In December 2008 I made my first trip to Africa. More specifically, I visited Tanzania. And as most people do when they visit Africa I went on safari.
It was an amazing experience. Something I would recommend that everyone do once in a lifetime, particularly families. I can just imagine the wonder and amazement for children, especially young teens, seeing the vast array of wild and exotic animals in their natural habitat. It certainly had an effect on me. I was transported back to my younger days when I would read about the harshness of the African wilds or see documentaries on TV depicting life on the savannahs; stories of the survival of the fittest and predator vs prey. With little difficulty one can see the vision of a lion stealthily stalking its next meal or a cheetah accelerating to full speed with long and fluid strides. It is easy to be transported back to the narration of David Attenborough, with his distinctive voice, telling captivating stories of day to day life for the animals of Africa. It was hard to fathom such a spectacle because for most of us it is not the norm. That life seemed almost surreal but we instinctively knew that this was life in the wilds of Africa.
When I visited Tanzania in 2008 it was before I had developed my current interest in and passion for photography. Sure, everyone who takes an African safari is interested in photographing the wildlife. I was no different. I had my camera (I won't mention the make and brand but I can assure you it was nothing like I now shoot with!) I even invested in a 300mm lens which was a "really" big thing for me at that time. If I was going to photograph wild animals I wanted to at least get some reasonable, close up shots.
I recently returned to those shots I took in Tanzania seven years ago because tonight I fly out for my second trip to Africa. This time, destination Kenya. I will be taking my second safari.
On a review of those early images I found some pics that I think aren't too bad. They are but a few of many I took whilst in Tanzania! The advent of digital photography has meant that there is a tendency to take so many images. The challenge is to find the keepers - the very special ones that tell a unique and pertinent story. I am not saying that the images below are necessarily that but they are some of the better ones I took at that time. I believe that I have come a long way since then and I am very excited about what the next two weeks will hold for me. I am looking forward to challenging myself and hopefully capturing some images that I will be happy with.
This time I have the benefit of going on a dedicated photographic safari. Quite apart from that, I feel that I have come a long way with my photography since my first trip to Africa. I know that I have learnt a lot since then, both technically and compositionally. I am certainly equipped with much better gear. So I get ready to depart for what will again be another amazing adventure. I am embracing the challenge that lies ahead and hope to capture some "keepers". I will look forward to sharing some of my pics upon my return. Sharp shooting and happy hunting!
