Regarding the creative: never assume you're the master, only the student. Your audience will determine if you're masterful. - Don Roff

Photography is a hobby that I have discovered fairly ‘late’ in life and is possibly now one of my favorite pastimes. For a lot of working field guides this is the case and as such we spend a lot of time with people from all over the world in the effort to help them improve their own photographic skills, while expanding our own. In this way, we are always learning. I hope you enjoy this week’s selection of wildlife in monochrome...

I love ‘yawn’ shots and especially while making use of spotlights at night. Position however, is key.

A characteristic bird in the bushveld keeping an ever-watchful eye out for any danger and should there be any present, you can hear them shouting, “Go Away, Go Away!” A close subject and a wide aperture helps get that sought after ‘bokeh’.

Nighttime photography with the use of spotlights is difficult for most, but having an experienced Guide can make all the difference.

Patience is key, knowledge of behavior is good, but you will still have to wait for that right moment to depress the shutter.

Look for something different to tell the story. I am a big fan of obscured portraits.

Getting low and making the most of a clean background can really make your subject pop.

Don’t be afraid to capture the moment. Not all scenarios or images for that matter can be technically perfect.

I am a big advocate for creating images of an animal in its environment, but sometimes filling the frame can be more appealing.

Again, get low. This cannot always be achieved due to the confines of a vehicle, but look for natural points of elevation to take advantage of.

Pay attention to your subject and always make space in the frame in the direction of movement.