Getaway Gallery
It’s a wrap – see who walked away with the accolades from our 2020/21 competition
WINNER’S STORY
I am very excited about the win and the amazing prizes, a big thank you to the sponsors.
My love for photography and wildlife came from my parents and especially my father, so I am looking forward to sharing the safari with my 16-year-old son. We’ve done this hobby together for a few years and we’re both very excited about the photographic opportunities coming along with the prize. The equipment prizes will come in handy and take our photography to a new level. Photography to me is a very rewarding and relaxing hobby where you can escape the pressures of life and just look for, or wait for, the next photo opportunity. It’s so satisfying when you convert a moment in time where everything comes together: subject, action, camera settings, light and focus to create a special image which can probably never be recreated.
(Previous spread)
FIRST PRIZE
Caught by Surprise
At Sunset Dam in Kruger National Park I noticed a few big crocs catching fish... but they were too far off. I took a few shots but nothing worth keeping. Luckily it was good practice and I had my settings sorted out. Then I saw this big croc slowly coming towards us and I kept my centre focus point on his eyes. It suddenly lunged to its left, catching a decent-size fish between its teeth, tossed it up and swallowed it. The action was over in a flash. When checking the results I realised I had caught a perfect moment where everything came together: settings, focus and action.
By Johan Wandrag, Magaliesburg
Canon 7D MkII, Sigma 150–600mm, ISO: 400, f/8, 1/3200 sec
Judge’s comment For me, wildlife photography is all about telling stories. This image does that perfectly. I love the expression on the fish’s face. It reminds me of a bridegroom just after he’s said ‘I do’! Hannes Lochner
SECOND PRIZE
Drifter
Photographed in False Bay, the Portuguese man o'war or bluebottle is normally a sailor of the pelagic waters. As with any sailing vessel, if caught in the wrong wind, they may end up in the wrong place. For this one it meant inshore waters. The brewing storm clouds paint a treacherous picture and perhaps a forewarning of what the future holds for it. Should the wind not switch direction and send it back to the deep pelagic waters, it will find itself in the surf zone – the end of the road for this creature.
By Geo Cloete, Wellington
Nikon D300, Tokina 10-17mm, ISO 150, f/18, 1/200 sec
Judge’s comment Photographing sea creatures in their own environment is hard enough, so capturing the drama of the sky and balancing the light and colour so beautifully is a remarkable achievement. Congratulations, Geo, on an outstanding image.
Anton Crone
THIRD PRIZE
Translucent
This is a photo of a very small jumping spider taken at the Lowveld National Botanical Gardens. This was a very co-operative spider and I was able to use a tripod and stacking rail to take a focus stack.
By Nico Hattingh, Boksburg
Canon 7D MkI, Canon MP-E 65mm f/2.8 Macro, ISO: 100, f/5.6, 1/250 sec
Judge’s comment I love the eye contact of this image. The viewer’s eyes are drawn in immediately. That and the low angle create a beautiful image. The black background also contributes to the contrast and makes the spider stand out from the background. Wonderful image!
Heinrich van den Berg