More Workshops

I was going to stop blogging about the C4 Images and Safaris’ Photo Workshops, but then we just came back from another workshop at Mashatu Game reserve. And what a workshop it was! Once again, the rugged and scenic beauty of the Northern Tuli cast its charm over the attendants and the photographs proved it. Sightings were once again excellent: 40 minutes spent with cheetah, lion a couple of times, the quintessential leopard reclining in a Mashatu tree and of course the large breeding herds of elephant that walk right past your vehicle. These herds once again entranced all on the workshop as they slowly browse past within meters of the vehicle, allowing the youngsters to walk out in the open. I can’t think of another place in southern Africa where such close, relaxed and intimate elephant sightings can be seen.

Another highlight of the workshop was the birding. The drying pools of water in the riverbed attracted saddle-billed storks, grey herons and African spoonbills to the slowly concentrated food supply. Add to this the cacophony of the hundreds of guineafowl coming to drink and you have a very busy morning of photography.
However, the stars of the weekend, from a bird perspective, were the white fronted bee-eaters. Roosting in a curve of the riverbank, they allowed a vehicle to drive close enough for some beautiful portraits and flight photos. A great time was had and lots of technique was discussed with relation to getting the flight shots right- emphasising the value of a Photo Workshop. Which really describes the whole workshop: Nature, photographers, passion and photographic stimulation. Every one was very discussing, learning and improving their images while having excellent subjects to practice their passion on. Just what the workshops are all about.