My top 3 images from 2014

2014 has really been about African Wildlife Photography for me. Last year in 2013, I actually got chance to photograph in both South Africa and the UK. My trips to the UK yielded some great images of birds of prey and fallow deer. This year, I only got chance to photograph wildlife in South Africa, and didn't get chance to get out with the camera when I was in the UK. For 2015 I really must endeavour to get over to the UK, especially for birds of prey, owls in particular and deer....and of course I must also try and finalise plans for Africa...and whilst its too early to disclose what 2015 may bring, I do have something potentially exciting on the horizon!

But 2014 yielded some fantastic images. To try and pick just 3 images for my "Top 3 images of 2014" is extremely difficult. But in the end I have chosen the following 3 images.

In 3rd place...

An image of two Zebra's drinking in Madikwe, taken in April this year. I love this image. It was a great sighting actually. So often on game drives you cannot go off road for general game. So viewing and photographing Zebras can be very difficult. On this sighting we came across a young dazzle of Zebras who were very active playing and grooming. The light was low in the sky and it wasn't easy getting shots... This pool of water was not far from the road and after several Zebra had trotted it through it, these two came together in parallel to drink. Things lined up perfectly. I love the fact that there is a little green foreground interest going on, but the background is that beautiful terracotta red soil of Madikwe...it is such a contrast to the black and white of the Zebra stripes. The background fades off with a nice blur and bokeh. I would love to do more photography of Zebras as I feel they are so photogenic. Let's hope so for 2015.

In 2nd place, an image I already blogged about a few weeks ago...

This is where things all came into place for me as a wildlife photographer. The leopard scent marking, the anticipation and knowledge I had of the animals behaviour and the composition I used to tell the story. This photo came from knowledge and experience and showed just how far I have come in a short space of time. I am so happy with this image. We tracked this male for some time and he was so relaxed in our presence he yielded so many beautiful photos. I absolutely love leopards and this image was taken in the World Capital of leopards, Sabi Sands. 

And in 1st place...my top placed image of 2014 is...

"The Crossing" - three female lions on the Sands river had been flat cat on the banks, when suddenly the lead lioness decided to cross the river. This led to an incredible sighting as the first lioness took the lead as the other two stayed lying on the banks. After sometime the other two reluctantly followed. They were moving away from us and the lead lioness headed for a rock in the middle of the river. The other two followed. I took several shots as they crossed, but for me I love this one. Again its all about storytelling and execution. Having the lead lioness sat on top of the rock looking down waiting for the other two to arrive, then the one in the middle just starting to climb and the last one at the rear walking through the water...it doesn't get much better than this for me. I love the dramatic backdrop of the eroded bank of the river too. 

So that's it. My top 3 images of 2014. What do you think?

I am sure I have other images which could easily contest for a place in the top 3. I have been so lucky to have witnessed wild dogs on 3 occasions this year. I have some fabulous male lion images, including a male lion roaring which was a very close inclusion. But the images I have chosen are not just about the sighting and the composition themselves. These are images that tested me as a photographer in combination with the sighting and that's why they made the cut into my top 3. 

I hope 2015 brings many more opportunities to see sightings like these, and so my photographic journey continues. 

Cheers

Jon