"Delaney Fine Art | Exploring African Adventures & Wildlife Photography Insights
Delve into the enthralling world of Delaney Fine Art's African adventures, where the artistry of wildlife photography comes to life. Our blog offers an immersive experience with captivating narratives and stunning visuals, unveiling the essence of Africa's untamed beauty. Join us on an insightful journey through diverse landscapes, encountering majestic creatures and witnessing the art and passion behind fine-art wildlife photography. Discover unique perspectives and exclusive insights that showcase the raw splendour of Africa's wildlife, bringing you closer to the heart of our adventures."
Two weeks ago, I was granted the extraordinary privilege of stepping into the heart of Ol Pejeta Conservancy in Kenya, a refuge for the last remaining northern white rhinos on Earth. Within this sanctuary, I encountered the two remaining females, steadfast guardians of a lineage teetering on the edge of extinction.
Under the vigilant watch of dedicated rangers, these majestic creatures freely roam within a secure enclosure. Remarkably, only two females remain, both beyond the age of bearing calves. Yet, a global coalition of conservationists and scientists has kindled a spark of hope.
The Kalahari black-maned Lion is named Norman, not a very exciting name, he and his brother well actually cousin called Zwaai were a very successful coalition at Addo Game Reserve in South Africa.
Norman was born in June 2008 in Addo, Zwaai in August 2008, same Father called Jack but different mother.
After hours of perseverance, I caught my first glimpse of the Muskoxen. Three massive males stood before us, surpassing my expectations in size and magnificence. As a novice in capturing this subject, I felt a sense of unfamiliarity, navigating the snowy terrain on foot. Being aware of Muskox's reputation for aggression, caution guided my every move. Surprisingly, these wild creatures
“I needed something to satisfy my adrenaline cravings as a wildlife photographer. That got my heart and blood racing, as well as my creative juices, flowing. Photographing Africa's largest mammal, the Elephant Tusker, would definitely get my heart pumping if not stopping for a few seconds during close encounters”
One of my favourite stories about the origins of these Wild Horses is that they are the descendants of a shipwreck off the coast near Gansbaai in 1852. The ship was the British naval frigate HMS Birkenhead, which had been converted into a troop carrier. The ship was en route to Algoa Bay, carrying troops to fight the Xhosa. There were 643 people aboard, mostly soldiers but also civilians and children. As well as nine horses from the 8th Calvery.
For me, sitting next to Virginia Mckenna and photographing "Virginia's tree." against the most amazing African storm I had ever seen, will be forever engrained in my memory.
Arriving at the edge of the pan my heart sank. The mud pools were void of any wildlife. I decided to wait, but to be honest, I was out of ideas and tired from seven hours of driving. I opened all the 4x4 windows; warm air filled my nostrils with the smell of baked earth and the pungent calcrete. The wind was eerily quiet, a sense of loneliness swept over me - I felt vulnerable in this vast empty landscape.
I love Kalahari black-maned Lions, they are a subspecies of lions and are more powerful than other lion species. Their impressive black mane renders Kalahari lions with an intimidating appearance. Kalahari black-maned Lions can grow to a height of 1,46m and weigh up to 263kgs. Kalahari black-maned Lions are perfectly adapted to the extreme climate and conditions of the Kalahari.
Quiver Trees are one of my favourite trees; the other is the Baobab. The Quiver tree has a beautiful golden bark that becomes lustrous in the golden afternoon light. Its beautiful shape and form have always fascinated me. It was why I decided to take a road trip to photograph a small forest of Quiver trees on a farm outside Springbok in the Northern Cape of South Africa.
Witnessing a "Storm over the Karoo" is the most amazing sight to behold. The Karoo has always held a special place in my heart. Its big open skies fill me with joy and a sense of peace that is hard to describe.
Sometimes, as photographers, we are spoilt by too much choice regarding equipment. Having just one camera and one lens may not have been ideal, but it did make me think of the box and capture images I may not have done if I had not forgotten some of my equipment.
Totti is the name of this wannabe alpha male chimpanzee (Pan troglodytes). This male chimp came down from the canopy to the forest floor with one motive. Desire. A young female chimpanzee is above him in the canopy. Totti is doing his best to entice her away from other males. He poses and gestures and calls in every seductive way possible. But alas to no avail. His advances go unnoticed. The female chimpanzee ignores him. Totti the wannabe alpha male chimpanzee. Lies back with hands behind his head and dreams of what could have been.
The low rumble of thunder in the distance sounded the arrival of the first storms of summer. Bolts of lightning danced across the skies. The clouds were a Velvia purple and spread out across the western sky. The mood in the Masai reserve was electrifying,..
The Kalahari is a land of extremes: summer temperatures soar whilst winter nights plummet to well below freezing, a parched dusty landscape that can be transformed overnight to a sea of green rolling dunes. The silence can be deafening for those of us whose lives are consumed by everyday noise.
Inspiration is very important in life, no matter what road you have chosen to walk. Photography is my vocation, my calling. Even though I receive a lot of my inspiration from nature, I love to look at the work of photographers who are master craftsmen.