Sunset Landscape Picture with Elephants - Chobe

This sunset landscape picture of a group of elephants making their way across the Chobe floodplain is in no way perfect. In fact, I could have done much better by underexposing more here to prevent the sun from being burnt out. The elephants also make out only a very small part of the photograph, and it would have been nice to place more emphasis on them.

This picture was taken before I became aware of the new science of High Dynamic Range (HDR) photography, and maybe playing with that here would have produced a more pleasing result.

However, I still like the picture, and even though it won't win me any competitions, I enjoy looking at it. It is important to remember that beauty lies in the eye of the beholder, and that other people's opinions of your work should not significantly alter your style, or inhibit your creativity.

My favorite area of the Chobe National Park is the Chobe floodplain. If you are ever lucky enough to drive around here and observe the wildlife, have your camera ready as the action will come thick and fast.

One thing though... I am of the opinion that there are way too many elephants in the park, and this reduces your chances of good predator sightings. We only encountered lions once during our visit in 2005. Also, it is Africa in its wildest form — no fuel or convenience stores... anywhere! So a visit is either going to be expensive (at a lodge), or you will need to rough it a little.

If you would like opportunities to take pictures like this one, scratch around in my Africa Safaris section and start planning a trip! It won't happen unless you plan for it.