I am still rather new to BPN so I trust that I am not breaching any forum etiquette by making this post. I realize I am blowing my own trumpet, but I am just so excited about achieving a competition success that I wanted to share this with everyone.
My photograph of a group of Blesbok silhouetted against Malolotja’s mountains has been Highly Honored in the 2009 NaturesBest Photography Windland Smith Rice International Awards. As such it has been included in the final 48 photos (was originally going to be 40) that go on show at the Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History from 12th November.
The photo was taken during a game count organized by our local natural history society on behalf of Malolotja Game Reserve ( = always take your camera !). The dramatic mountain backdrop includes Emlembe, the highest point in Swaziland. As we drove around my wife and I noticed a group of blesbok about to cross in front of us so that they would provide the perfect foreground interest for the hazy layers of mountains that fade away into the far distance. I took a couple of grab shots, knowing that the blesboks would be silhouetted. I have to confess that I take most of my wildlife photos in neighbouring South Africa, so it is particularly pleasing that this photo was taken just a few miles from my home in Swaziland. It is likely the first time that Swaziland has featured in a major photographic competition and it is great to know that this little-known country will be introduced to a wide audience through the Smithsonian exhibition. Technical Details:
Canon EOS 40D
EOS EF 100-400mm zoom at 100mm
1/800th @ f10
ISO 400
Hand Held – from vehicle
Well deserved Phil and I'm glad you shared this beautiful piece of work and told us the story behind it. I have this year's Smithsonian Natures Best issue on my coffee table in the living room right now! Thanks.
Big , big congratulations Phil. I am very happy for you and your great achievement with Nature,s Best. It is a grand honor and I there is no doubt that this gorgeous image is a winner. Love it !!!
Beautiful image Phil, and one worthy of making it to the final 40.;)
The blue haze mountain backdrop really sets this off very well. Comp & silhouetting is perfect also.
COngrats on the Honor. As mentioned, well positioned animals with the clean BG help them to stand out in the environment. Nicely seen and composed image.
Wow. Thanks everyone for the very complimentary comments. Your support is greatly valued. This photo is unusual for me as I rarely take 'real' landscapes. However I had always loved the layer-upon-layer of blue and grey mountain ridges at Malolotja - but never knew how to photograph them. Then when the day came, the answer was staring at me - and of course I was being fervently urged by my wife, Joanna, to take the picture. She still maintains if I had taken it when she prompted me I would have got a better picture !