Sunset silhouettes

 Sunset silhouette photos are always stunning. I love them... 

Sunsets always have amazing colors, but at times this isn't always enough especially when photographing sunsets and that's where silhouettes come in. When adding a silhouette, the key thing to keep in mind is that you are adding a shape. Sometimes, the shape will have little or no details, some times it will be purely black or with little color. It is also important to make the silhouetted shape distinct and uncluttered. 

Silhouettes are effective in sunset photography, they add character to the image. It is always important to have a visual image of the shot you want to take in your mind before capturing it. Position yourself well, I find getting low on the ground while taking the shot is always great and gives a better perspective for the final image. Being at a lower elevation than your subject brings out the best angles to photograph. 

When it comes to the camera settings. Always, and I repeat, always remember to turn off your flash, this should be your number one thing to check. With the camera settings, always make sure that you have taken it off auto mode, and remember to set the correct aperture, shutter speed and ISO for the perfect shot. Until next time, stay safe. 

Cheetah silhouette, Maasai Mara

   

Cheetah silhouette, Maasai Mara

Silhouette of a tree, Maasai Mara

World lion day

10th August marks the international World Lion day. This is a special day organised to raise awareness about the decline in the overall lion population. 

The first World lion day was marked in 2013. The founders Derek and Beverly Joubert in partnership with National Geographic and big cat initiative came up with a partnership to protect lions in their natural environment. 

Also known as panthera leo, lions are the second largest big cat species, after the tiger. The males have a very distinctive mane which grows darker as they age, the manes can also be used to show how healthy the male lion is - thicker and darker manes show that the male is healthier. Both males and females lions roar, and their roar can be heard up to 8 kilometres away (5 miles).    

Nearly 50% of the total lion population has declined over the last 20 years. The main threats to the lion population is the loss of habitat, human-wildlife conflict and trophy hunting. Not all is doom and gloom though. There are ways to stabilize, and increase the lion population. Lion conservation is a vital part in the overall conservation of wildlife and habitat. There are many organisations fighting to protect the lions. Organisations like the Ewaso lions organisation, born free foundation, wildlife direct and mara predator conservation program are doing a remarkable job in protecting the big cat. Please have a look at their cause and you too can assist by making donations, sharing information and creating awareness. 

You too can help in protecting the lions... be a lion guardian!

Lioness and cubs. Nairobi National Park

Male lion. Loisaba conservancy

Male lion. Maasai Mara