Time to stop existing and start LIVING...

The REAL LandRover in it's element

So the last month or two saw us making more trips to rural areas. Sometimes I am not sure what came first...the vehicle or the toys. I could argue that both ways.

Over many years I would chase owning toys and end up without cashflow to enjoy the toys. Life happens and priorities change. Sometimes some things have to slide down the ladder of priorities. In the past I would sell toys only to buy them again a year or three later. This proved to be a silly way of going about things. I am happy to report that this is no longer the case.

So, back to the last few trips...I planned this mystery trip with a surprise destination unknown to my wife. Visiting the Karoo during new moon makes for great night photography opportunities...if you plan it properly.

Film meets Digital

And what would a trip be without toys? I am shooting more and more film as I used to do many moons ago and loving it.

We love places where we can breathe freely whilst enjoying deafening silence. Living in South Africa's Eastern Cape province, such places are not hard to find at all. The Karoo is all of this and more. Using Aberdeen as a base from which to explore, we saw many unbelievable sights and beautiful places.

Planning a night photography outing during new moon is all good but you need time to scout locations. The 6 P's had a bit to say of course. Both star trails and a starry milky way sky need a good foreground interest to "anchor" the image. Getting that needs daytime working the scene. That interesting tree might be on private land. Climbing over a fence around sunset or later might just, quite literally, paint a big bull's eye on your behind. Always be ready for Plan B. This is something I am still battling to get my head around. Let's just say I got no decent night sky images.

Being a tourist in our own backyard

Thing is, a trip should always be fun. If Plan A does not work, figure out Plan B but do whatever it takes to enjoy the trip. These are mostly cellphone shots. Of course I made lots and lots of notes for ideas on future visits.

Camdebo mountains in the Karoo near Aberdeen

Take as an example, this beautiful mountain. Problem is that the glorious rock face is shaded. And there it is, the perfect opportunity to revisit this location in high summer when the sun is at a different angle. As photographers we develop our styles as time moves on. There were times when I would shoot random scenes and only consider the exposure of the frame.

Thing is, a well-exposed frame of mediocre subject matter still does not make a good image. Now that idea does cut both ways. Many factors go into making a great image.

Aloe in full bloom in front of a Camdebo mountain near Aberdeen.

Another reference shot that went down very well on social media. I had to shoot it over a fence from the roadside and those power lines REALLY don't sit well with me. The aloe plant hides a pylon too.

The next weekend we visited Eersterivier beach where I caught up with a school friend I have not seen since school. Of course some toys went with. I got a few images totally unplanned and I am actually quite happy with them.

Waves crashing over rocks at sunset, Eersterivier beach.

The weekend after that we were on a business trip to the Tsitsikamma area again where I shot some film and fluffed it BIG TIME. It happens. This is a story for next time though.

So get out there and shoot. Shoot film. Shoot digital if you must. Make mistakes and learn from them. And have fun doing it.

Until next time, happy shooting!

Anton