A Long Lens in Africa

A Long Lens in Africa - Southern Africa, is a black & white wildlife and landscape portfolio of our travels to Africa from 2009 to 2019. Its 826 pages trek through Namibia, Botswana, Zambia, Zimbabwe and South Africa. An early intrigue with the magic and mystique of the African continent originated from a well worn set of wooden alphabet blocks. A obscure, but poignant memory of my maternal grandparent’s farm kitchen; nested on my grandmother’s lap and benevolently encouraged to discern elephant from oryx, giraffe from antelope and lion from cheetah. It was not until my early forties that I finally set foot in Africa. Walking through South Africa’s Timbavati savannah, those early childhood animal block memories sprang to life to delight and enchant once again. After a sighting of Timbavati’s white lions, I was left with a less welcome present. A tick had lodged in my shin and I returned to Australia with a splendid case of tick bite fever. Since then Pam and I have returned many times burdened with cameras and lenses and modestly attempting to capture what pioneer street photographer Henri Cartier-Bresson termed ‘decisive moments.’ It’s a portfolio of our addiction to this beguiling land. We have used monochrome images to reflect the intricate textures and harsh light; to add depth and hopefully evoke a little of Africa’s mystique. A companion edition on East Africa is coming soon. Our books have been downloaded in 37 countries. Wayne Osborn