Category Archives: photography

Cheetah at the water hole

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Our last stop in Namibia was at a large cat reserve called Okonjima.  This reserve was originally a cattle farm. However, it was transformed into a large cat reserve in the 1970s.  Most of the cheetah at the reserve have radio collars. We tracked two of them in the bush. There, we found them laying about.  We got out of our truck. We snapped a few photos. Then they got up and walked right in between our party. They literally split the group in two.  They could not be bothered at all that we were there.  Our guides asked if we wanted to track these guys on foot. They promised the cheetahs don’t like humans for food. We accepted the offer and tracked them.  We walked about 2 kms. Then they settled at a watering hole. We got a series of great shots.  I was a little disconcerted when they walked back to within about 6-7 feet of me, looking around and sniffing.  It was slightly terrifying. I could see the news reports: “American tourist eaten by cheetah in Namibia.” However, true to form, they didn’t seem all too interested in me at all.  This is one of the best photos of that little walk.

Sony A7R II | Sony FE 70-200 f/4.0 | 200mm | f/4.0 | 1/2000th | ISO 250

Road Through the Vineyard

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I’ve commented on it a few times. We had a magical long weekend in Yakima Valley. It was a few years back.  We were in the middle of a photog class and the missus’ project was HDR photos.  I’m not sure how we managed it, but we discovered a relatively remote set of vineyards. It was just about an hour before sunset.   She took some really incredible shots, these have to be the best memories of that weekend.

We also went to ~6 wineries, which always makes me happy.

Canon 7D | Canon EF-S 17-55mm f/2.8 | 17mm | f/4.0 | 1/3200th | ISO100

Sun Rays over the vineyard

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For our anniversary this year, we went out to Yakima Valley for a combination of wine tasting and photo-taking.  We were wrapping up our 10-week photography class, and we had to submit the Final Project the following week.

First of all, doing wine tasting in Yakima Valley is pretty difficult. There are ~5 or 6 distinct sets of sub-regions. These sub-regions can be over 70 miles apart at either end.  The second issue is that there are some ‘can’t miss’ wineries and there are some, well, that can be missed.

For one of our projects, we were doing HDR landscapes. After a day of drinking wine (excuse me, ‘tasting’), we enjoyed the end of the day over some vineyards.  Today’s shot is nearing the end of the day, but not quite sunset.  Not really sure who’s vineyard this is, but the sun was perfect and my wine-buzz was just right.

Canon 7D | Canon EF-S 17-55mm f/2.8 | 17 mm | f/5.6 | 1/3200 seconds | ISO100

Perspective on Size

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Not too much of an explanation needed here.  I believe this waterfall is Skógafoss, which we hit on our way back to the city from Jökulsárlón.  We were pretty road weary, but we kept on trekking to get the trip complete.  Officially,  Skógafoss waterfall is a width of 82 feet and a drop of 200 ft.  I can’t say this photo gives the grandeur the justice it deserves.

Canon 7D | Canon EF-S 17-55mm f/2.8 | | 44 mm | f/4.0 | 1/125th | ISO100