Photography – Page 26 – Jennifer Sawicky Photography

July 8, 2019July 7, 2019

2019-07-08: Impala

When you pull up to a small group of impala, in my experience they will either bolt immediately, or give you a passing glance and then go back to grazing. But when you encounter a large herd like this near the side of the road, things tend to get a bit hectic, quite quickly.

We stopped to take some pictures of the herd and all was calm; until it wasn’t. The noise of the vehicle didn’t startle them; perhaps it was realizing that we were actually looking at them, not something else, that brought up their urge to flee. Or brought up the order for one of them to flee… but when one bolts, all the others follow suit.

A lot of people don’t really give impala a passing glance whilst out on safari; their abundance in so many areas; compared to the relative scarcity of predator sightings, can make them seem a bit boring to some. I think they are beautiful creatures though, and love when I have the opportunity to watch them and take a few images.

I hope you enjoy my selections this week. I hope your week ahead is wonderful! 🙂

DSCF4546 — A large herd of impalas, near the side of the road we were traveling on the way back to camp on our morning game drive.

DSCF4553 — One of herd got anxious, and then they all pick up on the vibe and start getting anxious.

DSCF4555 — The dominant ram trying to retain control of the situation, and lead the females away in the direction that he wants to go.

DSCF4556 — The slightest sound or movement is enough to set them off, and the group begins to panic, bolting in every direction.

DSCF4557 — Some running for it, while others leap in to the air to prove how strong and powerful they are (and therefore not a good target for a predator).

July 7, 2019

2019-07-07: Babies in the bush

I’m sure most would have expected me to start with elephants for my first post in a series on babies in the bush; and I was tempted to. We spent time with so many large herds, and saw so many young elephants, I am spoiled for choice with images. But, I decided that I would start with something different, and chose to focus on animals with hooves instead. My timing was wrong to see tiny impala, but I did see a fair number of young giraffe, waterbuck and zebra during my travels.

I hope you enjoy my selections, and wishing you an excellent week ahead.

DSCF2418 copy — This giraffe was acting a bit like a crossing guard for several youngsters crossing the road in front of us. Not the best images, but great to show the size difference between the babies and the adults. I only wish there had been an impala in the shot too, to really show how large the young giraffe actually are.

DSCF2423 copy — Fulfilling the cross guard role as another youngster moved from one side to the other. There were about a half dozen giraffe in this group in total.

XT3X2662 — A herd of zebra pause to allow the littlest one a chance to suckle.

XT3X3360 — A young waterbuck blending quite nicely with the autumn tones of the bush. Mom was nearby grazing.

XT3X3617 — A zebra and her foal pause to check out our vehicle, before carry on slowly strolling through the bush.

XT3X4579 copy-Edit — One waterbuck mama acting as babysitter for a group of youngsters. They were all lounging close to the dam at Chitwa Chitwa, while other members of the group were grazing or drinking.

DSCF2270 copy copy-Edit — Little and large.

July 1, 2019

2019-07-01: Monochrome Monday

Happy Canada day to my friends and family. I know I should have been out capturing the beauty of my own country, but the day has been pretty rainy and miserable, so instead, I offer you today a trio of baby elephants.

Wishing everyone a fantastic week ahead!

DSCF3042 — The tenderness shown towards the baby elephants is heartwarming, every time I experience it.

DSCF0691 copy-Edit — If this happy baby doesn’t make you smile, you are definitely visiting the wrong blog! The joy that this little one shared with us, and the excitement about the stick, was contagious. Everyone on our vehicle was grinning ear to ear.

June 26, 2019

2019-06-26: Wordless Wednesday

June 24, 2019

2019-06-24: Monochrome Monday

There is definitely more to see in South Africa than just wild animals on safari. On some previous trips, I had the pleasure of spending time in Cape Town. On this trip, I got to do a day trip of the Panorama Route. Here are a few images showing some of the beautiful scenery in the area.

DSCF0030 — One of several waterfalls that I saw; this one is called Lisbon Falls.

DSCF0107 — The three rondavels under broody skies.

DSCF0113 — Some smaller waterfalls at The Potholes.

June 23, 2019

2019-06-23: Mamas and babies in the bush

I was fortunate to see lots of youngsters during my latest travels. While the young elephants are definitely my favourite to watch, especially when they start waving their tiny trunks around trying to act tough, all the young animals in the bush are a delight to see.

Here are just a few of the sightings that I had.

DSCF2273 copy — A giraffe calf having a late afternoon milk break.

DSCF3002 — We spent some time with this pair of rhinos while they grazed away the early morning. Here the young one had just turned to look as another vehicle was heading in to take over our viewing position. Moments later, the head was back down and he was happily munching on the grass again.

XT3X2902 — A pair of lion cubs suckling.

XT3X3869 copy-Edit — A young leopard doing a very accurate impression of a sulky teenager.

June 19, 2019

2019-06-19: Wordless Wednesday

20190619_WW

June 17, 2019

2019-06-17: Monochrome Monday

I had some good opportunities during my travels for some animal portraits. Here are the first couple that I have worked through, just in time for monochrome Monday.

Have a great week everyone!

Pensive Cheetah — I only had one cheetah sighting during my past trip, and it was an interesting one. We had the opportunity to watch this female try to get close enough to a group of impala to begin to hunt, but her cover was blown.

Leopard Portrait — One of the many leopards that I was lucky enough to view this past trip.

Lion Portrait copy — A side view of a lioness.

Did you know you can find these images, and other like them, in my gallery? You can see an evolving collection of my favourite images there, and even order a print or two if you choose.

June 16, 2019

2091-06-16: Rhinos

It’s Father’s Day today, and as my Dad is always really excited for the opportunity to see rhinos, I decided that would be a good topic for my post today.

I was incredibly fortunate to see rhinos most days on my past trip, and lots of youngsters included in the sightings. They are still a species under tremendous threat, but it is heart warming to see them peacefully going about their lives, unaware of all people who are working tirelessly behind the scenes to try and keep them safe.

I have been on properties that have dehorned all of the rhino, and on properties where they have been left intact, and horn or not, they are magnificent creatures.

I hope you enjoy my selections for the day, and wish everyone a fantastic week ahead.