Namibia’s landscapes a haven for international photographers 05 Jul 2013 - Story by Pinehas Nakaziko Article Views (non-unique): 103 WINDHOEK- Having collectively travelled to over 56 countries worldwide attempting and hunting for the best photographs, the Roode couple, Jan and Jay are modern day nomads and seem content only when free to wander the skies in their Jabiru 430 Helicopter, and exploring life on the ground with their trusty Land cruiser. Based in Johannesburg, South Africa, Jan and Jay are passionate aviators, photographers, travelers and conservationists. These two have been taking to the skies to capture the best of Namibia landscapes these past few years. They work together constantly to get the best angle on a particular scene. For the Roode, their obsession with aerial photography comes from the unique angle that gives them a challenge to their perspectives of the world, and allows them to grasp the beauty and magnitude of the African landscape. Jay says they found Namibia’s a soul stirring experience since it’s one of the African countries with most photogenic places on earth, and its vastness never fails to touch people souls. “In the Nama language, “Namib” means vast, which is really the only word that truly captures the infinities of space, sky and solitude of this timeless place. For us, it is a special environment for inspiration and a unique place to ponder the human soul. Trying emotively to put into words what it feels like to take off with the sunrise on a cool desert air and fly low over rolling dune fields, golden prairies covered in Oryx and Springbok, or along the mist cloaked Skeleton Coast, is one that I am going to have to leave for our images to convey,” says Jay. Inspired by the adventure of life, and with a deep reverence for freedom and spirit, the Roodes always try to capture images that invoke an emotional and spiritual response to the wonders of this world. Animals and landscapes of Africa have always held a deep fascination for them, and with this attraction, they have come to a heartfelt desire to show how many parts of Africa are under dire threat, including Namibia. Their photos not only document a vanishing world but also optimism to inspire people to get involved in conservation efforts. The goal of their website is to highlight the biodiversity of Africa and assist wildlife conservation through raising awareness of the natural world through the powerful medium of photography. With over 15 years of photographic experience, their photographs populate many image banks, and have been used in publications such as National Geographic Traveler, Travel Africa, Msafiri, Natures Best, Science News, African Pilot, SA Flyer, Getaway, Africa Birds and Birding and in brochures for lodges such as World Wildlife Fund Travel and TAU Game Lodge. However, Jan says that Namibia is incomparable to other destinations they have travelled to, since it is a cosmos of form and colours, and a photographer’s dream. The diversity of its landscapes, people and wildlife could keep any photographer busy for a lifetime. “As one of the world’s least populated countries, Namibia is a place where a person can revel in timeless isolation and can explore the pursuit of beauty and silence without distraction,” says Jan adding that Namibia has well- established roads, accommodation for every taste and budget, safe to travel through and is populated with some of the friendliest and most hospitable people on the planet, which makes it an extremely “photographer friendly” destination. Most of their pictures from Namibia were taken in the harbour town of Walvis Bay on the Namibian coastline. The images include On Wings of Stillness photography taken on the jet black brine pans found south of The Walvis Bay Ramsar Site. Jay says the place is regarded as the most important coastal wetland in southern Africa, not only for the large numbers of resident species found there, but particularly for the vast numbers of both intra-African and Palearctic migrants. “It is renowned for the large numbers of both Lesser Flamingo and Greater Flamingo, and has been listed as a Natural heritage site. Our aircraft is so silent that the normally exceptionally sensitive Flamingo’s are left undisturbed, allowing us to capture these tranquil and undisturbed moments from above,” he says. The couples gives out some tips to those photographer desperate to capture the best of Namibia, that first they should set aside a decent amount of time to photograph Namibia, since it is a vast place with so much to see and experience. They must not rush from destination to destination in search of a perfect image. They should rather enjoy each destination for what it is, search for the magic, breath, feel the vastness and take time to plan their shots. As well as to make use of the golden hours of dawn and dusk, especially when the desert comes alive. The Roodes are the one behind Skyhawk Photography in Johannesburg in South Africa.
Posted on: Thu, 11 Jul 2013 03:07:01 +0000
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