• Location: Stellenryk Park, Stellenryk, Cape Town, South Africa • Date Taken: 2021-11-26 • Camera: Canon EOS 7D Mark II • Lens: Canon Zoom Lens EF-S 10-18 mm F4.5-5.6 IS STM • Exposure Program: Manual • F-Stop: f/13 • Exposure Time: 1/25 sec • ISO Speed: ISO-100 • Focal Length: 18 mm • Metering Mode: Evaluative Metering • Tripod: Zomei Tripod with Ball Head
Thank you with all my heart for stopping by and having a look at my photo.
If you like what you see please press the like button, share and leave a comment. I read all my comments and try to answer them all.
• Location: Stellenryk Park, Stellenryk, Cape Town, South Africa • Date Taken: 2021-11-26 • Camera: Canon EOS 7D Mark II • Lens: Canon Zoom Lens EF-S 10-18 mm F4.5-5.6 IS STM • Exposure Program: Manual • F-Stop: f/13 • Exposure Time: 1/25 sec • ISO Speed: ISO-100 • Focal Length: 18 mm • Metering Mode: Evaluative Metering • Tripod: Zomei Tripod with Ball Head
Thank you with all my heart for stopping by and having a look at my photo.
If you like what you see please press the like button, share and leave a comment. I read all my comments and try to answer them all.
• Location: Stellenryk Park, Stellenryk, Cape Town, South Africa • Date Taken: 2021-11-26 • Camera: Canon EOS 7D Mark II • Lens: Canon Zoom Lens EF-S 10-18 mm F4.5-5.6 IS STM • Exposure Program: Manual • F-Stop: f/13 • Exposure Time: 1/100 sec • ISO Speed: ISO-100 • Focal Length: 10 mm • Metering Mode: Evaluative Metering • Tripod: Zomei Tripod with Ball Head
Thank you with all my heart for stopping by and having a look at my photo.
If you like what you see please press the like button, share and leave a comment. I read all my comments and try to answer them all.
• Location: Stellenryk Park, Stellenryk, Cape Town, South Africa • Date Taken: 2021-11-26 • Camera: Canon EOS 7D Mark II • Lens: Canon Zoom Lens EF-S 18-55 mm F3.5-5.6 IS STM • Exposure Program: Manual • F-Stop: f/16 • Exposure Time: 1/25 sec • ISO Speed: ISO-100 • Focal Length: 45 mm • Metering Mode: Evaluative Metering • Tripod: Zomei Tripod with Ball Head
Thank you with all my heart for stopping by and having a look at my photo. If you like what you see please press the like button, share and leave a comment. I read all my comments and try to answer them all. Have a Blessed day Coreen
• Location: Stellenryk Park, Stellenryk, Cape Town, South Africa • Date Taken: 2021-11-26 • Camera: Canon EOS 7D Mark II • Lens: Canon Zoom Lens EF-S 18-55 mm F3.5-5.6 IS STM • Exposure Program: Manual • F-Stop: f/18 • Exposure Time: 1/125 sec • ISO Speed: ISO-100 • Focal Length: 18 mm • Metering Mode: Evaluative Metering • Tripod: Zomei Tripod with Ball Head
Thank you with all my heart for stopping by and having a look at my photo. If you like what you see please press the like button, share and leave a comment. I read all my comments and try to answer them all. Have a Blessed day Coreen
• Location: Stellenryk Park, Stellenryk, Cape Town, South Africa • Date Taken: 2021-11-26 • Camera: Canon EOS 7D Mark II • Lens: Canon Zoom Lens EF-S 18-55 mm F3.5-5.6 IS STM • Exposure Program: Manual • F-Stop: f/13 • Exposure Time: 1/100 sec • ISO Speed: ISO-100 • Focal Length: 20 mm • Metering Mode: Evaluative Metering • Tripod: Zomei Tripod with Ball Head
Thank you with all my heart for stopping by and having a look at my photo.
If you like what you see please press the like button, share and leave a comment. I read all my comments and try to answer them all.
• Location: Stellenryk Park, Stellenryk, Cape Town, South Africa • Date Taken: 2021-11-26 • Camera: Canon EOS 7D Mark II • Lens: Canon Zoom Lens EF-S 18-55 mm F3.5-5.6 IS STM • Exposure Program: Manual • F-Stop: f/16 • Exposure Time: 1/25 sec • ISO Speed: ISO-200 • Focal Length: 55 mm • Metering Mode: Evaluative Metering • Tripod: Zomei Tripod with Ball Head
Thank you with all my heart for stopping by and having a look at my photo. If you like what you see please press the like button, share and leave a comment. I read all my comments and try to answer them all. Have a Blessed day Coreen
• Location: Stellenryk Park, Stellenryk, Cape Town, South Africa • Date Taken: 2021-11-26 • Camera: Canon EOS 7D Mark II • Lens: Canon Zoom Lens EF-S 18-55 mm F3.5-5.6 IS STM • Exposure Program: Manual • F-Stop: f/13 • Exposure Time: 1/160 sec • ISO Speed: ISO-200 • Focal Length: 18 mm • Metering Mode: Evaluative Metering • Tripod: Zomei Tripod with Ball Head
Thank you with all my heart for stopping by and having a look at my photo.
If you like what you see please press the like button, share and leave a comment. I read all my comments and try to answer them all.
I got up at 5:10am this morning, full of energy and super excited about my visit to Botterblom Nature Reserve.
I arrived at the Reserve around 5:45. I went straight to the pond and started shooting.
Today I used the following gear.
Canon EOS 7D Mark II
Canon Zoom Lens EF-S 10-18mm 1:4.5-5.6 IS STM
Canon Zoom Lens EF-S 18-55mm 1:3.5-5.6 IS STM
Canon Zoom Lens EF 70-300mm 1:4.5-5.6 IS II USM
Zomei Tripod
Hähnel Remote Shutter Release
Kenko SMART Circular Polarizer Filter 67mm
Prinz Circular Polarizer Filter 58mm
Today can also be classified as a Recce mission. I did not get the photos I visualized. I completely forgot about the ND Filters I bought and if I did use them I think I would be closer to what I wanted. I also realized that I need to be at the reserve as soon as it starts getting light. That is approximately 30 minutes before sunrise.
I started out with my 70-300mm, using my tripod, remote shutter release, and Kenko Circular polarizer. I had to move to so far back and the photo I visualized did not work out. I did take some photos.
Botterblom Nature Reserve, Durbanville, Cape Town (2021-10-25) Canon EOS 7D Mark II, Canon 70-300mm Lens, ISO 100, f/11, 2 sec, 70mm
Botterblom Nature Reserve, Durbanville, Cape Town (2021-10-25) Canon EOS 7D Mark II, Canon 70-300mm Lens, ISO 100, f/11, 2 sec, 70mm
Botterblom Nature Reserve, Durbanville, Cape Town (2021-10-25) Canon EOS 7D Mark II, Canon 70-300mm Lens, ISO 100, f/11, 2 sec, 70mm
I switched to my 10-18mm lens, tripod, remote shutter release, and Kenko Circular polarizer. There were no clouds and the sky was very boring and bright. I noticed that with the Circular Polarizer on this lens there is a blue gradient in the middle of the photo and the sides are still blown out. I turned the polarizer but then the sky got blown out completely and the water is too dark. I tried changing my settings but I just could not get it right. It was super frustrating and I wanted to pack up there and then and go home. But I did not give up. I took some photos and changed lenses again.
Botterblom Nature Reserve, Durbanville, Cape Town (2021-10-25) Canon EOS 7D Mark II, Canon 10-18mm Lens, ISO 100, f/8, 1/10 sec, 11mm
Botterblom Nature Reserve, Durbanville, Cape Town (2021-10-25) Canon EOS 7D Mark II, Canon 10-18mm Lens, ISO 160, f/8, 1/15 sec, 14mm
Up next was my 18-55mm lens, my tripod, remote shutter release, and Prinz Circular Polarizer. I am used to this lens and polarizer and the photos came out better than the previous ones, but the good light has gone and was becoming very harsh. I will be using this lens on my next visit. The only negative I have with this lens is that I will not be able to do any birding with it. It is a macro lens too and this makes it much easier for photographing flowers.
Botterblom Nature Reserve, Durbanville, Cape Town (2021-10-25) Canon EOS 7D Mark II, Canon 18-55mm Lens, ISO 160, f/8, 1/5 sec, 43mm
Botterblom Nature Reserve, Durbanville, Cape Town (2021-10-25) Canon EOS 7D Mark II, Canon 18-55mm Lens, ISO 100, f/16, 1/2 sec, 18mm
I switched back to my 70-300mm and started walking around to see what other compositions I can find. I found a few compositions that I will try to capture in proper light next time.
Botterblom Nature Reserve, Durbanville, Cape Town (2021-10-25) Canon EOS 7D Mark II, Canon 70-300mm Lens, ISO 100, f/6.3, 1/8 sec, 267mm
Botterblom Nature Reserve, Durbanville, Cape Town (2021-10-25) Canon EOS 7D Mark II, Canon 70-300mm Lens, ISO 400, f/6.3, 1/80 sec, 300mm
Botterblom Nature Reserve, Durbanville, Cape Town (2021-10-25) Canon EOS 7D Mark II, Canon 70-300mm Lens, ISO 400, f/6.3, 1/50 sec, 300mm
I will post some more of the photos taken on this visit to Botterblom Nature Reserve over the next few weeks.
Thank you very much for taking the time to read my post and joining me while I explore and discover new Parks and Nature Reserves.
As you know I am busy with a new Parks and Nature Reserve Photography Project and I am looking to photograph as many as possible within a 100km radius from my home.
Stellenryk Park is 6.3km from my home. We had our first recce visit on Sunday ,17 October 2021, and had to cut it short due to rain.
This morning I woke up early and saw the wind blowing through my window and I did not want to get out of bed to go on a recce in the cold wind. I tried to fall go to sleep again but I could not. I kept hearing the words of Thomas Heaton, “You have to be in it to win it.”
So I got out of bed, got dressed and Willow and I went to Stellenryk Park for a recce visit. It was cold and windy and I was very happy to wear my buff to help me keep warm.
We walked 1.06 km from the car to the end of the pathway and back to the car. I did not have the appropriate shoes on and could not wander from the pathway because it was really muddy. I think I am going to leave my water boots in the car from now on for times like these. The whole purpose of recce’s is to get to know the surroundings and learn from your mistakes.
I did spotted a few compositions I would like to photograph in the future. My next visit will be without Willow and I will be using my Tripod, my 70-300mm lens and 18-55mm lens. I want to be there at sunrise and maybe even a sunset. I am curious to see what type of light I will get at sunset.
Stellenryk Park, Stellenryk, Cape Town (2021-10-21) Huawei P30 Lite
Stellenryk Park, Stellenryk, Cape Town (2021-10-21) Huawei P30 Lite
Stellenryk Park, Stellenryk, Cape Town (2021-10-21) Huawei P30 Lite
Stellenryk Park, Stellenryk, Cape Town (2021-10-21) Huawei P30 Lite
Stellenryk Park, Stellenryk, Cape Town (2021-10-21) Huawei P30 Lite
Arum Lily, Stellenryk Park, Stellenryk, Cape Town (2021-10-21) Huawei P30 Lite
Arum Lily, Stellenryk Park, Stellenryk, Cape Town (2021-10-21) Huawei P30 Lite
Stellenryk Park, Stellenryk, Cape Town (2021-10-21) Huawei P30 Lite
Stellenryk Park, Stellenryk, Cape Town (2021-10-21) Huawei P30 Lite
Stellenryk Park, Stellenryk, Cape Town (2021-10-21) Huawei P30 Lite
Stellenryk Park, Stellenryk, Cape Town (2021-10-21) Huawei P30 Lite
Stellenryk Park, Stellenryk, Cape Town (2021-10-21) Huawei P30 Lite
Willow, Stellenryk Park, Stellenryk, Cape Town (2021-10-21) Huawei P30 Lite
Willow, Stellenryk Park, Stellenryk, Cape Town (2021-10-21) Huawei P30 Lite
Willow sniffing, Stellenryk Park, Stellenryk, Cape Town (2021-10-21) Huawei P30 Lite
Stellenryk Park, Stellenryk, Cape Town (2021-10-21) Huawei P30 Lite
Stellenryk Park, Stellenryk, Cape Town (2021-10-21) Huawei P30 Lite
Stellenryk Park, Stellenryk, Cape Town (2021-10-21) Huawei P30 Lite
Stellenryk Park, Stellenryk, Cape Town (2021-10-21) Huawei P30 Lite
Stellenryk Park, Stellenryk, Cape Town (2021-10-21) Huawei P30 Lite
Stellenryk Park, Stellenryk, Cape Town (2021-10-21) Huawei P30 Lite
Stellenryk Park, Stellenryk, Cape Town (2021-10-21) Huawei P30 Lite
Not a happy girl, she did not want to get back in the car.
Thank you very much for taking the time to read my post and joining me while I explore and discover new Parks and Nature Reserves.
As you know I am busy with a new Parks and Nature Reserve Photography Project and I am looking to photograph as many as possible within a 100km radius from my home.
On Thursday I drove past this little woodland on route to Stodels Garden Centre. I never really thought about taking photos there in the past, but after watching all those Landscape and Woodland photography videos I am more aware of my surroundings.
When I got home I looked on Google Maps to see if I can identify it. There are pathways and I assumed it is a park or nature reserve. The notice boards are faded but according to Google Maps it is called Stellenryk Park and it is part of the Kuils River Corridor project.
On our way there the light was awesome and it broke through a clear patch in the clouds and it looked absolutely gorgeous. When we got to the park the light died down, but I reminded myself that this is just a recce visit.
As soon as I got my camera out it started raining. I took a few photos in the rain just to see the density of the little woodland and if it will be possible to get the shot I have in mind. It started coming down real hard and we opted to rather go home. I have to go for my second vaccination tomorrow and do not want to get sick now.
I will go back one morning during the week with Willow and do a proper recce of the park and see if I can get more compositions from different angles. I also want to see what wildlife and wildflowers I can spot. I will be visiting this park at least once a month to document the changes.
Stellenryk Park, Stellenryk, Cape Town (2021-10-17) Canon EOS 7D Mark II, Canon 18-55mm lens, ISO 100, f/11,1/20sec, 27mm
Stellenryk Park, Stellenryk, Cape Town (2021-10-17) Canon EOS 7D Mark II, Canon 18-55mm lens, ISO 100, f/9,1/8sec, 38mm
Stellenryk Park, Stellenryk, Cape Town (2021-10-17) Canon EOS 7D Mark II, Canon 18-55mm lens, ISO 100, f/13,1/8sec, 38mm
Stellenryk Park, Stellenryk, Cape Town (2021-10-17) Canon EOS 7D Mark II, Canon 18-55mm lens, ISO 100, f/13,1/8sec, 40mm
With this last photo the rain came down hard and I got a few waterdrops on my lens. I only realized this when I got to the car.
Stellenryk Park, Stellenryk, Cape Town (2021-10-17) Canon EOS 7D Mark II, Canon 18-55mm lens, ISO 100, f/13,1/8sec, 18mm
Thank you very much for taking the time to read my post and joining me while I explore and discover new Parks and Nature Reserves.
I have very exciting news. Well for me it is anyway. I decided to start exploring and photographing the nature reserves and parks within a 100km radius of my home. This project will keep me busy for a few years I think.
I got this idea while watching all the YouTube videos of the different photographers I follow. While watching their videos, I got jealous because they have such beautiful landscapes, seascapes and woodlands to photograph. They go out early mornings while it is still dark, hike to the desired location and take the most beautiful photos at sunrise.
Here in South Africa we also have very beautiful locations and hidden gems. Most of our nature reserves only opens from 7:00am and close at 7:00pm. As a result I won’t be able to do a sunrise or sunset shoot in these reserves. The reserves that is open 24 hours a day are not always very safe. I will not be able to go hike and take photos on my own before sunrise or after sunset. Even during the day it is not safe.
But I am not going to let this unfortunate situation stop me from exploring. I have Willow, and I will take her with me to the reserves and parks that do allow dogs when I do my recce visits. At first I am only going to explore the free and safe ones within a radius of 10km from home. I won’t be taking Willow with me every time I go out to take photos though. She is still not fully trained and I won’t be able to concentrate on my compositions and photography if I have to keep an close eye on her the whole time.
I am currently using Google maps, the All trails App and different hiking sites to help me compile my Recce list of Nature reserves and parks. According to All Trails there are 198 curated hiking trails to choose from. They are categorized from easy to hard. I will first start with the easy ones and work my way up to the hard ones as my fitness improves.
I am well aware that there are also a lot of small nature reserves and parks that are not on Google Maps or the different sites. As I am driving around I will keep an eye out for these gems and add them to my recce list.
My Recce list so far only includes Nature Reserves less than 10km radius from home.
Botterblom Nature Reserve (8 km) Free
Uitkamp Wetland Nature Reserve (8.9 km) Free
Bracken Nature Reserve (5.9 km) Free
Durbanville Nature Reserve (7.8 km) Free
This morning Willow and I went to the first one on my list.
Botterblom Nature Reserve
It is only 8 km from my home. It is not a very big reserve and the route Willow and I walked was only 0.88km.
Even though it is not a big reserve, it is packed with photo opportunities. If I go down low and take the photos at the right angles, you will never even know that it is in the middle of a populated area. I took some photos on my cellphone this morning on our recce visit. I spotted a lot of birdlife, wildflowers and landscapes to photograph. Over the next year I will visit the reserve once a month to capture the changes.
I am very excited, and can’t wait to get started. I want to photograph this location at sunrise and sunset. I will keep a close eye on the weather forecast for next week. I need a cloudy day for some of the photos I have in mind. For the flower and plant life photography I need enough light for the flowers to open and no wind if that is at all possible. My aim is to go before sunrise if I am lucky there won’t be any wind and I can take some awesome reflection photos.
Here are just a few of my favorite photographers on YouTube.
What I learned over the past few weeks watching all these photography videos is that if you don’t go out and look for that perfect photo you will never find it. The only way that you are going to get to know an area is to go out and visit it often. Don’t take all your photos at eye level. If you don’t get a photo it is not the end of the world, enjoy the time outside in nature and take in your surroundings. With the right light conditions a boring photo can be transformed into a fantastic photo.
What is my plan of action for this Parks and Nature Reserve Photography Project?
As soon as I identified a Park or Nature Reserve, I will take Willow, if they allow dogs, and we will recce the location.
I will take photos of interesting areas with my cellphone.
If I am happy with the location and see potential photos I will add it to my Parks and Nature Reserve Photography Project list.
If possible I would like to visit the locations on my Parks and Nature Reserve Photography Project list at least once every 3 months.
Those less than 20km away from home I would like to visit at least once a month.
I will be focusing on documenting the Fauna and Flora in the park or Nature Reserve.
Do some Landscape photography as well as some Abstract Landscape photography.
Edit and share photos and experience.
Well that is it for now friends.
Thank you for your ongoing support and looking forward to share the progress my Parks and Nature Reserve Photography Project with you.
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