Panthera is the only organization in the world devoted exclusively to the conservation of the world’s 38 wild cat species and their ecosystems. I work as one of their partner photographers since many years. This month they have selected one of my favorite Cheetah images as their photo of the month. Have a look at this month’s Panthera Newsletter.
I love the reflections of the ripples in the water on the pelt of the lions.
For the photographers among you: This image was taken at very low light conditions (using a spotlight). It was taken freehand, 300mm, f5.6, eV-2.0, 1/60sec, ISO 6400.
As most of you know I live in the heart of Zululand, a region reigned by the hereditary King of the Zulu people.
Most Zulus today are members of Christian churches, but they are also still firmly rooted in traditions involving the spirits of their ancestors. As a result many Zulus will have two wedding ceremonies in one day, when they want to tie the knot for life. I was invited by one of my Zulu colleagues to capture his wedding. This is the resulting picture report.
The day started with the Christian wedding ceremony in the garden of a local hotel with everyone in modern dress. It was followed by a reception in the community hall. The traditional wedding ceremony commenced in the early afternoon at the groom’s homestead.
The process – from the arrival of the bride’s family in the early morning hours, their traditional ‘camping’ under a tree in the vicinity, the slaughter of a few cows to feed the large wedding party, the preparation of the groom’s family including a visit to the ancestral hut on the property, the approach of the bridal party to the groom’s homestead, the dancing and singing, the interview of the bride by the wedding official and the delivery of the wedding gifts to the grooms’ family – was following a strict protocol with the main aim to please the ancestors.
As normal in Zulu tradition love and emotion between women and men are not displayed publicly, so a handshake between Nothando – the bride – and Muzikayise – the groom – was the equivalent of the wedding kiss after the couple was officially married.
I learned a lot more about the Zulus and their traditions that day, but the main lesson was that they love to sing and dance, to have fun and to please their ancestors!
Enjoy the pictures!
A few weeks ago I was able to attend a modern day – traditional – Zulu wedding. These are pictures of the bride and the groom in their traditional attire and posture. Stay tuned for the full story …
Thanda’s Dominant Male – A Portrait
I wish all my friends around the world a HAPPY NEW YEAR 2016
When Lions feast on a fresh kill it is rather a bloody affair. This young Lion just got his first share of a Kudu kill.
A strong image showing the rough side of nature!
Removing a snake from a place where it should not be can be a tricky business. And if the snake is a Black Mambas then it gets extra exciting.
Yesterday, I caught the largest Black Mamba I have ever seen (see video 1). This beautiful specimen was rather calm during the capture. I released it this morning in a remote part of the reserve.
And then midday today I was called to catch another of these fast moving snakes. This one was more ‘feisty’ and was quite agitated during the capture and the release (see video 2).
But in the end everything went well and both snakes can establish their new homes far away from people and buildings 🙂
The picture credits for today go to Letishia Kleinschmidt and Jennie Pretorius. Thanks a lot. My favorite shot of today is Jennie’s picture of a ‘Black Mamba Selfie’ :-).
If you followed my blog for a while you will know that I love to take animal portraits. Nevertheless my favorite Lion images for 2015 is a scenery image.
It was taken on Christmas Eve on Thanda Private Game Reserve. It is not a prefect photograph (with the slight lens/light distortions), but it just looks right!
Christmas Eve Greetings from the African Bush 🙂
Christian Sperka Photography | Custom Luxury Tours 