Alex Bernasconi's Photo Gallery

[Jason Dunn]

<div class='os_post_top_link'><a href='http://www.pbase.com/alex_beb' target='_blank'>http://www.pbase.com/alex_beb</a><br /><br /></div><img src="http://www.digitalmediathoughts.com/images/49249878.DSC_5239.jpg" /><br /><br />One of my goals this year is to advance my photography, to learn techniques to improve my photo taking, and to end the year with photos that I can be proud of. Comparing yourself to others can be a healty way to grow as a person, so when I saw Alex's photos I knew I had a lot way to go. Simply amazing work - if I can get <i>one</i> photo this year as good as his work, I'll be a happy man indeed!

[marlof]

As a fan of both Africa and photography, I wholeheartedly agree. I remember seeing those shots in the Dpreview forums, and some presumed that it was not so much about being a good photographer but about being there. Having been "there", and trying to take some good shots, I know that's rubbish. Of course, being there is a necessity, but it's not all you need to turn in shots this good. To be able to come up with shots this good, you'll have to prepare yourself well. Alex choose to go alone in a 4x4, so he wasn't hindered by non shooting tourists, and he could influence route, time schedule, placing of the vehicle etc., within limitations off course. That takes some skill as well. Next to that, he still had to shoot his images and post process them. I can fully admit that even if I would have prepared myself in a similar way, these shots would probably not turn out that good with me behind the shutter or computer. I really liked to look at his work.

[Phoenix]

Good grief. 8O (And thanks for the link!) Those are some of the sharpest photos I've ever seen. Great composition, too.

I'd love to know exactly what "eye" this guy is using, and whether he does any post-processing to get the razor sharpness.

If there's anyway to email this fellow, I think I will.

Stunning imagery.

[Lee Yuan Sheng]

Sharpening is always a standard last step in post-processing.

I like the photos too. Keeps it simple and effective. At the same time it's definitely at step up from the "documentation" style that so many "nature photographers" do.

I'm going to take this OT a bit, so bear with me, but Marlof, care to share on how you organised your trip to Africa, the costs, and any pitfalls or details that one should know? I'm thinking of heading there one day, so would like to know more about such a trip from someone who's done it!

[marlof]

I've been on several trips to Africa. I didn't go to shoot pictures, but to experience the country first. In short we did the following:

1. South Africa and Namibia
We did a fly-drive. Booked the hotel, rented a car, and made hotel arrangements in advance. We did all driving our selves, going from Cape Town -> Stellenbosch -> Springbok -> Fish River Canyon -> Swakopmund -> Sossusvlei -> Etosha -> Windhoek. If you ever do that: make sure you order TWO spare tires with your rental. That's pretty common, and with the gravel roads in Namibia, chances of getting a puncture are pretty high. Also try getting a 4x4. Both for driving reasons, and for having a higher viewpoint. Looking out of the windows of a Toyota Corolla ain't all that nice when you're trying to look through elephant grass. Renting a car in South Africa is a lot cheaper than renting in Namibia. The advante You have your own car, so you can decide yourself where to stop etc. You can forget about mobile phone usage, unless when you're in the cities.

2. Kenya
Traveled by 2-wheel drive mini bus, where you are accompanied by 5 other people. Those minibuses have a roof that can lift up, but is not away. You can use the carroof as camera support. This kind of trip is not the best photography solution, but budget conscious, and I went there for Africa first, photography second. Other solutions might proof difficult and expensive. Getting around Kenya yourself is not always as easy (road signs are bad or missing), so invest in a very good car and a GPS solution. Or do the Alex way: rent a car with driver. You worry about photography, they worry about the car and the road.

3. Kenya and Tanzania
Similar as Kenya, where in Tanzania we travelled with 4x4 Landcruisers. The roof folded away, but the roof structure (camera support) was still there.

4. Zambia
We did a few local flights in tiny planes to get from Vic Falls to Lower Zambezi and to South Luangwa. This is very impressive, esp. if you opt to do the walking safaris, and stay in bush camps. It's a totally different way of experiencing Africa, and I loved it. But sometimes was scared ****less. Many safari cars in Zambia have no roof structure, so the lowest support is your seat. Bringing a monopod that can find support from the floor is advised.

5. Botswana
We travelled in a good 4x4, that carried our tents as well. Every two nights we went to a different camp, that was set up there. The cars are similar to those in Zambia.

Getting to a power source to charge batteries can be troublesome in remote areas. In most lodges they have good power supply, but if you're camping/bush camping you might want to check if the driver has a power converter. Or invest in batteries.

If you need more info, just PM me, and I'll send you an e-mail message in reply to any question you might have.

[Leon]

I'm not sure if it's appropriate to add to this thread but I would like to share it: my favorite photographer (coincidentally also on PBase) is Francis Toussaint (http://www.pbase.com/francist). Sadly, Francis died just a few years ago. Hopefully his photo's will stay on PBase forever. It's the quality and colors of his photography that inspires me in taking better photos.