahari Tree

Seeing as I'm off to the Kalahari again for the next 8-9 days, I thought I would share an image I captured during our previous trip in June 2010...

This is a typical Kalahari scene...camelthorn acacia, red dunes, vast expanse and (if you are lucky) a stunning sky.

f16  //  1/80 SS  //  ISO-200

Enjoy the week ahead everyone - I will see you on the flip-side! If you want to you can do me a favour and refer your buddies to my website and blog, hehe...


Morkel Erasmus