weekly-update

April 2012 second edition

Wed, 11 Apr 2012 08:25:04 +0100

A very rare daytime sighting, this juvenile porcupine was very relaxed and eager to be photographed. My first time ever to be so close to a wild one!

The spiders keep on amusing me, offering great macro photography opportunities.

A different perspective on a thorny issue, Sweet Thorn or Acacia Karroo.

April 2012

Tue, 03 Apr 2012 17:14:54 +0100

A new recipe, "rooster koek" basically fresh bread roasted over slow coals, a great treat with butter.

A shy wildebeest cow

"Bubbles" trying to be a wild cat!

March 2012

Tue, 03 Apr 2012 17:21:22 +0100

Around March the web building spiders start putting up their intricate traps. I've been planning to take photos but had to wait for the perfect conditions. We’ve not had as much rain as normal, so there is less dew early in the morning. Before the weekend we had two days of soft rain giving me the perfect conditions for Saturday morning macro and close up photography.

December 2011

Mon, 09 Jan 2012 06:05:31 +0100

I missed out on visiting the farm in December, instead we spent time at the coast near Knysna. This gave me opportunity to test out the new photographic equipment I purchased - a from Dad to Dad gift. I bought a Hitech Pro 10 stop Neutral Density filter with two graduated filters - 0.9 and 0.6 density. Since buying them I've just never had a good opportunity to test them properly. Well holiday at the coast is the perfect place with time on hand and plenty of scenic beach to explore. Then you have to wait for that magnificent sunset or sunrise..... and wait and wait.

I eventually got out on a promising day lots of cloud at 7 in the evening. I arrived at the spot and it was pouring with rain. I toyed with the idea of leaving but decided to stay, what the heck. The wait was rewarded with this amazing display of light. I just wish I could get to the point at Gericke's, but I did not have rain protection for my gear (gift idea!)

Reversed ND 0.9 filter on the 17mm. Shot at 17mm, f14 exp 0.8sec

I still battled to get a good photo with the 10-stop filter, certainly not a matter of slapping onto the front of the lens and firing away! One has to do a million things before you can release the shutter. Forget one simple step like closing the view finder and the shot is ruined. There is a steep learning curve lying ahead but I'm looking forward to it.

Hitech Pro 10-stop. Shot at 17mm, f13, exp 30 sec

November 2011

Wed, 30 Nov 2011 07:34:58 +0100

Inspiration returned! On Friday I experimented with some night time long exposure images.This image was shot across the river towards the Magalies mountains, the bright light on the horizon is courtesy of Rustenburg.

The African Olive Pigeon is one of the beautiful birds on the farm and the largest of the local pigeons.

Macro like all types of photography require time and the right equipment. I used a set of extension tubes to be able to focus closer to the spider. Evaluating the images I noticed the dabbled sunlight caused some over exposed highlights on the web. I created a diffuser to soften the light using an ordinary white serviette:-)

October 2011

Fri, 28 Oct 2011 08:17:56 +0100

On Sunday the Kudu came out to play, their main intent was to snack on the lusern but the young bulls enjoyed a few mock battles in the river in front of the lodge. Unfortunately they were in the shade with a very bright sunlit skyline, not the most perfect light, but at least it was nice and soft on them. We have at least 20-30 very tame kudu around the lodge, lovely to see these gracious animals so close up. When you walk or drive in the bush they're not as relaxed.

September 2011

Thu, 22 Sep 2011 12:32:39 +0100

I got myself a birthday present a Canon EF 100mm f2.8 macro lens. Now the little things in life will start to matter more. Amazing thing about this lens is that suddenly one's whole perspective changes. On the farm I'm used to scan the distance for game or birds now the stuff I want to photograph is around my feet and tiny in comparison.

August 2011

Wed, 10 Aug 2011 12:01:55 +0100

The resident Brown Hooded Kingfisher contemplating it's next meal. These birds are mostly insect eaters and will perch and watch for movement on the lawn. This one gave me an opportunity for a photo before flying of to a more productive spot.

New Updates

Thu, 02 Jun 2011 05:39:25 +0100

There has been a long delay in updates, work and other responsibilities kept me busy.

A beautiful spider with the perfect background. The butterfly is a Southern Monach, they are very plentiful on the farm.

Weekending 23-25 July 2010

Tue, 27 Jul 2010 10:56:12 +0100

I liked this photo of a simple animal, because of the great background and the way the f5.6 seperates the subject from the background.

When posting to the farm photo blog I prefer to show photos taken on the farm. Obviously this is not always possible because I do like going to other places or sometimes one just don't get the shot worth posting. This weekend was a good one. We celebrated my mom in law Marthie's birthday. I managed a few interesting photos which I think are worthy to share.

Aloe grandidentata, are in full bloom, a lovely variation on the dull winter colours.

We were walking in the riverine bush looking at picnic sites when I noticed this tree fungi. The sun rays hit it at the exact moment I walked passed, minutes later it was gone. They don't just look pretty, fungi help to break down wood and mulch, releasing mineral nutrients back into the soil!