One of the highlights was when a caracal was sighted.
The back story... on top of each vehicle we had a Maasai spotter - riding on the roof. As we approached the "Caracal sighting" we're maybe 200 meters away - and the spotter on the roof says "OVER THERE!" and what he saw was just a tuft of brown fur deeply hidden behind some grasses - from that far away. Truly amazing. The Caracal sighting was one of the highlights of the Safari - first in finding them - then in the waiting. We waited for maybe 45 mins to an hour for the juveniles to emerge from the grass. What a thrill! This particular episode will be the subject of a technical post from Marc and me soon, comparing the awesomeness of the Nikon D3S and 200-400VR with erem... another camera and lens
The back story... on top of each vehicle we had a Maasai spotter - riding on the roof. As we approached the "Caracal sighting" we're maybe 200 meters away - and the spotter on the roof says "OVER THERE!" and what he saw was just a tuft of brown fur deeply hidden behind some grasses - from that far away. Truly amazing. The Caracal sighting was one of the highlights of the Safari - first in finding them - then in the waiting. We waited for maybe 45 mins to an hour for the juveniles to emerge from the grass. What a thrill! This particular episode will be the subject of a technical post from Marc and me soon, comparing the awesomeness of the Nikon D3S and 200-400VR with erem... another camera and lens
Our Maasai guides and spotters were absolutely incredible. Their knowledge of the behavior of the wildlife and their locations was invaluable. They also understood light and composition and usually got us into the perfect spot to get a capture.
Harry http://behret.smugmug.com/NANPA member How many photographers does it take to change a light bulb? 50. One to change the bulb, and forty-nine to say, "I could have done that better!"
That ain't too shabby Andy. There were so many ways to capture the various scenes we were privileged to view that the choices could be overwhelming.
Harry http://behret.smugmug.com/NANPA member How many photographers does it take to change a light bulb? 50. One to change the bulb, and forty-nine to say, "I could have done that better!"
The only thing I regretted about our stay in Maasai Mara was that we never got to see the wildebeests crossing the river. They formed up a few times but the mass crossing never happened.
As a consolation prize we got a couple of mini-crossings
I was able to witness two males having a go at each other
It was a disappointment but we made do with what was available. :cry
All good things come to an end and way before I was ready we were saying our good-byes to our new friends and boarding Air Muench for our flight to Amboseli
Leaving Maasai Mara
hello Ambesoli
Harry http://behret.smugmug.com/NANPA member How many photographers does it take to change a light bulb? 50. One to change the bulb, and forty-nine to say, "I could have done that better!"
Thaks Shay, its been awhile since I heard from you. It was hard to take a bad picture at the places we were taken to.
Harry http://behret.smugmug.com/NANPA member How many photographers does it take to change a light bulb? 50. One to change the bulb, and forty-nine to say, "I could have done that better!"
Amboseli provided a very different setting than our prior stops. It had big skies, wide and dusty plains with occasional swampy areas.
Its close to Mt. Kilimanjaro but as the rainy season was coming in it was usually shrouded in clouds.
Unlike our prior stops our camp in Amboseli was a temporary camp put up by the Ker & Downey folks shortly before our arrival.
fortunately I'm a veteran so I was used to hardships
My tent man, Mamba, heating up the water for my shower
our tent
lunch
this desert was spun caramel over ice cream
The photo ops in Amboseli weres pretty good compensation for our Spartan living arrangements. If you want elephant captures. Amboseli is the place to go.
it also provided us an opportunity to observe the Maasai.
Harry http://behret.smugmug.com/NANPA member How many photographers does it take to change a light bulb? 50. One to change the bulb, and forty-nine to say, "I could have done that better!"
OMG, that last one of the Maasi is National Geographic cover material!
Yeah, it is. Amboseli looks wonderful, but of course the whole trip looks amazing so far. The elephants in the swamps is something you don't see very day. The landscape is incredible. Really marvelous captures, Harry. thumb
There was family of hyraxes hanging out on our porch. They seemed to resent our presence. They always scampered away when I came on the porch but one always stayed close and glared at me.
I love Hyraxes, or rock dassies as they called them in South Africa. We used to stay at the lake during vactions in Malawi and they'd run up and down the tin roofs of the buildings we stayed in- made quite a racket. When you looked them up did you see they're related to Elephants? Hard to believe something so small and so large have something in common. thanks for sharing these brings back great memories.
There are great images in this thread! They seem to follow three recurring themes - wildlife, Maasi and food!
That sounds right
Harry http://behret.smugmug.com/NANPA member How many photographers does it take to change a light bulb? 50. One to change the bulb, and forty-nine to say, "I could have done that better!"
I love Hyraxes, or rock dassies as they called them in South Africa. We used to stay at the lake during vactions in Malawi and they'd run up and down the tin roofs of the buildings we stayed in- made quite a racket. When you looked them up did you see they're related to Elephants? Hard to believe something so small and so large have something in common. thanks for sharing these brings back great memories.
Yeah, I read about their relationship to the elephants and was amazed that such different animals could be related.
Harry http://behret.smugmug.com/NANPA member How many photographers does it take to change a light bulb? 50. One to change the bulb, and forty-nine to say, "I could have done that better!"
Vicarious adventures through your and Marc's / Andy's Journey threads have been amazing. You obviously have just had the experience of a lifetime and the images you've all returned with are stunning! You do have my sympathies for the primitive conditions in which you had to live :cry but I'm glad to see you overcame adversity and soldiered on. Well done!
We did less wildlife shooting in Amboseli because of our limited time there and the other available photo ops. Despite that we managed to get in some captures.
a silver-backed jackal (aka - black-backed jackal) gnawing on a bone.
an Eagle Owl
reticulated giraffes
we were able to get fairly close to the elephants
The elephants cool off by covering themselves with dirt
some like to wallow in the mud
some of us played on the rocks
the view from my tent
The last day and a half was spent with the Maasai. I'll post those pic sin the next installment.
Harry http://behret.smugmug.com/NANPA member How many photographers does it take to change a light bulb? 50. One to change the bulb, and forty-nine to say, "I could have done that better!"
Vicarious adventures through your and Marc's / Andy's Journey threads have been amazing. You obviously have just had the experience of a lifetime and the images you've all returned with are stunning! You do have my sympathies for the primitive conditions in which you had to live :cry but I'm glad to see you overcame adversity and soldiered on. Well done!
It was he trip of a lifetime (mine anyhow ). Andy and Marc did a fantastic job of putting it togther and James Robertson and Ker and Downey handled all the details perfectly. I can't think how it could have been done better.
Harry http://behret.smugmug.com/NANPA member How many photographers does it take to change a light bulb? 50. One to change the bulb, and forty-nine to say, "I could have done that better!"
0
Marc MuenchRegistered UsersPosts: 1,420Major grins
What really made the trip special for me was our chance to meet and get a glimpse at the look of the Maasai. The maasai have resisted pressures to adopt a more sedentary lifestyle and continue to live as they did centuries ago.
In all my travels I have not meet a group of people who have so favorably impressed me. My favorite quote from the trip came when one of the Maasai was asked if he was worried to walk in the countryside with all the lions that were about. He shook his head and said: "no, the Lions are afraid of the Maasai".
We visited a small village. The huts are surrounded by a wall made from the thorned acacia trees. Their livestock are kept inside the wall at night to keep them safe from predators.
they enjoy having their picture taken and then reviewing the result
They livestock is their wealth
They were expecting our visit and the women came in and set of a shopping mall under a tree with crafts to sell.
after a visit to the village we paid a visit to the school
Andy brought some balloons along
they had recess
Harry http://behret.smugmug.com/NANPA member How many photographers does it take to change a light bulb? 50. One to change the bulb, and forty-nine to say, "I could have done that better!"
Great photos and narrative, Harry! Loved them all.
Thanks much Glenn. Hw are y'all doing. Give my best to Mrs. Raptorcaptor.
Harry http://behret.smugmug.com/NANPA member How many photographers does it take to change a light bulb? 50. One to change the bulb, and forty-nine to say, "I could have done that better!"
In shot 3 looks like the kids had lunch with Andy Harry did you wear out your shutter on this trip You did have a good time
I had a great time Jeff and my shutter did get a workout on the trip. Marc did a video where he claims that the only sound that can be heard is the clicking of my shutter in the back ground.
Harry http://behret.smugmug.com/NANPA member How many photographers does it take to change a light bulb? 50. One to change the bulb, and forty-nine to say, "I could have done that better!"
Taking a break from the Maasai for a bit. On our safari we had 11 avid photographers toting a very impressive array of cameras and glass. My kit contained over $30k worth of equipment. Our 12th participant was an avid non-photographer, my wife, Linda.
When we were in B&H in June I suggested that she get herself a camera for the impending Africa safari and she opted for the Panasonic DMC-ZS8. She liked its size (tiny). Its a 14mp small sensor digicam with a 16x lens (24-384mm). You can buy one at Amazon for less than $200.
After buying the camera Linda put it aside. On our last day in London I took her out for a bit so she could finally use the camera and get to know how to use it before we landed in Kenya.
So do you need the best and most expensive gear to get good captures on an African safari or can you get by with the less expensive options? Here are some of Linda's captures.
This was the most dangerous part of our trip. Andy driving Marc, Linda and myself. Our guide took the shot with Linda's camera.
Andy asked Linda to get food shots during the trip. Linda took her assignment very seriously.
Linda in action
Harry http://behret.smugmug.com/NANPA member How many photographers does it take to change a light bulb? 50. One to change the bulb, and forty-nine to say, "I could have done that better!"
Comments
The back story... on top of each vehicle we had a Maasai spotter - riding on the roof. As we approached the "Caracal sighting" we're maybe 200 meters away - and the spotter on the roof says "OVER THERE!" and what he saw was just a tuft of brown fur deeply hidden behind some grasses - from that far away. Truly amazing. The Caracal sighting was one of the highlights of the Safari - first in finding them - then in the waiting. We waited for maybe 45 mins to an hour for the juveniles to emerge from the grass. What a thrill! This particular episode will be the subject of a technical post from Marc and me soon, comparing the awesomeness of the Nikon D3S and 200-400VR with erem... another camera and lens
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Our Maasai guides and spotters were absolutely incredible. Their knowledge of the behavior of the wildlife and their locations was invaluable. They also understood light and composition and usually got us into the perfect spot to get a capture.
http://behret.smugmug.com/ NANPA member
How many photographers does it take to change a light bulb? 50. One to change the bulb, and forty-nine to say, "I could have done that better!"
That ain't too shabby Andy. There were so many ways to capture the various scenes we were privileged to view that the choices could be overwhelming.
http://behret.smugmug.com/ NANPA member
How many photographers does it take to change a light bulb? 50. One to change the bulb, and forty-nine to say, "I could have done that better!"
As a consolation prize we got a couple of mini-crossings
I was able to witness two males having a go at each other
It was a disappointment but we made do with what was available. :cry
All good things come to an end and way before I was ready we were saying our good-byes to our new friends and boarding Air Muench for our flight to Amboseli
Leaving Maasai Mara
hello Ambesoli
http://behret.smugmug.com/ NANPA member
How many photographers does it take to change a light bulb? 50. One to change the bulb, and forty-nine to say, "I could have done that better!"
Link to my Smugmug site
Thaks Shay, its been awhile since I heard from you. It was hard to take a bad picture at the places we were taken to.
http://behret.smugmug.com/ NANPA member
How many photographers does it take to change a light bulb? 50. One to change the bulb, and forty-nine to say, "I could have done that better!"
Its close to Mt. Kilimanjaro but as the rainy season was coming in it was usually shrouded in clouds.
Unlike our prior stops our camp in Amboseli was a temporary camp put up by the Ker & Downey folks shortly before our arrival.
fortunately I'm a veteran so I was used to hardships
My tent man, Mamba, heating up the water for my shower
our tent
lunch
this desert was spun caramel over ice cream
The photo ops in Amboseli weres pretty good compensation for our Spartan living arrangements. If you want elephant captures. Amboseli is the place to go.
it also provided us an opportunity to observe the Maasai.
http://behret.smugmug.com/ NANPA member
How many photographers does it take to change a light bulb? 50. One to change the bulb, and forty-nine to say, "I could have done that better!"
Link to my Smugmug site
That sounds right
http://behret.smugmug.com/ NANPA member
How many photographers does it take to change a light bulb? 50. One to change the bulb, and forty-nine to say, "I could have done that better!"
Yeah, I read about their relationship to the elephants and was amazed that such different animals could be related.
http://behret.smugmug.com/ NANPA member
How many photographers does it take to change a light bulb? 50. One to change the bulb, and forty-nine to say, "I could have done that better!"
http://www.imagesbyceci.com
http://www.facebook.com/ImagesByCeci
Picadilly, NB, Canada
a silver-backed jackal (aka - black-backed jackal) gnawing on a bone.
an Eagle Owl
reticulated giraffes
we were able to get fairly close to the elephants
The elephants cool off by covering themselves with dirt
some like to wallow in the mud
some of us played on the rocks
the view from my tent
The last day and a half was spent with the Maasai. I'll post those pic sin the next installment.
http://behret.smugmug.com/ NANPA member
How many photographers does it take to change a light bulb? 50. One to change the bulb, and forty-nine to say, "I could have done that better!"
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Fantastic!
Neil
http://www.behance.net/brosepix
It was he trip of a lifetime (mine anyhow
http://behret.smugmug.com/ NANPA member
How many photographers does it take to change a light bulb? 50. One to change the bulb, and forty-nine to say, "I could have done that better!"
Muench Workshops
MW on Facebook
My website | NANPA Member
In all my travels I have not meet a group of people who have so favorably impressed me. My favorite quote from the trip came when one of the Maasai was asked if he was worried to walk in the countryside with all the lions that were about. He shook his head and said: "no, the Lions are afraid of the Maasai".
We visited a small village. The huts are surrounded by a wall made from the thorned acacia trees. Their livestock are kept inside the wall at night to keep them safe from predators.
they enjoy having their picture taken and then reviewing the result
They livestock is their wealth
They were expecting our visit and the women came in and set of a shopping mall under a tree with crafts to sell.
after a visit to the village we paid a visit to the school
Andy brought some balloons along
they had recess
http://behret.smugmug.com/ NANPA member
How many photographers does it take to change a light bulb? 50. One to change the bulb, and forty-nine to say, "I could have done that better!"
http://danielplumer.com/
Facebook Fan Page
Thanks much Glenn. Hw are y'all doing. Give my best to Mrs. Raptorcaptor.
http://behret.smugmug.com/ NANPA member
How many photographers does it take to change a light bulb? 50. One to change the bulb, and forty-nine to say, "I could have done that better!"
“PHOTOGRAPHY IS THE ‘JAZZ’ FOR THE EYES…”
http://jwear.smugmug.com/
harry may've worn out that shutter, we'll see!
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I had a great time Jeff and my shutter did get a workout on the trip. Marc did a video where he claims that the only sound that can be heard is the clicking of my shutter in the back ground.
http://behret.smugmug.com/ NANPA member
How many photographers does it take to change a light bulb? 50. One to change the bulb, and forty-nine to say, "I could have done that better!"
When we were in B&H in June I suggested that she get herself a camera for the impending Africa safari and she opted for the Panasonic DMC-ZS8. She liked its size (tiny). Its a 14mp small sensor digicam with a 16x lens (24-384mm). You can buy one at Amazon for less than $200.
After buying the camera Linda put it aside. On our last day in London I took her out for a bit so she could finally use the camera and get to know how to use it before we landed in Kenya.
So do you need the best and most expensive gear to get good captures on an African safari or can you get by with the less expensive options? Here are some of Linda's captures.
This was the most dangerous part of our trip. Andy driving Marc, Linda and myself. Our guide took the shot with Linda's camera.
Andy asked Linda to get food shots during the trip. Linda took her assignment very seriously.
Linda in action
http://behret.smugmug.com/ NANPA member
How many photographers does it take to change a light bulb? 50. One to change the bulb, and forty-nine to say, "I could have done that better!"
Portfolio • Workshops • Facebook • Twitter
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