Surreal Reflections Show the Power of Wildlife Photography

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“Shapes distorted, dissected by the wind only to be reassembled into abstract designs, a beautiful illusionary canvas, ever moving.” ­– Christine Matthai.

As in any form of art, the artist is always looking for a new creative twist, something that will bring a new dimension to their piece. In photography it is no different. Reflective photography for me gifts a photographer with so many new possibilities.

rhino reflection Trevor

Rhino Reflection, an example of a photograph of a rhino reflected in the water creates an interesting perspective. Photograph by: Trevor McCall-Peat

Capturing a reflective image in itself provides a challenge as there are numerous elements that need to come together to capture that perfect moment, especially in wildlife photography as your subjects have a mind of their own and getting them to the right place at the right time is often no easy task. But reflection for me offers us so much more than just a challenge. It allows our mind to wonder and to see an image in a unique way, adding depth and interest.

Reflections are just one way of the ever changing shapes that so beautifully epitomises this incredible place in which we live, always transforming, never the same and so apparent now as winter ends and summer springs to life.

To photograph reflections is always high up on my list but as I have mentioned, it is definitely no easy task. I have put together a collection of some of my favourites as well as some taken by fellow guides and good friends…

Camp Pan mike

The Camp Pan male captured here in black and white and reflected in the water. Photograph by: Mike Sutherland.

cheetah andrea

The blood stained mouth of a cheetah is  reflected in the water making the image a lot more interesting. Photograph by Andrea Campbell.

hamerkop Trevor

A hamerkop wades through the water. Photograph by: Trevor McCall-Peat

Hyena Mike

Submerged in the water, a hyena cools off and slakes its thirst. Photograph by Mike Sutherland.

male lion andrea

Male Lion. Photograph by Andrea Campbell.

sand piper Trevor

Double take: a sand piper seen from two angles. Photograph: Trevor McCall-Peat

Tree Andrea

A striking and unusual image of a tree. Photograph by Andrea Campbell.

Tsalala cub Mike

The Tsalala cub inspects its reflection. Photograph by Mike Sutherland.

tsalala cub Trevor

Mirror Image. The Tsalala cub quenches its thirst. Photograph by Trevor McCall-Peat.

Tsalala lioness Mike

The Tsalala lioness strides through muddy waters. Photograph by Mike Sutherland.

Zebra Andrea

Reflections of black and white. Photograph by Andrea Campbell.

Zebra Mike

Zebra Double. Photograph by Mike Sutherland.

Tsalala cub Andrea

This image of a Tsalala cub is made more interesting by the reflection of the tree in the water. Photograph by: Andrea Campbell.

Reflection

Drinking shots are always a good idea for trying to capture the reflection of the subject you are shooting. Photograph by Simon Smit.

croc shadow

Night-time reflections. Photograph byTrevor McCall-Peat.

Reflection-2

Another interesting double is created in this image. Photograph by Simon Smit.

Written by: Trevor McCall-Peat

Photography: Trevor McCall-Peat, Andrea Campbell, Mike Sutherland, Simon Smit.

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