Elephant Sunset Velvia

Fine-Art Print

African Wildlife Photograph

I have always had an infinity for Black and White photography. When I am out on Safari, it is with a Black and White photographic mindset. Looking for elements that will help create an engaging African Wildlife Photograph, shape, form, texture and tonal range.

Namibian sunrises and sunsets are hard to ignore, during winter, the dust and sand are whipped up by the seasonal winds, trapped in the lower atmosphere. It makes for terrible drab grey skies during the day.

However, when the sun is at its lowest ebb. The skies are Velvia, a mix of purple, pinks and red creating the most exquisite sunrises and sunsets. Even for this hardcore black and white photographer are hard to ignore.

Driving back to my camp, I marvelled at the setting sun, wishing my nearest and dearest was with me to experience this beautiful moment. As my thoughts were about to become melancholy, a bull elephant pulled me from my reverie. He was grazing by the edge of the pan with the setting sun overhead and realising the potential. “Wildlife Photograph of an Elephant” with the setting red sun Of Etosha. I call this Fine-Art Print, Elephant Sunset Velvia.

I stopped, grabbed at my camera and bean bag. I lowered the window. I began to click the shutter whilst giving thanks and praises to the photography gods for such a serendipitous moment.

The sun was still a little high in the sky. I had to wait 15 minutes for the sun to turn to Velvia and low enough that I could place the sun within the rule of thirds axis in the composition.

It was an incredible few minutes to spend with this gentle giant, both at ease while watching the last embers of the days dying sun.