Newsletter #29

December 2022

For all of my new subscribers, welcome! Each month I send out a newsletter that includes all the latest blogs, photos, safaris, tutorials, and promotions. I look forward to including you on the mailing list, and I cannot wait to share all that inspires me! Feel free to get in touch if you would like more information on prints, questions about photography, ideas for the future, or simply just to say hi! Thank you for joining my mailing list, and I hope you enjoy newsletter #29!

A YEAR OF RECOVERY

The end of the year is here, and what a year it has been. After two challenging years during covid I could never have imagined all that has happened in 2022. I have built a photographic competition, started a new job, moved back to Botswana, got a puppy, got married, and that was just in the first six months! There is so much to be grateful for, and it is such a pleasure being able to share these exciting milestones with you all. Thank you for all the support during my year of recovery and I wish you an amazing year ahead!

- William

MY FAVOURITE IMAGES

BEST OF 2022

Each year I try to put together a selection of my favourite images from the year. These may not even be technically my best images, but ones that have a special place in my portfolio. Some I love for the memory of that moment, some for their creativity, and some because they are the realisation of an image I had in my head. From rare birds to iconic elephants, dramatic storms and beautiful colours, these images are a glance into my year, and the amazing sightings I have had along the way.

Most of these images I have shared with you on my newsletter at some point throughout the year, so thank you all for being part of the mailing list. The newsletter has always been about sharing my latest work with you before social media, and for that reason I plan to continue sharing these first glimpses going forward.

I hope you enjoy my best images from 2022, and don't forget to let me know your favourite one!

GOING WITH PURPOSE

GREEN SEASON IN SAVUTI

While most people in the safari industry dread the onset of the green season, I personally welcome the first rains. The incredible transformation of the environment results in some unique photographic opportunities. Most lodges and travel agents choose not to sell places like Savuti during this time, largely due to challenges driving conditions, but also because it is harder to promise big cat sightings.

As I rarely chase after cats, I decided to spend three nights camping in Savuti to try and photograph one unique bird behaviour. Carmine bee-eaters hunting on the back of Kori Bustards. In 2016 I photographed this behaviour for the National Geographic documentary The Flood and have been meaning to capture it again for my own portfolio. 6 years on, I finally got back to Savuti in the rainy season to search for this behaviour.

With that simple goal in mind I ended up having one of the most photographically successful few days of the year. Ironically the trip was full of cat sightings, but unfortunately I didn't quite get the shots I was looking for of the carmines. That is nature for you! That being said, here are a selection of some of the better carmine bee-eater images from the trip, as well as a very special leopard sighting!

With projects like this, it is often a surprise image that ends up being your favourite. The below image was the combination of making the most of tough lighting conditions, a creative idea, and a little bit of luck. With the carmines only becoming active around 8am I simply couldn't get the beautiful lighting I was hoping for, which lead to a little bit of experimenting. I would love to know what you think of this rather creative image.

The point of going on a trip with a purpose isn't to religiously stick to one idea, but to at least have a focus. In having this focus, sightings have a weird way of presenting themselves when you least expect it. One morning, as I made my way to the Savuti marsh to look for carmines, I bumped into this beautiful male leopard poised elegantly on a termite mound. All plans went out the window as I spent the next three hours with this stunning cat. Here are a few of my favourite images from this epic sighting!

If you would like to see more images from my time in Savuti, I have created a "best of" blog bellow;

"IF ONLY"

Some images just don't work... or do they? I am going to try and share an image from the month that I like, even though in theory it doesn't really work. The idea behind this is that I often take images that I simply just like, regardless of whether or not they break all the rules or have major issues. These are images that if I was honest with myself I really should delete them, but they end up staying in the maybe pile. Whether it is because we are attached to the moment that was so close to working, "if only"!

SAPOTY CLOSING SOON!

BECOME THE NEXT SOUTH AFRICAN PHOTOGRAPHER OF THE YEAR

The South African Photographer of the Year (SAPOTY) is designed to represent all those interested in photography. With separate professional, amateur, and junior categories, open to anyone in the world. The only limitation is all images must be taken in South Africa! With over R250 000 worth of prizes up for grabs, some of the world's best photographers on the judging panel, and an incredible conservation partner.

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