Posts Tagged ‘Africa’

Sometimes the faces say it all. This is another post from the ‘Faces of Africa‘ series. This was taken in Humani in Zimbabwe and the mix of joy, anticipation and a hint of suspicion on their faces made this a very interesting photograph for me. I bet they are the cool kids in town.

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Exposure: 1/125 sec at f/5.6 and ISO 200. Taken with the Canon550D and EF70-200IS lens

One of the most best things about travelling is the option to meet new people. You make fantastic friends, who you start awesome relationships with. But you also meet total strangers who you (or your camera lens) find interesting. You take one photograph and move on but the capture defines the travel in some way. These strangers depict the true beauty of travel. Here are 7 beautiful stranger portraits I’ve captured while travelling. Which among these is your favourite?

Dude from Switzerland

Water sports instructor in Fiji

Kids and Puppies in Japan

Boat vendor in Vietnam

Maori Guide in New Zealand

Shy girl in Zimbabwe

Highland dancing duo in Australia

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As far as I can remember, I’ve always loved the trunk of an elephant. This picture was taken in Zimbabwe at the Hwange National Park. Click on the image to see it in full resolution.

Here are 5 fun facts about Elephant trunks.

• With an estimated muscle count between 40,000 and 150,000, the trunk of an elephant is capable of killing a lion–or caressing a frightened elephant calf.
• An elephant actually has somewhat opposable fingers at the tip of its trunk, so it can use it like a hand (African elephants have 2 of these “fingers”, but Asian elephants just have 1).
• An elephant’s trunk is a fundamental part of the animal’s olfactory system. Elephants point their trunk in different directions to sample the air for scents.
• To drink, elephants suck water up into their trunk but do not drink through the trunk. They place the end of its trunk in their mouth and releases the water. African elephants also use their trunks to take dust baths that help to repel insects and guard against harmful rays of the sun.
• When swimming they hold their trunk out of the water much like a snorkel so they can breath.

The most fascinating fact is that elephants are not born with this trunk-talent either. Baby elephants have to learn this kind of precision; they’re clumsy with their trunks when they are born. Goes to show that beauty and grace CAN be taught.

Which is your favourite animal and care to share any fun facts?

Click the photo for larger sizes

Things have been rather quiet here at Sidpicky HQ. But after a mammoth month, hopefully things have settled down enough for me to start posting regularly again. Today’s picture is my second photo in the ‘Faces of Africa’ series and is titled ‘Thoughtful Intensity’. The picture of this kid in Humani, Zimbabwe proves that the eyes can speak volumes. What do you think? Leave me a comment and let us know.

Exposure: 1/250 sec at f/14 and ISO 3200. Focal length 200mm taken with the Canon550D and lens EF70-200

2012 has been the busiest year for me. It’s been go-go-go since January 1. And we are leaving the beautiful city of Sydney to usher in new beginnings in Singapore. The last 4 years in Sydney has been INCREDIBLE. I am going miss the city immensely. But a new and exciting city, new travel destinations and a new lifestyle awaits. But not before my TRIP-OF-A-LIFETIME  and some quality downtime. We will be spending 15 days in South Africa and Zimbabwe on our first African Safari.

Once you’ve gotten over your jealousy and if you are planning your own safari, here is our iterinary. The trip is being arranged by Animals Works and we could not be more happier with the pre-trip arrangements. Everything and I mean EVERYTHING has been checked and we feel we’re just going to chill and have a great time with friends.  If you have any questions, I’d be glad to answer any questions after I am back.

29 May

- Land in Jo’burg South Africa

- 4.5 hour drive to Kruger Park

30-31 May

- Staying at two campsites at Kruger national park.

31 May

- Leave Jo’burg for Harare (2 hour flight)

-  Stay at the heritage ‘Meikles Hotel‘ ( I can’t wait)

1 June- 4 June

- Drive to the Turgwe River Camp in Humani where we stay with the locals doing voluntary charity work and spending a lot of time photographing the local wildlife.

5June – 8June

- From there, we go to Hwange National Park which is near Victoria Falls. It’s renowned for it’s large herds of elephants. Here, the plan is to go daily game drives or walks and just absorb being in nature at its finest.

9June

- From there, we spend a day at the Victoria Falls Safari Lodge for our last night in Zimbabwe and we have our farewell dinner at the spectacular Boma Restaurant in Victoria Falls and hopefully my first taste of game meat (all your vegetarians reading this, stop glaring).

10June

- Fly back from Harare to Jo’burg

- Overnight stay at the City Hotel at the Jo’burg airport

11June

- Fly to Singapore and arrive, hopefully, rejuvenated.

12 June

- Oogle at the amazing photos.

This being a photography blog and all that, I wanted to quickly show you some pics of my travel gear to Africa. This is the Lowerpro Pro Trekker 400AW and inside the bag are two Canon550D bodies, an EFS 15-85mm and EFS 70-200, a EFS 10-22mm and 55-250mm and a 50mm prime lens with a lot of chargers, lens cleaners and a sturdy Velbon tripod.

Pro Trekker 400AW Photography Backpack

Photography Gear for Safari Trip

I will see you after a trip from the wild side. Take care!