Photographers spend endless hours in pursuit of the soft light of sunrise and sunset. Sleep is often sacrificed in order to capture these warm golden rays as they bathe the landscape with their light. The light from these times of day are so highly sought after that the term ‘The Golden Hour’ has been coined to describe it. Capturing the landscape during the golden hour will typically produce stunning results, but it can be equally effective in creating dramatic wildlife photography.
During my most recent migration safari we were returning to camp at the end of another long day in the field. It can be challenging to stay alert after being out shooting since before sunrise. One typically wants to lay back and bask in the evening light, recounting in their mind all the incredible encounters and scenes that were photographed earlier that day. However, being disciplined and staying alert until the sun is gone will often yield some of the best images of the day.
As we rolled through the African savanna there were signs all around us of the animal kingdom preparing for nightfall. Huge flocks of birds began to develop and fly collectively to the nearest trees to roost for the night. Large cats and other predators that had been sleeping during the heat of mid-day were now on the move preparing for their evening hunt. The vast herds of grazing animals became noticeably more alert watching for threats on all sides. Seemingly oblivious to all this commotion around them were a pair of Masai Giraffes in the distance engaged in courtship behavior. There is no set breeding season for the giraffe. They can breed at the age of four years, but life on the African plains as a juvenile is a serious challenge for these gentle giants. A single calf is born after a 14 to 15 month gestation period. Of those calves that are born a whopping 50 to 75 percent of them die in the first few months due to predators. Every time I am fortunate enough to see one of these amazing animals I’m struck by the incredible odds it had to overcome just too survive until adulthood.
As I sat marveling in awe of these majestic creatures the last rays of the suns’s light washed over this beautiful pair, and the grasslands surrounding them, creating a fantasy like setting. The band of clouds high in the sky was the perfect finishing touch to a beautiful scene. While I captured images of them with their heads looking toward my camera, I actually liked this scene with them both looking away much better. To me it was a more intimate perspective and reflected the two of them being lost in their own world together. There’s often a heavy emphasis put on capturing images of wildlife looking straight into the lens. However, when executed properly, images of the subject looking away can be just as powerful, if not even more dynamic.
Your thoughts and comments are always welcome.
~ Nathaniel
Image Data:
Nikon D850 & 180-400mm Lens
Iso 320 | f-8 | @ 1/1000th Sec.
You might also like
Leave a reply