Flamingo - Nature - Captured moments of birds in action
“Bird photography is challenging. You don’t only need the right equipment; you also need an extensive knowledge of all species of birds, because different kinds of birds act differently and practise a distinct behaviour. This is probably also the reason why I like photographing birds in action so much. I love the fact that you need to be aware not only of their movements, but also of your own. You need to be aware of your actions to control the situation. You also need a good amount of time and lots of patience; and a definite interest in your subject. It takes a lot of work to capture that perfect action photo, but that is ultimately what drives me.” Joe started focusing on action bird photography about two years ago and because he has a good know-ledge of so many different bird species, he wants to share the beauty of these winged and feathery friends with other people.
The different kinds of birds found throughout the country are as
diverse as the Namibian landscape itself. “In the northern parts of the
country, you find tropical birds, at the coast you have coastal birds,
and in the south desert birds. It’s difficult for me to choose a
favourite, but I especially like the colourful ones, like the
lilac-breasted roller, bokmakierie and sunbirds. Even a flamingo has a
special beauty.”
According to his wife, Anette, who is an avid
photographer herself, Joe’s approach to photography is that of a
documentarian, capturing the reality and giving it back as bold,
full-frame images. Joe uses Canon equipment with large zoom lenses. He
tweaks his images somewhat in Photoshop, but only to clean the frame,
enhance the colours and crop and frame the photo to the desired size.
The
Birds of Africa calendar is printed on high-quality 300 gsm Matt Art
paper and the pictures are UV varnished to give them a special
high-gloss effect. All the photographs were taken in private and
national game reserves in Southern Africa. The calendars are available
on the ground floor of the Namibia Craft Centre in the Old Breweries
Building between Independence Avenue and Tal Street, as well as at all
leading booksellers in Windhoek and Swakopmund.
For further information and sales, contact Tom on 081 129 8105 or by e-mail: namgate@iafrica.com.na.
