Photography by Randy Hanna » Safari

45 Days and Counting until Safari time.

Randy Hanna — Sun, 29 Jan 2012 20:31:32 +0000

It has been a cold snowy past week (actually last week) in the Seattle area. On the heals of this, the 48 hour flu ht me right between the eyes, just as I was planning to travel to San Diego to do some nature photography.

On my mind these days is my next safari in March. I’m leading a private safari focusing on Wild Dogs and Rhinos in Kenya. Operating exclusively in private conversation areas, off-roading and foot tracking will be the order of the day as we strive for outstanding up close and personal photography of these wonderful subjects. We will also be spending time with a local Samburu Village for some wonderful travel shots. Below is a shot from my recent trip to the Mara Plains area. Place this in Google Earth to see where the image was taken at:

1 24.12921S, 35 8.3947E , elev 5182ft.

Drinking in the Mara

Nikon D3s, 200-400 VR @ 200mm, ISO 320, f/8 at 1/320 sec

Cheers and happy photoing.

Shallow F-Stop Usage

Randy Hanna — Wed, 30 Nov 2011 05:52:08 +0000

I almost always shoot in aperture mode, as it allows me to control the depth of field or zone of focus. I use this technique to control what the viewer “sees” in my photograph or to call attention to a particular part of the image or to isolate the primary image from the foreground or background. Combing this technique with the image compression of a telephoto lens, one can really start to isolate the subject. In the image below, I used a wide open aperture on a 200-400mm zoom set at 310mm and focused just in front of of the cheetah. Focusing in front of the Cheetah allowed me to keep the first cat in crisp focus while allowing the second cat (only three feet behind the first one) to go past soft focus and begin the transition into the blurred background. The result is a tact sharp cat in the foreground with a pleasing out of focus background, yet showing enough detail in the second cat to maintain interest. Having shot with the 200-400 for a number of years, I am pretty good at guessing the hyperfocal distances (I’ll save that topic for another post) within my normal shooting ranges. Like most shots, when you take your time and make use of your knowledge, you will increase your chances of walking away with a solid image.

Outside of the Massai Mara Plains, two brothers on alert.

Nikon D3S, 200-400mm VRII, set at 310mm, 1/320 sec, f/5.0, matrix meeting, aperture priority

Cheers and happy photo’ ing.

Safari Update – What Worked Well On My Last Safari

Randy Hanna — Mon, 07 Nov 2011 04:00:28 +0000

After each safari I consult my travelers and make a list of what went well, as well as those things that need improvement. For this post, I will highlight what worked well for us or those things that made our lives on safari just a bit better (or a lot in some cases). Before we get to the list, I would like to share the photo below. I seldom have my photo taken, but Steve was able to capture my sheer joy of being in the bush. If I had my way, I often wonder if I could find a way to simply live there.

That Safari Grin

The top fifteen tips or observations of what worked well on the last safari:

Ramadan did not pose a problem while in Dubai. Before you go, spend time learning to work around cultural events in foreign countries.
While Fairview was nice and always my first choice for lodging in Kenya however, you need to stay in the main building (rooms 3 and 5).
Transfers with additional camera equipment between Kenya and Tanzania with Precision Air, was relatively painless.
All coordinated transfers were painless.
Packing and planning well in advance for differing conditions reduced shooting stress.
Mobile camp at Senera (unit) was really special – fast response by Thomson’s to alter location to better support photography clients (BIG PLUS – these guys are simply the best).
Mobile camp at Kekogona was perfect for northern work and river crossings.
Inverters in the trucks are great support.
Amod tracking device was flawless, and worked well on rechargeable batteries.
Hyperspace worked great, less the combat card issue and having one of the units dropped which fractured the hard drive connection point.
Jerimah Beach Hotel in Dubai is THE place to stay (not cheapest)
The maps that Thomson’s provided was used often buy all of the travelers – great resource.
Difficult but rewarding hike up the side of Mount Meru. This was an optional trip for some of my travelers. Great to do if you are in shape.
English-Swahili ‘Useful Phrases, TMP Book Department – TABORA’ – the best book I’ve seen thus far.
A visit to Shangaa, was rewarding as usual.

Cheers and happy photo’ing

Sometimes A Sign Says It All

Randy Hanna — Mon, 24 Oct 2011 05:27:15 +0000

While walking around the Fairview Hotel in Nairobi bringing to the end of another exciting safari month, I came across this sign located just outside of the stairs leading down the wine cellar. Of course being a wine guy, I had to have a look. What I found was a wonderful old world cellar stocked with mostly European and limited South African wines; seems that they have yet to discover the new world. Anyway, I could not pass up grabbing a photo of the sign – a sign that says it all.

Nikon D3S, 24-70mm f/2.8 @ 70mm, ISO 6400, 1/25 sec at f/5.0 (hand held)

This image was taken here. Yes, I shot this at ISO 6400 and hand held it at 1/25 sec and without any noise treatment or color correction – straight out of the box, as they say. I have been shooting with the D3S as my primary body (D3 is my backup) for more than two years now and I continue to be amazed at the low noise and its ability to capture fine details in low light. This camera really causes me to push the limits when it comes to shooting in low light conditions. Controlled breathing, strong abs, and solid camera holding positions are the keys to getting images like this. Remember, I am shooting upward at a sign that is over my head and therefore you will see just a bit of angular distortion. I love the colors of the warm light and the details in the post. A slight angular tilt of the camera added some emphasis to the lines.

Cheers and happy photo’ing

Safari update 26 Aug – Giraffe Center, Nairobi

Randy Hanna — Mon, 10 Oct 2011 23:34:51 +0000

Nairobi, Kenya

Clear skies in the early am, with smog and heavy haze developing soon after 1100.

Today was another full day after our overnight at the Fairview Hotel. The Fairview is my favorite hotel in Nairobi. Not easy to get to and located next to the Israeli Embassy, I think it is one of the most secure hotels in Nairobi – which is not a bad thing. The grounds are lush and the architecture is aged red brick with classic overtones from the days of the British. Departing early, we were off to Giraffe Center to get a special kiss from a Rothschild Giraffe. The three most common species of giraffes in Kenya are Masai, Reticulated, and the rare Rothschild. The Rothschild are best identified by their white ‘boots’ that they wear. By this I mean they have white coloration (no markings) on their feet from the top of their hooves to just below the kneecap.

The Rothschild Giraffe (Giraffa camelopardalis rothschildi) is among the most endangered giraffe subspecies with only a few hundred members in the wild.[1] All of those that are living in the wild are in protected areas in Kenya and Uganda.[1] Recently it has been proposed that the Rothschild Giraffe is actually a separate species from other giraffes and not a giraffe subspecies.[2] While giraffes in general are classified as Least Concern, the Rothschild Giraffe is at particular risk of hybridisation, as the population is so limited in numbers. There are very few locations where the Rothschild Giraffe can be seen in the wild, with notable spots being Lake Nakuru National Park in Kenya and Murchison Falls National Park in northern Uganda. From Giraffe Center and at a given age, the Rothschild Giraffes are re-introduced into an area near Lake Naktau. While inter-breeding can occur, they are taking great care to insure the continued success of the Rothschild.

After spending time at Giraffe Center, it was time for lunch at Utdamani, opened by Dr. Leakey in 1960. Utdamani is a wonderful place for lunch and previewing the native products from across Kenya, not to mention a great place for some last minute quality shopping.

Steve captured a couple of fun snaps from the day. Enjoy and when your travels take you to or through Nairobi, please take time to visit this wonderful conservation facility.

Randy Getting a Special Giraffe Kiss

I Love her Facial Expressions

References: [1] Not one but ‘six giraffe species’”. BBC News Online. 2007-12-21. Retrieved 2007-12-27, Wikipedia; [2] Wilson, Don E.; Reeder, DeeAnn M., eds (2005). Mammal Species of the World (3rd ed.). Baltimore: Johns Hopkins University Press, 2 vols. (2142 pp.). ISBN 978-0-8018-8221-0

Cheers and happy photo’ing

Safari update 25 Aug

Randy Hanna — Mon, 03 Oct 2011 03:53:20 +0000

Kogakuria Camp Site to Arusha

Weather: Clear skies with a slight cool breeze from the west.

Today was all about travel. We said our good byes to the wonderful camp staff and broke camp at 0800 for the Kogatende Air Strip to meet our aircarft for our trip to Arusha Municipal Airport. With mostly clear skies below us, it was a wonderful flight allowing us to see from above, where we had been over the past safari days. After landing in Arusha, we proceeded to Shanga River House for a killer departure lunch. Shanga as become a very special place to me, one where my face is very well known. It is such a warm feeling to recognized by the crafts people of Shanga, words can’t describe it. The mission of the Shanga River House is to teach deaf and mute native Tanzanian people a skill that will allow them to be productive members of their family. From the Shanga Web site: Shanga Shangaa was founded as a for-profit company to create a community that would support and empower those Tanzanians who have been marginalized by their disabilities. By providing an open and safe environment, disabled Tanzanians are able to realize their potential, develop new skills, build relationships based on respect and improve their own lives. Using recycled materials and producing at a sustainable level allows Shanga Shangaa to continue to expand and offer these opportunities far into the future.

Two years ago, I spent a full day at the River House doing some volunteer photography for some of their promotional materials. I will never forget how the people of Shanga helped me construct a huge sun shade for the photo shoot. It was comical to them to watch this photo guy battle the bright African sun, and we still talk about it when I visit Shanga. Today, Shanga has grown in production size, both in their bead work and in the fabric work. During my visit they the manager announced that they would soon be opening a furniture store in downtown Arusha. Please take time to visit the Shanga web site for additional information.

As we started loading up the trucks, I always remember the smile that comes across my face when I look over my shoulder and see the greeting wall, as seen below.

From Shanga it is off to our day rooms and then to the airport where the safari group splits into two groups, one heading directly home and the others heading into Kenya for two more full days of adventures.

Cheers and ulala salama

Safari update 24 Aug

Randy Hanna — Tue, 27 Sep 2011 04:47:37 +0000

Kogakuria Camp Site

24 Aug 2011

Weather: Clear skies, cool with a light breeze.

Today was about wonderful landscapes and a drive deep into the plains of the northern Serengeti in search of cheetah and rhino. Crossing the Bolognja River, it was classic cheetah country. Green rolling hillsides dotted with trees and rock outcroppings. As we paralleled the Bolognja River, we were treated to a 5 meter long Black Momba on the top of an ant mount. This makes two mombas that we have seen on this trip (green and black). With the speed that this snake went into the deserted ant mound, it is very clear to me why ant mounts should be avoided at all costs. With the Nyamalumbwa Hills on the left and Barakupes Hills to the right, we continued our drive toward the turn-off to Klein’s Camp Gate for lunch. In the distance, Kick Rock Lodge (Kenya) to the left and the rolling Barakupes Hills to rear, we could see for miles and miles. In the the morning, wildebeests were everywhere dotting the hillsides. By our return, they had moved south to a point that there numbers were very few. Returning to camp about 4pm, it was time to repack and ready ourselves for our charter flight tomorrow from the northern Serengeti to Arusha and later on-ward to Kenya. What a great day for viewing this wonderful countryside. I hope to return to do some serious landscape work around these rolling hills and kopjes.

ILKIDING’A Maasai Village Visit

Randy Hanna — Mon, 15 Aug 2011 20:10:09 +0000

15 August 2011, and it’s our first day on safari. We left Mountain Village about 7:30AM and arrived about an hour later in Ilkiding’a, an agricultural Masaai village located near the base of Mt. Meru (northeast of Arusha). The drive was over bumpy and very dusty back roads, but our vehicle was expertly maneuvered by our guide, Kileo, to avoid hitting any of the numerous people walking along the road.

Our visit to this community of 21,000 people was hosted by Eliakimu Ole Njeche, the cultural coordinator for the village. He explained that this Maasai community was sub-divided into 6 differently-sized villages, which were further subdivided into 23 smaller villages, each with a democratically elected chairperson. Although leadership within the villages is elected, there are still four major Masaai clans that have significant influence over village life: the Laizer, Mollell, Lukumai, and Kivuyo clans, and all are present within the Ilkiding’a community. The clans provide the cultural or religious leadership while the village leaders provide the governmental or social organizational structure. The leader of each clan is appointed for life and is the only person allowed to carry a special ebony stick to demonstrate that he is the leader.

With 40 million people living in Tanzania, many of whom are members of 120 ethnic groups or tribes, maintaining this cultural identity is extremely important for the tribes. As the young men and women become exposed to education, a conflict of sorts sets in. This conflict is between the old ways of the Maasai and what the new world expects of them. For example, it is a Maasai tradition that a man may take more than one wife. This tradition comes in conflict when young men and women return to the village with a greater education and exposure to more western ways of a man only taking one wife; somehow a balance must be found.

Upon our arrival, I noticed a child, around the age of 2 with a disfigured face. Near the end of the our visit, I abandoned my political correctness and made somewhat of a wide question concerning the young child. Eliakimu proceeded to share with us that his disfigurement and missing hand was the result of a fire inside his house. This fire resulted in severe burns to the face and arm of his young daughter, 7 months old at the time. The house was a total loss, taking with it all of his family records, photographs, and his computer. He continued a very somber story sharing with us how we was rebuilding his life, the life of his family and at the same time trying to expand the income streams for the community. No doubt about it, Eliakimu was carrying a very heavy burden on his shoulders. Eliakimu was a good educator on this trip and the stories are many so I will save some for another time.

If you have Google Earth, you can see our our track for the day via this link.

Making Salad

Nikon D3s, 24-70 f2.8 at 70mm, ISO 200, f5.6 @ 1/60 sec; SB900 with diffuser contolled by SU800, shot thru lastolight trigrip, camera left.

Cheers and happy photo’ing

Three Giraffes Crossing the Plains of Tortillis

Randy Hanna — Sun, 10 Oct 2010 06:26:30 +0000

I am often amazed at just how stunning clouds can look in black and white. When there is a lack of dynamic color, black and white just seems to come center stage. The image below started out as a normal RAW color capture via my Nikon D3s. After basic color processing, I used Nik Software’s Viveza to selectively add contrast to the clouds followed by processing in Silver Effects Pro, again selectively targeting areas for increased contrast and brightness. Finally, a very light touch of noise reduction followed by output sharpening yields the image below. I am finding that giving those images bound for the trash a second look in b&w, often yields a very pleasing result. I would encourage you to try your hand at b&w conversions before giving up on a marginal color image.

Three Giraffes Crossing the Plains of Tortillis

Nikon D3s, 70-200mm f/2.8 @ 80mm, f/8.0 ISO 200 at 1/800 sec

Tortillis, near Amboseli National Park, Kenya

Cheers and Happy Photo’ing

Randy

Giraffe Treats

Randy Hanna — Mon, 23 Aug 2010 04:12:20 +0000

Our last night in Amboseli National Park and outside in the Conservation Area found us with several wonderful opportunities as giraffes traveled from the distant forests near Tanzania to the park swamps for water. As daylight started to fall, I saw the opportunity to do some panning shots after the giraffes were spooked off of the watering hole. In these shots, the technique is to lower your shutter speed to a level that will convey motion. Some of this takes a bit of experience as well as a little bit of luck. The faster the animal is running, the higher shutter speed you can use. Conversely, the slower the movement the lower the shutter speed needs to be or you will simply ‘freeze the frame’. The key element is to pick out one point on the animal and follow the motion through just like a golf swing. In most cases I try to capture the head and eyes as the focus point, if possible. The rest is all in the motion of the camera, the follow through, and a solid guess on exposure.

Giraffes Drinking

Nikon D3s, 70-200 f2.8 VR @ 200, f/8.0, ISO 200 at 1/500 sec

Giraffe Running

Nikon D3s, 70-200 f2.8 VR @ 200, f/22, ISO 200 at 1/60 sec

Giraffe Running Full Speed

Nikon D3s, 70-200 f2.8 VR @ 200, f/8.0, ISO 200 at 1/20 sec

Cheers and happy photo’ing