This first multiple exposure image of the month is an idea that I jotted down in more than one place over several months, so I am finally glad to have a chance to explore it and create something.
I created this image utilizing photoshop, using some basic layer masks and adjusting the blend mode to suit. It really is that simple but that are lots of step by step tutorials available if anyone is interested in researching it further.
The lion image that is a basis for the composite was shot in Etosha National Park in Namibia in April 2017. This young male lion slunk across the road in full stalk position towards a herd of zebra, but as they had spotted him before he even started moving, it really was a wasted effort. The orientation of the zebra pictures I had from that same time period weren’t quite right for what I was looking to do, so I found one in my catalogue taken in the Okavango Delta in 2015 that worked much better. The positioning of the group of zebra and tsessebe give the impression that they were watching something in the distance… perhaps even a predator moving through.
There have been lots of exciting changes over the month, so I have decided to start a month in review post as a way to share what’s going on, highlight a few of my favourite images posted during the month, and let you know what the topic will be for next month. So let’s get started.
February’s topic of the month: Revisiting old work
I really enjoyed having a reason to scroll through the early days of my photo catalogues, looking for images that I may have overlooked the first time around, or just didn’t know how to properly edit them. It is a process I would recommend to anyone that is looking to see how far they have progressed as an artist. I found the then and now edits to be the most valuable though, as I could look at an image with fresh eyes compared to a previous interpretation. Some times the results were quite subtle, but I definitely learned a lot doing the work.
What’s new this month
A lot has been happening behind the scenes in February! I was able to finally move ahead with combining my blog and gallery sites into one cohesive website. You may have noticed the change to www.jennifersawickyphotography.com. I’m happy to have everything centralized in one place; it will make it much easier to share content in the future. I did all work myself, and I’m definitely not a web expert so it probably took me twice as long as it should, but it was a way to learn some new skills, challenge my brain a bit, and exercise my creativity in a slightly different way. All wins! My gallery is still under construction, but please take a look around and let me know what you think. I will be continuing to add more items over the coming weeks.
Five Favourites from this month
A young elephant getting a drink from a broken landscape pipe. This was one of the youngsters that thrilled me by repeatedly visiting me at my vehicle while his Mom stood by.
What’s coming up next?
For March, I have decided that I want to work on showcasing multiple exposures. I am definitely going to try my hand at doing some in camera multiple exposures, but I have had several ideas percolating for images for some time from items already in my catalogue, so this will give me the perfect opportunity to finally work on them. The winter has been challenging with a lot of snow, and I don’t think that it is wise to set myself a topic for the month that requires getting out a lot with my camera. The snow in my backyard for example is now waist high, so getting around and exploring is a bit tricky. And to be honest, not super appealing.
This is one of the multiple expose images I created last year. I am excited to delve into more work like this 🙂
The first WordPress photo challenge topic of the year is growth. There are lots of directions that this can be taken, but I’ve decided to use it as an opportunity to show off some of the younger generation of animals that I saw on my last safari. The wild is a dangerous place for youngsters, with so many species having mortality rates above 50%. I hope all of these animals have been able to grow strong and healthy.
A rhino cow and calf seen during a late afternoon game drive on the Ongava Reserve near Etosha National Park in Namibia. We were very fortunate to have several rhino sightings during our trip. Namibia, April 2017.This lion pride was very busy, with 6 small cubs, all of whom were suffering with mange. I am hopeful they all made it through the winter months. South Africa, May 2017.I have few photos of this sighting, as the light was falling rapidly and the cubs were deep in a thicket. But their antics were too adorable not to try and capture. So while their Mom fed on a giraffe kill, these two scampered around, wrestled, and attempted to climb the tree behind them. They even had a few moments of playing with the food. South Africa, May 2017. (1/250sec, f5.6, ISO 25,600)We came across these elephants just after setting out from camp early one morning. They had discovered an underground water pipe and had pulled it up to get to the water. Elephants of all sizes were enjoying a drink as the sun came up. Being amongst the elephants is definitely one of my favourite things; I could have happily spent the whole day with them. South Africa, May 2017.Right after leaving the elephants seen above, we saw this. I don’t think it gets any better in terms of an amazing sighting; we were able to track this beautiful leopard all the way to her new den site, and then spend time watching the tiny cubs explore their new home (a hollow log). South Africa, May 2017.
The photo challenge topic of the week is peek; showing just a glimpse of your subject. It’s a great topic to have while going through safari photos, as sometimes, the best you get on a sighting is a brief glimpse of the animal that you have been tracking.
On this morning, we followed the meandering tracks of a lioness until we came across a very agitated female giraffe. It didn’t take long to find the drag marks into the bushes, and then find the lion with her tiny calf.
A desert-adapted lioness with a giraffe calf, seen near the Hoanib Skeleton Coast Camp, Namibia. April, 2017.
The photo challenge topic of the week is rounded. And while I contemplated creating a post highlighting all the lovely rounded lines on elephants, I decided instead to offer up a bit more variety.
I hope you enjoy my selection of images.
A view from the top of one of the dunes on the Skeleton Coast. Namibia, April 2017.A zebra foal crosses a bend in the road, not too far behind Mom. Ongava Game Reserve, April 2017.Trying to capture the sunset from a moving vehicle is not the easiest task, but I loved the way the light was hitting the curves in the road, so I gave it my best shot. South Africa, May 2017.A lion pauses at a curve in the road, listening for his brother calling from the distance. Londolozi Game Reserve, May 2017.Elephants gather at a bend in the Hoanib River for a drink and a mud bath. Namibia, April 2017.
The prompt for the photo challenge this week is glow; the perfect opportunity to share some photos with some beautiful light.
I hope you enjoy my selections!
Sunset in the desert, seen on a drinks stop from the Hoanib Skeleton Coast Camp. Namibia, April 2017.A leopard bathed in the last light of sunset. South Africa, May 2017.Following a lion into the light. South Africa, May 2017.
