World Image Issue 50 November 2017

Website = photosociety.net Page 1 email = magazine@photosociety.net

Gordon Longmead - England - CEO 

Peter Hogel - Uganda - Deputy CEO 

Scott Hurd - Namibia 

Tom Coetzee - South Africa 

Paul Welch—Australia 

National and Regional Management 

Steve Cook - USA 

Robert Murray - Scotland 

Tina Andreasson - Sweden and Mexico 

Jack Glisson - Kentucky USA 

Dear Readers, 

It is with some regret that I am replacing the index to this issue of the magazine 

with this announcement. 

It is perhaps fitting that the final issue of the World Image Magazine in its 

current form should also be the 50th Celebration Issue. 

The magazine relies on distribution by word of mouth and sharing through 

social media, it was always going to remain a free publication and as such also 

relied on contributors doing so for free. During the last three years many 

thousands of people have shown their support in social media but most in a 

shallow way, very few bothered to share and promote, but we still achieved a 

good following. 

I would like to thank our readers who have made the effort worth while, 

although the readership varied from 700 to 10,000, the average held around 

6000 until recent months during which time it has dropped away. 

I would like to thank also those people who have joined the facebook groups 

and remained loyal supporters and contributors that have enabled me to 

maintain the magazine to this point. 

I would rather finish this phase on a high note than allow the magazine 

readership to drift away to nothing. 

The Magazine and Society may yet continue in a different form, that will 

depend entirely on others, but for now I wish you well. 

Gordon Longmead. 

© Please remember that all articles and images published in this magazine are copyright protected 

Cover picture - Brants's Whistling Rat (Parotomys brantsii) by Tony Sparkes 


I shot this photograph on a recent venture in South Africa's Kruger National Park. I came across several 

elephants having a great time in the water and stayed photographing them for some time. There are those odd 

occasions when you are lucky enough to get two pictures for the price of one if you see what I mean. 

Over the last 20 years I have been privileged enough to travel to many of the world's great wildlife destinations 

with particular emphasis on Southern Africa. This in turn has allowed me to photograph many of the iconic and 

spectacular species found in these wonderful locations and meet some amazing people. Therefore it gives me 

great pleasure to announce some exciting news ..... Starting in 2018, I shall personally be leading and guiding 

small groups (2-4) of people, on Wildlife, Birding and or Photographic safaris in some of the world's top 

wildlife locations. We want to bring affordable and unforgettable wildlife experiences to people, who, like me 

many years ago, wish to experience, perhaps for the first time, a wildlife adventure of a lifetime. 

We are currently busy putting together various itineraries for three of the world's iconic wildlife destinations 

viz. South Africa, Sri Lanka and Malaysia. A brand new website is being worked on with a lot of hard work 

going into it to bring you an easy to navigate site with news about safaris, photographs, blogs, newsletters and 

hopefully much more.. However, in the short term and to greatly assist us in receiving some relevant 

information, from you our potential clients in putting together suitable tour packages for you, we have put up a 

small website at http://www.tonysparkes.com There you can register your interest on your preferred 

destination, preferred type of package; be it general wildlife, photographic or birding along with your preferred 

length of tour. Once registered you will be among the first to receive our tour packages for your preferred 

destination and possibly get some early-bird discounts. If you would like to contact us with any other questions, 

please use our ''contact us'' page which can also be found on the site. 

Thank you all in anticipation and hope to see you all real soon on an unforgettable wildlife experience. 

#tonysparkes #wildlifesafaris #personalsafariguide #birdsafaris 

www.tonysparkes.com 


This young male lion (Panthera leo) photographed here in South Africa's Kruger National Park, certainly 

has an intent look on his face. The winter colours of the dead grasses that he is cowered in certainly gives 

him great cover and camouflage. Male lions seldom live longer than 15 years in the wild, as injuries 

sustained from continual fighting with rival males greatly reduce their life span. 

Tony Sparkes, South Africa 

One of the characters of South Africa's Kgalagadi 

Transfrontier Park a female Ground Squirrel (Xerus 

inauris). 

I managed to get up close and personal with this little 

squirrel while walking about our camp, A good angle 

to get down nice and low for the photograph, she didn't 

seem to mind at all. Not sure who was more inquisitive 

me or her. 

Fact: Ground squirrels are omnivorous, and will not 

only eat a diet rich in fungi, nuts, fruits, and seeds, but 

also occasionally insects, eggs, and other small 

animals. 



Returning from a late afternoon game drive while in the Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park in South Africa's 

Northern Cape, I spotted this pair of Bat-eared fox's (Otocyon megalotis) stood in the dry riverbed road 

just before camp. Unlike many species of savannah animal who use existing burrows and dens dug by 

other animals. Bat-eared fox's use self-dug dens for shelter from extreme temperatures and winds 


Earlier in the year I visited for the first time Bontebok National Park, Nr Swelledam in South Africa's 

Western Cape. This antelope species (Bontebok) specific park which it is named after is a picturesque 

park buzzing with life. The majestic Langeberg mountains provide a picturesque backdrop for this park 

along with the gentle flowing Breede river running along its south western border, making it both a 

wildlife and landscape photographers dream location. 

Fact: Bontebok antelope have been brought back from the brink to roam freely in sustainable numbers with 

Bontebok numbers having increased from a mere 17 in the park to around 3 000 world wide. 



The iconic South African Springbok (Antidorcas marsupialis). Theses two antelope were captured 'Pronking' in 

South Africa's beautiful 'Mountain Zebra National Park' located in the Eastern Cape during a very cold mid 

winters morning. 

Fact: This is a behavior of quadrupeds, in particular gazelles, in which they spring into the air, lifting all four 

feet off the ground simultaneously. Scientist say some evidence exists that in some cases its a signal to 

predators that the 'stotting' animal would be difficult to catch. Tony Sparkes, South Africa 

Another one of my favorite birds (I have so many) to watch and listen to is the Crested Barbet (Trachyphonus 

vaillantii) With its thick bill and very colourful plumage the Crested Barbet is an unmistakable bird in Sub- 

Saharan Africa. Their colours blend well in the African bush but what sets them apart from many birds is their 

distinct trill that can continue for long periods. 

Fact: Crested Barbets are very territorial birds often aggressive towards other birds in their territory and they 

also chase off nest competitors, including other Barbets. Tony Sparkes, South Africa 





A Study in Nature 

Wildlife of America - Colourful Quakers by Larry Hitchins 

Mandarin Duck 

Mallard 

Red Crested Porchard 

Red Crested Porchard Hen 

Wood Duck 

Ferruginous Porchard 


A Study in Nature - Sparrow Hawk 

Pictures by Scott Latham 

The Sparrow Hawk is common through out Britain 

except in parts of Scotland. It is a woodland hunter 

for which its flying skills are well suited. Although 

common it is not so often seen. Its speed in flight 

tends to make it difficult to identify to the general 

public. 

The Harris Hawk is not a native of the UK, but of the USA, it is a very popular bird of prey with the 

hawking community. Ot is naturally aggressive and will attack anything that enters its perceived domain, 

including people who get to close to its cage. Birds owned by hawkers are better behaved and are used to 

control rodents which, like all raptors, is a favourite pastime. 

Website = photosociety.net Harris Hawk - Pictures Page 11by Scott Latham email = magazine@photosociety.net

I decided to build a reflection pool for my garden as part of a long-term plan to make my garden wildlife 

friendly. I also wanted to get closer to the wildlife in my garden in order to photograph it. Plan hatched 

I began my project by researching how to do it. 

Having chosen the location (outside my studio) and decided that I wanted it to be mobile (in case I 

changed my mind) I set about designing it. 

I came up with an 8 foot by 2 foot design with a separate base and top. Armed with my plan and 

measurements I went to my local builders merchants to buy timber, plywood, wood glue, screws and 

some new drill bits to help with screwing it all together using my electric drill, simpler than hand 

screwing I thought. 

The first thing I did was build the base. To keep it strong enough to support the top I have 6 legs and 

three middle cross sections. There is also a perimeter around the top and bottom for added strength with 

the bottom able to be used as shelving for props. 

Second stage was to build the top with stronger timber for the edges and a base of plywood to support the 

pond liner. 

I discovered afterwards that 

plywood comes in standard sizes 

and lucky for me my design was 

that size!!!! 

My plywood base has no joins and 

is just one solid piece. I had to 

build this outside as it was too large 

to build it in the garage! 


Next was the pond liner. This came from the local garden centre and was cut from a roll of thick liner to 

the size I needed. I laid it in the top and secured the sides with tacks and filled it with water. 

The finished reflection pool currently sits in location so that the 

birds get used to it. It will provide a reliable source of water for 

birds to drink and bathe in and with the attraction of food should 

provide photographic opportunities also……watch this space!!! 

When the berries are gone and food is scarce I hope to obtain a 

good selection of images to show you in future editions. 

Janette Hill LRPS, DPAGB, AWPF, LSINWP, LSITTP 

I provide photography holidays and workshops through Natural Wonders Photography and so spend 

much of my time overseas capturing images of wildlife, nature, travel and landscapes. See 

www.naturalwondersphotography.co.uk 

||Morning in Kolkata , India by Subhasish Bhattacharya 






Bob Breakell - Lebanon in 1970 - 1971. 


Lebanon Today - Hamza Ajami. 

Aychiyeh south Lebanon 


The Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta was founded in 1972, 

with only 13 balloons, and takes place annually in October over nine 

days, with fourteen sessions. 

The Sugar Skull is named Tru-Lee New 

Mexico. 

The 2017 theme was “Inflate your Imagination.” Each day starts with 

Dawn Patrol. Early balloons are inflated and glow in the pre-dawn as 

they launch. 

The Pink Zebra balloon is named 

Ca-Zoo-ee 


The Special Shape Rodeo features some 

very creative and interesting balloon 

creatures such as animals and cartoon or 

movie characters. 

On weekends and Wednesdays, 

hundreds of balloons are 

launched in Mass Ascensions. 

Some of those Mass Ascensions 

include the “special shape” 

balloons, which are those 

balloons that have appendages or 

r a i s e d 

features. 

A few evenings include the 

Special Shape Glowdeo 

during which time the 

balloons are inflated/ 

illuminated but stay on the 

ground. The evening events 

culminate in a spectacular 

A f t e r G l o w 

f i r e w o r k s 

show. 

Balloons are launched by race crews on the ground. The 

process begins by unfurling the balloon until it is flat on the 

ground. A large fan is used to fill the balloon envelope with 

cold air. 

Website = photosociety.net Page 21 

The 

email 

owl 

= magazine@photosociety.net 

is named Owlbert Eyenstein.

alloon to keep it from rising. 

A crown piece is fastened to 

the top of the balloon to 

hold the air inside. 

Gradually, warmer air is 

mixed with the cold air, 

using a propane burner, until 

the balloon is upright. A 

crew member holds a rope 

attached to the top of the 

The Rainbow Heart balloon is named 

Levity. 

The pilot and passengers 

climb into the basket 

beneath the balloon before 

launch. 

A race official, known as a 

“Zebra” wearing black and 

white referee attire, has to 

give the balloon pilot 

permission to take flight. 

Once the approval is given, the race crew releases any ropes and the 

balloon rises quickly above the ground. 

The balloons fly for 

approximately one hour, 

riding the gentle wind 

currents above the field, and 

most land in or near the 

same field. 

The ideal flight path follows the “Albuquerque Box” effect, a local wind 

pattern that pilots use to their advantage. 

Winds at low altitude carry the balloons south, and at higher altitudes 

bring them Website north, = looping photosociety.net them back toward the launchPage area. 22 email = magazine@photosociety.net

Race crews with their chase 

vehicles assist with the landing, 

and deflation of the balloons 

and removal from the field. 

Everything depends on the 

weather conditions which can 

change every day, if it is too 

windy the balloons are not 

allowed to launch. 

One of these balloons is the Tie Dye balloon which is named Gloria Caeli. 

, just for fun, I will let you decide which one it is. 

In 2017, there were 550 regular 

shaped balloons and 101 

special shapes at the 

Albuquerque International 

Balloon Fiesta. 

Over a million spectators 

attended over the nine days, 

and were allowed on the field where it is possible to get very close to the 

balloons and pilots. 

Balloon Fiesta Park is a 77-acre 

grass field. The photography 

opportunities are tremendous. 

Fiesta organizers estimate that 

over 25 million photographs 

will be taken at this event. 

In 2017, spectators used more than 6 terabytes of data on their mobile 

devices during the Fiesta, which equals 17 million selfies' worth of 

uploads. 

Mark your calendar for next 

y e a r ’ s A l b u q u e r q u e 

International Balloon Fiesta, to 

be held October 6-14, 2018, and 

“Get Carried Away.” Find more 

information at 

www.balloonfiesta.com 






Black and white images 

remind me of the past. The 

dull days of post war 1950s 

when all the photos I saw 

were in shades of grey. I 

remember the first colour 

supplements of the Sunday 

papers and was blown 

away by the vibrant colours. I did not ‘do’ photography because with the simple 

cameras I could afford the colour (and the pictures) were so poor. Then came 

Digital. I could set my camera to Vibrant, and adjust the images in editing suites to 

give me the colours that I had seen. 

I often shoot panoramas, as above, to capture as much as possible. That one was 

from a ship as we sailed away from Pitcairn Island in the Pacific. Every sunset is 

different, some spread across the horizon, some reach up into the sky. One day the 

colours are subtle another vivid. I love them all and will wait and watch as the sun 

goes down. 

Sometimes it is disappointing, the colour 

does not a pear, the cloud comes in and 

kills it, but then after the sun has sunk 

below the horizon the colour pops up for 

a minute or two and CLICK – an image 

that others have missed. Here is one 

from Christmas Day in York. As we 

walked back to my son’s house the sky 

lit up and looked as if it was on fire for about three minutes. I just clicked, clicked 

and clicked and got this shot. It seemed like an extra Christmas present. 

I am sometimes up at sunrise, especially if I’m on a cruise holiday. The bottom 

image was taken with my first Olympus SLR E420 back in 2009 as we sailed into 

Palma Majorca. Again, a multi shot panorama. 


This Image was taken from a layby on the A17 

near RAF Cranwell. I was driving home and 

watching this sunset develop and was able to 

pull into the layby. Traffic was whizzing past and 

I did not have a tripod so I leant against the car, 

used Aperture mode, made sure Image 

Stabilization was on and held the camera a still 

as possible. The light trails and reflections in the 

car were a real bonus. 

Sometimes when I don’t seem to have much 

time to capture these images and can’t 

decide on the settings I want, I use the 

camera’s preset ‘Sunset’ mode. In this mode 

the camera software accentuates the reds 

oranges and yellows in an image and 

reduces the greens and blues. This often 

gives me the perfect shot with very little post 

production. 

This example was the flooded River Severn just South of Worcester in January 

2013.The sky was very dark with heavy cloud behind me. The water was almost still 

and I love the combination of reflections and shadows. 

Below is another shot over the Pacific Ocean with the sun dropping out of the cloud 

layer and seemingly about to bounce on the horizon. It was amazingly red and had 

very little fade up into the sky. 

The last picture was taken after the 

sky had cleared near where I live. 

The previous rain left the puddle 

which gave such a great oddly 

shaped reflection in the road. 

I hope you like my sunsets and get out there 

and shoot some yourselves. 

Geoff Bowers. 


My interest in photography began many years ago with 

my first camera, a Kodak Instamatic. I now embrace 

the digital age with a DSLR system and spend my time 

capturing images of wildlife, nature, travel and 

landscapes. 

I founded and administer Natural Wonders 

Photography to provide photography holidays and 

workshops. My aim is for everyone to enjoy 

photography in an informal and relaxed manner. 

Underlying this is my deep enthusiasm for the 

conservation of our environment and the preservation 

of habitats, so essential for the survival of wildlife. 

I have been very fortunate to visit Zambia and 

the South Luangwa Valley many times. Why 

do I keep returning? The Luangwa Valley marks 

the end of the Great Rift Valley. 

Most of the park is on the western banks of the 

Luangwa River, which is its lifeblood. It is 

arguably Africa’s best game park with 9050 

square kilometers of untouched and unspoiled 

wilderness. 

It supports one of the greatest concentrations of 

wildlife in Africa. It also offers walking safaris, 

a live, sharp, spine tingling experience which is 

hard to beat. 

To lead a walking safari each guide has to pass stringent 

tests before they are allowed to take clients into the 

bush. The policy in Zambia is always to have a guide 

and an armed game scout with you at all times which 

ensures a safe experience always. 

It is home to hundreds of bird species, endemic and rare 

Thornicroft Giraffe, distinguishable from other giraffes 

by the leafy shaped spots that extend to their upper leg. 

It is a rare subspecies of giraffe with dark body patches 

and lighter neck patches and lower legs almost white, 

their faces are light or white. 


The endangered African Wild 

Dog, unique Crawshay’s Zebra, a 

sub species of the of the more 

common plains zebra. The park 

supports herds of elephant and 

buffalo that often number into the 

hundreds. 

The Luangwa River flows through 

the middle of the park towards the 

Zambezi, carving out its own path, 

creating an abundance of 

lagoons and oxbows along the 

way. 

The river is home to multitudes of 

crocodiles and hippopotamus. I am 

always inspired by this magical place 

and by the amazingly close encounters 

with wildlife, both in vehicles and on 

foot. 

In this book you will find a selection 

of images taken on my visits to the 

South Luangwa Valley. I have tried 

to show the beauty of the fauna found 

there. 

Many of the camps and lodges in the 

park are only open in the dry season 

from May to the beginning of 

November. 

As a result wildlife do not have constant exposure to people which results in them being relaxed and calm 

in the presence of humans so the game viewing feels more natural. I hope it remains this way for 

generations to come. 

Janette Hill LRPS, DPAGB, AWPF, LSINWP, LSITTP 






I like to photograph reflections and often go out of my way to find them. The obvious 

ones are in the water and in buildings, shop windows or the modern tall glass 

structures. There are others less obvious. Sometimes there are smooth polished 

stone surfaces where reflections hide. My image of the Golden Gate Bridge is one 

example. People sitting on this stone surface have polished it over the years and 

gives an unusual image of the bridge. The next image is an evening shot in High 

Street in Ware Hertfordshire. 

I 

did not have a tripod so put the camera on the car bonnet which gave me this odd 

image with a small traffic trail. 

The next image is also with the camera 

sitting on a car roof. It was after sunset in 

Arches National Park in Utah and I wanted 

the silhouette of Elephant Rock. I love the 

double image and the curve of the car roof. I 

do like reflections in water, I guess this is the 

normal medium. 

This one was of The North Tyne from the 

bridge at Chollerford in 2014. I love the 

wide expanse of still water before it 

tumbles over the weir and off into the 

distance showing that intense blue 

colour, and the little bits of floating debris 

catching the sunlight. 


Most photographers would use a neutral 

density graduated filter here to darken the sky 

but I like the paler sky and the difference in 

the blues. It seems more realistic for me. 

Long exposure shots in low light can be very 

effective. This one is near the Lowery Centre 

at Salford Quays. It’s at 25 seconds with the 

camera sitting on a quayside bollard. I used 

F22 to give me the starburst effect on the 

streetlights. 

This moorhen below was swimming in a tree 

covered canal and its beak seemed to show up 

very well against the rippled greens. 

The green of the tree contrasted with the building 

work. It seemed a small piece of quiet in the 

bustling city environment. 

This panorama was taken at Cawfields along 

Hadrian’s Wall late in the afternoon. It is made up 

from 5 merged images. 

Sometimes water appears in surprising places. 

After a visit to the Shard in London I was 

walking towards Tower Bridge when I saw this 

water feature. As I walked round it I crouched 

down to get a lower angle and saw the red bus 

reflected with the rippled effect. 

Of course, there are always mirrors 

and tall glass buildings. So finally, 

here is me zooming down in the lift at 

The Shard, a building in a building in 

London SE1. 

There are lots more out there so please go 

shoot a few and let us see them. 

Geoff Bowers. 


Neither a mass migration nor a crocodile attack, simply a herd instinct to bolt. One moment the zebra 

were drinking calmly in an Etosha waterhole, one shied and they all reared and ran. The panic was short 

and they returned to drinking only to repeat the process minutes later. 

As a photographer I needed a fast shutter speed and a middle of the road aperture to ensure everything 

was in focus. A telephoto lens magnifies shake and movement as well as image so I needed an ISO of 

800, or greater, despite the bright Namibian sun. 

The Dancer by Gordon Longmead 


At this time of year my morning view over the lake as I sit and drink my coffee is just wonderful. 

reflection of autumn leaves in the water 


It's almost time for my deer rut workshops to start again... Scott Latham, 

The Mantled guereza 

The Mantled guereza is a large, sturdy 

colobus monkey with an attractive 

black-and-white coat. Glossy, black 

fur covers much of the body, but 

contrasts with short, white hair 

surrounding the face, a u-shaped, cape 

-like mantle of long white hair that 

extends down the shoulders and across 

the lower back, and a bushy white tuft 

to the tip of the tail. 

Although not clearly resolved, eight 

Guereza subspecies are currently 

recognised, each occupying a 

distinctive range and exhibiting slight 

variations in appearance. 

The main features that set the subspecies apart are the length and colouration of the mantle, which sometimes 

appears creamy or yellow, the length of the tail, and the extent of the tail tuft. 

At birth, the hair of infant guerezas is completely white, in striking contrast with the predominately black fur of 

the adult guereza. - www.arkive.org 


Random structure in Calgary , AB 


Due to some personal reasons my macro took a back seat for a few weeks. But now I am back into it with a 

vengance and our peacock jumping spider season is absoltuley going crazy here in Western Australia. 

This one is Maratus mungaich and is one of the many colonies of these ones spread all over the scarp areas 

of Perth. Each one has slightly different colours. Very subtle to really noticeable. 

This colony seemes to have the gorgeous lime green coming through on their flap. This is a series showing 

the process of signalling to find a female and then going into a fall dance routine. I need to get a video of 

these gusy becuase it is unbelievable and difficult to describe. 

You need to see it for yourselves. At


The year 2017 is Canada's 150th birthday (1867-2017). In honour of our 150th Royal Canadian Force CF- 

18 Demonstration Team showed off their "Canada 150" Demo Hornet. The Demo Hornet also flew a 

formation Heritage Flight with a de Havilland Vampire, the first jet fighter of the RCAF. Taken at 

#AIRSHOWLONDON 2017, London International Airport, Ontario, Canada. 



Autumn Flowers 


The extremes of photography, high speed panning for the jet, and then camera on it's back 

in bulb mode, waiting for the light to create the photo in a dark room

World Image Issue 50 November 2017

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