As we approach the "big reveal" for this year's honoured photographers in the BBC Veolia Environnement Wildlife Photographer of the Year competition, I thought I would post my "Highly Commended" image from last year (Nature in Black and White) here as I'm sure many might not have seen it.
I didn't finish "in the money" this year, but there's always a next time and the challenge to get a better image.
This image was one of those "f8 and be there" moments. We were driving between camps in the Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park on a beautiful day. Streaking cirrus clouds covered the sky...yet the animals were strangely shy and I could find no subject to capture under this fantastic sky.
Come midday, and we were approaching the Urikaruus Wilderness Camp where we would be sleeping for the night...and there he was! On a typical dune in the Auob riverbed, motionless, against that wonderful sky...a lone blue wildebeest...a hardy survivor of this arid semi-desert...facing the elements, predators and starvation...yet surviving.
I went wide with my backup camera at the time, my trusty entry-level Canon 1000D with its highly underrated 18-55mm IS kit lens (I had only been taking photography seriously for 9 months when this image was captured back in 2009). I love the fact that it was captured using such basic kit, though...doesn't it show you that it's more about the monkey behind the gear than the gear itself?
I knew from the outset that this was going to end up as a B&W rendition...
To all who are fortunate to be among the winning and commended images this year - upfront a hearty congratulations! It truly is a wonderful feeling.
Techs:
Canon 1000D with 18-55mm IS @ 55mm
f16 @ 1/250 SS @ ISO-200
Comments
22 commentsI did not re-process this one and it is actually rendered from the file I sent in for the BBC competition in 2010
I went to the exhibition in London last year and it was truly an inspiring visit. I love the clouds here and the B&W really brings out the stark reality of life. Congrats on getting such a beautiful image.
Thanks for sharing it...
Brad
The sky is just awesome and that one silhouette wildebeest is right there were it should be.
Thx for posting, cause I had not seen this one yet.
Jef
I find the Barry's suggestion highly valuable.
Jagdeep Rajput
PS. I wonder a great image too takes birth after 9 months !
Max
If only every photo opportunity proved as unique as these
Max - will send you a mail - you need to visit KTP! We are going again at the end of November...photographic paradise!
Marsel - I think you saw it on another forum as I have only been participating here since earlier this year
But yes, I had to go through several iterations to get the processing spot on for this one...shows how helpful these communities can be!
Oscar
Congrats, too...Jenaya and Marlise both made it to the final round of the BBC/Veolia this year, but not through to placing. Jenaya did very well in the NWF and Canadian Geographic contests, though! I have yet to experience the honour myself, though! ;) In any event, as you know, I am already a huge fan of your work, and this image just solidifies that all the more.