A photographic experience that leaves a lasting impression
Posted on: 19 Dec 2011
Written by: Ngaire Ackerley
One week ago I returned from 16 days in East Africa. Every day was an experience in itself. Close encounters were had with African wildlife including chimpanzees and gorillas. Orphanages and village walks were eye opening and touching, as I realised how happy people can be living so minimally.
These moments inspired many photographs. Capturing animals in their natural habitat proved to be more difficult than expected. In a safari situation you have no control over what is happening. A lion can be eating a zebra right in front of you, but you may have no way to capture that image because trees surround the hungry beast. A leopard can be lying in a tree, but you may only have a split second to capture that before it disappears. I learnt that you have to be incredibly quick on your feet and be prepared to compose, focus and snap a photograph in a fraction of a second.
See more images from Kenya »
See more images from Uganda »
See more images from Rwanda and the Gorillas there »
This trip was a life changing experience and it was the people who made it so. Travelling through Kenya, Uganda and Rwanda showed different ways of life, levels of wealth and health. The African people were so welcoming, heart-warming and happy. These people could often tell a narrative in just one photograph.
See more portraits from Africa »
In weeks and months to come I will go into more detail of tips relating to this amazing trip and knowledge I’ve studied in creating narratives over the years. For the time being, I hope these images help you understand and appreciate how beautiful and amazing East Africa is.
I’d like to thank the Intrepid crew and everyone that I met along the way during my trip and I hope over time I can give back to Africa something in return for the special experience I had.
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