Photography has a lot of “rules” of composition to help you make a more pleasing image. These are very useful for the most part, but they should be taken as guidelines rather than something to follow religiously. Sometimes, doing something different or unconventional might be preferable. Besides, it’s just plain fun to break rules! One of those rules is that you shouldn’t put the horizon… Read moreBreaking the Rules
If you visit Namibia’s Quiver Tree Forest (previous posting), you actually get a two-for-one special. A short drive down the road brings you to the other-worldly and equally photogenic Giant’s Playground, located on land owned by the same farm that has the quiver trees. Through eons of weathering and other natural forces, mammoth dolerite boulders have been left in formations that, at first glance, look… Read moreGiant’s Playground
Strangely, one of the world’s most striking and photogenic trees isn’t even a real tree. The Quiver Tree, growing up to nine metres tall, with a straight barrel-like trunk and a rounded crown of forked branches, is actually a huge aloe plant. The name came from San Bushmen who hollowed out its branches to make quivers for their arrows. This unique plant has a limited… Read moreQuiver Trees – Photogenic Imposters
The African wild dog is among the most sought-after critters for photographers. Once widespread throughout sub-Saharan Africa, they are now among the most endangered animals, with an estimated total population of little more than 5,000 in the entire continent. About the size of a border collie, they are a beautiful mottled black, white, yellow, and brown. Considered the most social of all canids or dog-like… Read moreDog Day Afternoon
Giraffes are favourites among African wildlife. Part of the attraction is their sheer presence in the landscape, towering over every other critter and even over a lot of trees. The world’s tallest land animal, they can stretch to six metres high, and could peer into a second story window without effort. These tall blondes are always photogenic – long, lanky, and graceful, sporting movie star… Read moreNecking with Tall Blondes
On a sunny day, landscape photography is best done either early or late in the day. Right? Well, mostly right. Midday light is harsh, with dark shadows, and seldom flattering in most settings. For landscapes photographers, the day usually starts before sunrise and ends after sunset. Midday is the time to rest, maybe have a long leisurely lunch or perhaps take a nap. But like… Read moreShoot Out at High Noon
