I spent this week doing a photography course with Emil von Maltitz, a professional photographer from Durban. He is not a dedicated wildlife photographer but has worked with African Impact for 3 years and has lots of great experience and knowledge to teach. There are 7 photography volunteers who range in age from 19 - late 60's. Phil the youngest of our group is also South African (white) and amazingly the first South African they have ever had join the project. Betty and Linda are the oldest and I am guessing are in their mid to late 60's. Everyone has some knowledge of DSLR use and there is some pretty impressive camera and lens combo's getting around. We could most certainly pass for a paparazzi truck when driving around the reserve. Last week we had morning game drives with Emil and then lectures and small projects for the rest of the week. One highlight was learning to paint with light with a long shutter speed and very low light. We had a lot of fun creating a group shot to remember. I am excited to get home and do some painting with light with Xav and Lex - just not sure if they will be able to sit still for long enough.

The animal highlight of this week was when we got to spend at least 30 minutes shooting a baby Leopard who very gratiously moved from grass, to a tree and then onto a branch - nothing like your model giving you a variety of backdrops and posses. We were the first to see this cub and the poor thing kept calling his mum who unfortunately decided not to show herself - that is really the only thing that could have made this viewing any better. Still can't believe that we had that opportunity and luck.

Definite problem with doing a photography course is that you are constantly discovering new things that you want to add to your own inventory. I am not sure that I can even put together a list at present due to the impending shock from the total price I am guessing that it is going to be.