Amidst the transition from day to night, the African wilderness echoes with serenity - a time for
introspection. Here, amid the modern world's chaos, nature extends its refuge to those yearning for an
escape.
I am Roy, an individual driven by a quest to make a difference and unravel the fundamental questions that
have echoed through humanity's history. I was born and raised in Namibia, to a strong genetic lineage of
DRD4-7R. In my early years, I struggled with dyslexia and who knows what other learning disabilities. In
those years the education system did not have the myriad of excogitate descriptions for those that did not
conform to the norm.
During these pivotal years, my Grandmother, a sage figure, imparted wisdom through cryptic phrases.
Reflecting on her words, three principles became the pillars of my foundation: "Every dark cloud has a
silver lining", "Always look left and right" and "Take a step back."
While seemingly simplistic, taking a step back holds profound wisdom. Stepping out and observing situations
from an objective standpoint yields deeper comprehension and, consequently, more holistic solutions. If
everyone could intentionally ponder the repercussions of their actions, the world might not find itself in
its current state.
At the core of conservation lies the principle of sustainable environmental utilization. Regrettably,
humanity has often skewed this philosophy with greed and power lust. As custodians of this planet, we bear a
colossal responsibility - not only to shield the environment but to rectify the missteps of our
predecessors.
Through my photography and art, I aspire to kindle an appreciation for the natural world among those less
fortunate, who haven't had the privilege of growing up surrounded by its splendour.
“In the end, we will conserve only what we love; we will love only what we understand and we will understand
only what we are taught.” - Baba Dioum
In the tapestry of life, it's not just what we do that counts, but how we do it. Just as in our journeys,
where appreciating the path is as vital as reaching the destination, so it is with our actions. Staring into
the abyss of mortality has a profound way of reshaping one's perspective. Confronting our mortality serves
as a catalyst for reevaluating the seemingly unyielding norms ingrained in us since birth. A life guided by
societal expectations and predetermined paths suddenly unravels its inherent futility.
I, too, embarked on the conventional journey, crafting a life that I believed society expected. A career
built through unwavering dedication, accumulating wealth often masked as debt—all in the pursuit of meeting
societal norms and ensuring material comforts for my family. Then, life unveiled its paradoxical gift:
cancer. While this statement may sound perplexing, this unexpected twist became the lens through which I
glimpsed true significance. It marked a profound shift from the relentless pursuit of possessions to
recognizing the authentic wealth found in purposeful and memorable endeavours. Countless tales in literature
and songs echo with remorse for neglecting life's vital elements.
Amidst the perceived flaws surrounding the youth, there emerges a revitalizing resurgence of challenging the
status quo. It's through questioning that growth unfolds, a principle holding true for every facet of life.
My humble plea is for everyone to scrutinize the potential consequences of their actions. If we engage in
this process consciously and with consideration, I am optimistic that, over time, we can collectively
reshape the prevailing norms.
A Dive into Essential Photographic Gear
In this modern area, the difference between camera brands is so marginal that from a technical
perspective, it is nearly impossible to say that one is far superior to another. Canon, Fuji, Sony
and Nikon all have phenomenal equipment. However, for my objectives, I require a robust and
well-built system that can handle the abuse that Namibia's harsh environment throws at it. In my
opinion, the core essentials other than the camera and lens are a sturdy tripod, shutter release and
a good set of ND grad filters.
Exploring Indispensable Outdoor Essentials
Namibia's unforgiving terrain, marked by harsh conditions and scarce water sources, necessitates
gear that is not just essential but also resilient. My essentials are, a sturdy set of Hiking boots,
a robust backpack able to facilitate in carrying weight efficiently and a way to make a good coffee!
Navigating the Artistic Realm of Photography
At its essence, photography boils down to capturing and presenting light. Embracing this concept
involves mastering the art of anticipating how the sun's angle will illuminate a subject, how the
interplay of shadows and highlights can elevate or diminish a scene, and how the evolving hues due
to light temperature alterations will impact the final image.
A Photographer's Guide to Stunning Locations
Namibia unfolds as a photographic paradise, where iconic destinations like Sossusvlei, adorned with
towering dunes and the surreal beauty of Dead Vlei, or the stark expanse of Etosha Pans teeming with
wildlife, represent just a fraction of this awe-inspiring country's offerings. While these renowned
locations draw many, my explorations lead me to pristine ecosystems untouched by the scars of human
development, as progress often demands sacrifice.
Mastering Photo Editing
Recall those days of eager anticipation, waiting for the photo lab to deliver processed
transparencies? While I sometimes reflect on those moments with nostalgia, the convenience of modern
methods has alleviated many logistical challenges.
At the core of my post-production workflow lies Capture One, a robust package offering excellent
colour control and a user-friendly file management system.
A Photographer's Guide to Wildlife
The term "spray-and-pray" is a common practice in wildlife photography. However, I propose a
different approach: slow down and anticipate the precise moment you wish to capture. Despite the
technological advancements allowing for rapid shooting up to 120 frames per second, I seldom utilize
high-speed burst on my camera. Perhaps it's a somewhat antiquated method from a bygone era.
Nevertheless, I firmly believe that to truly capture the essence of a subject, a profound
understanding is essential. My approach involves studying the behavior and mannerisms of the animal,
fostering a personal connection that translates into an image reflecting the magnificence of the
creature.
Using Photography for Conservation
As photographers, we bear a significant responsibility to ethically procure the images we capture.
In the context of wildlife photography, it is crucial to showcase images that do not endorse the
mistreatment of animals. Have you ever pondered the number of wild animals captured solely to
facilitate convenient photography experiences? Consider the leopards confined in cages across the
African continent, merely for the purpose of allowing tourists to capture an image. Reflect on the
animals euthanized each year due to well-meaning but misguided tourists feeding them, leading to
habituation that transforms them into nuisances or even threats to humans.
In today's era, the distinctions between camera brands have become so minute that, technically speaking,
declaring one vastly superior to another is a challenge. Canon, Fuji, Sony, and Nikon all boast exceptional
equipment. However, navigating Namibia's rugged landscapes demands a robust and resilient system capable of
withstanding its harsh conditions. Beyond the camera and lens, my essential toolkit includes a sturdy
tripod, a
shutter release, and a quality set of neutral-density graduated filters.
Aside from the photographic trinity (16-35, 24-70, and 70-200), my lens recommendations cater to specific
needs:
Wildlife Photography:
For Etosha, where wildlife might be at a moderate distance, a 400mm lens proves invaluable.
In Dammaraland and Koakoveld, the versatility to extend up to 600mm becomes a significant advantage. A
200-600mm
zoom lens from Sony or Nikon, known for internal zoom mechanisms, stands resilient against the dust
prevalent in
northern Namibia. While a 2x extender may compromise image quality, a 1.4x extender offers a viable solution
for
extra reach without significant degradation.
Landscape Photography:
Namibia's expansive landscapes often call for focal lengths between 50-85mm, occasionally extending to
200-400mm. For astrophotography, a fast wide prime lens proves crucial. Namibia's minimal light pollution
results in spectacular night skies.
Macro Photography:
Explore the smaller, lesser-photographed facets of Namibia with a 90-105mm Macro lens, allowing more
distance
between you and your subject.
Considering airline weight restrictions for travellers, I recommend lenses like the 14mm f1.4, 90mm or 105mm
Macro, 16-35
f2.8, 24-105 f4, 70-200 f2.8, and a 180-600mm with an optional 1.4 extender.
In the realm of filters, soft ND Grads (0.6 and 0.9) balance exposures, a polarizer enhances or eliminates
reflections, and ND filters enable extended exposures.
A landscape photographer's backbone is their tripod. I still use an old REDGED with a Manfrotto geared
tripod
head for its precision, forcing me to slow down and deliberate over compositions.
Two last crucial aspects, in my opinion, are a shutter release and a quality camera bag. My gear resides in
a
B&W hard shell case, while my travels are facilitated by a Lowepro camera bag.
For those considering rental options in Namibia, while options are limited due to the market's economic
nature,
one company worth exploring is www.capturenamibia.com.
Namibia's unforgiving terrain, marked by harsh conditions and scarce water sources, necessitates gear that
is
not just essential but also resilient. My essentials are, a sturdy set of Hiking boots, a robust backpack
able
to facilitate in carrying weight efficiently and a way to make a good coffee!
Footwear:
In the untamed expanses of Namibia, where the quest for the extraordinary often leads you off the beaten
path,
the only trails to follow are those carved by zebras, tracing the contours of the land like nature's
surveyors.
Essential to this journey are supportive and comfortable hiking boots. Personally, I swear by the LaSportiva
Trango Treks, striking the perfect balance between support and robustness. Their mountain DNA aids in
shouldering heavy loads, alleviating the fatigue that comes from navigating challenging terrains. While
footwear
is a personal choice, LaSportiva and Scarpa stand out among the brands I recommend, their reliability proven
through countless adventures.
Backpack:
Embarking on Namibian hikes and explorations marks a departure from modern ultralight gear trends. Despite
the
allure of shedding pounds, the weight of water remains an undeniable reality. The challenge lies in finding
a
balance; larger-volume backpacks often offer more comfortable load capacities, yet this isn't always ideal.
Ideally, a 60-liter pack with a 40-50 kg capacity would be perfect. I've relied on the Osprey Argon 105, an
excellent pack with one major drawback - it's wide at the base, causing snags in rough mountain terrains.
For
extended hikes in Namibia, I recommend only two pack systems:
Mystery
Ranch
or
EXO Mt Gear
, the latter being an
ideal choice for arid environments.
Backpacking Camping Equipment:
When it comes to backpacking camping equipment, my unequivocal recommendation is MSR. Their products are
not
only reliable but endure a lifetime of adventures. My gear includes the Dragonfly® Stove, MiniWorks® EX Microfilter filtration system, and Dromedary® Bags. The Dragonfly® Stove has been my steadfast companion for nearly two decades,
running on a variety of fuels obtainable even in the remotest locations. The MiniWorks® EX Microfilter, though aging, remains
efficient,
soon to be succeeded by the Guardian™ Purifier filtration system,
boasting new technology in the same robust housing. The Dromedary® Bags, while not the lightest option, have
proven indispensable. After a mishap with ruptured water containers during a mountain expedition, I switched
to
the Dromedary® Bags for their resilience in adverse
conditions. In
the realm of water, a few extra grams ensure
security.
Other Essential Gear:
In the rugged landscapes of the Namibian wilderness, inflatable sleeping pads offer undeniable comfort, but
the
unforgiving terrain often leads to frequent punctures. In this challenging environment, I strongly recommend
close-celled foam mattresses, with the Z Lite SOL™ Sleeping Pad being the ideal solution. While
reasonably
comfortable within the constraints of its construction, it consistently provides a cushioned platform for a
good
night's sleep - unlike inflatable alternatives prone to air leaks.
Now, onto the subject of coffee! For anyone, like myself, who relies on a good cup of
coffee to
tackle a long
day on the trail, the 30 fl. oz. JavaPress is a must. You'll always find one tucked inside my
pack,
ready for
action regardless of the situation.
While the essentials of outdoor gear are vast, delving into each aspect requires a more in-depth
exploration.
Stay tuned for future blog posts and newsletters, where I'll dive into these subjects with more detail. Sign
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to stay informed about the latest articles as they are published. Your journey into the heart of Namibia's
wilderness is just beginning!
