This is the last post from my recent trip with CNP to Etosha in May 2015. I have selected a few images which I think illustrate the feeling of the Etosha we saw. The starkness is countered by the abundant wildlife and amazing scenery.  The dryness and dust create some wonderful photographic opportunities. I have chosen to show the images as a gallery to illustrate my point rather than to mix the images with narrative.

Thirsty stripes.

Family time.

The first rays of sun.

Take a bow.

Safety in numbers.

“Many photographers think they are photographing nature when they are only caricaturing her.”

– Ralph Waldo Emerson

Hot footing Andoni.

Massive knowledge.

Oxpecker’s view.

Trunking water.

Bull stand off.

No competition.

“When I started my adventure in photography, I was suddenly introduced to the world around me. I can’t believe I have been so blind for too many years.”

– Laura Tate Sutton

Golden ivory.

Andoni fun run.

Prints in the pan.

Solitary stripes.

“Photography is a medium, a language, through which I might come to experience directly, live more closely with, the interaction between myself and nature.”

– Paul Caponigro

Wild dance at dawn.

Beyond Two Palms.

Martial meals.

Hyaena hydro.

Desert expert.

Terrapin heaven.

Springbok panning.

Towering trio.

“Keep your love of nature, for that is the true way to understand art more and more.”

–Vincent Van Gogh

Reflection over a drink.

A gathering of Giraffes.

An embassy of Eland.

Spooked stripes and wild beests.

Big sky and mirages.

Musth bull.

Transfixed transitions.

Preening Pelicans at Fishers.

Young play mates.

“A picture must not be invented, but felt. . . Close your bodily eye so that you may see your picture first with the spiritual eye. Then bring to the light of day that which you have seen in the darkness so that it may react upon others from the outside inwards…
The artist should not only paint what he sees before him, but also what he sees within him.  I must be entirely by myself, and know that I am alone in order to see and perceive Nature completely. Nothing should stand between her and myself. I must give myself to my surroundings, must merge with my clouds and cliffs in order to become what I am.”

– Caspar David Friedrich

A big thank you again to CNP for a wonderful five days in Etosha doing what I love. Also a big thank you to Johan Greyling for showing us they way!!!

Explore, seek to understand, marvel at its interconnectedness and let it be.

Have fun,

Mike