Photography Training Session at Spier Wine Farm

Private Canon Photography - Spier Wine Farm, Stellenbosch, Cape Town

Landscape Photography : Spier Wine Farm, Stellenbosch

While everyone was frantically driving opposite me on the N2 to get to work on Monday morning I had the opportunity to facilitate an one-on-one private photography training session at Spier Wine Estate, Stellenbosch. I've been there on a few occasions over the years as a student and with friends, but never from an exclusive photographic perspective. View Spier Wine Farm Google Map / Directions below.

The objective of the individual private photography session was not landscape photography, but general (Canon EOS R mirrorless theory) and wildlife photography exposure and autofocus skills development with the Canon EOS R6 paired with a variety of Canon EF lenses (And the EF to RF Adapter).

It was a beautiful blue and crisp morning at Spier Wine Farm within it's tranquil and laid-back 'out-of season' environment - perfect for someone to get to grips with the modern and high-tech Canon EOS R6 camera. We were seated on our own under the water-side veranda, away from a few early-morning (American) wine-tasters. Nothing was rushed and for me it was one of the most perfect locations for impromptu outdoor photography and / or photography training.

The day did not belong to me and I had to deliberately, at first, seat myself away from the beautiful scenery to focus exclusively on my client's training objectives and personal photography needs.

Not to impede on my new client's time I took a few landscape snapshots during our break. A bit rushed, but I think those of you that's been to Spier (close to Stellenbosch) will agree with my description of the relaxed Spier Wine Farm location. It is indeed possible to walk around the dam. To the right of the dam (out of sight on all images here) is a protea flower garden.

African Fish Eagle and African Harrier Hawk at Spier
My client informed me that she has photographed an African fish eagle and African harrier hawk at Spier in the past. I'm planning a private trip within the next two weeks to spend a morning with the birds and the protea garden - and perhaps just taste some of Spier's exquisite wines.

To my surprise there were quite a few Birds in Flight and I was itching to grab my Canon EOS 7D Mark II / 400mm lens from my vehicle +- 300 meters away. I've spotted quite a few bird species who will make it worth the trip to go there just for them.

Some of the birds flying over the water / or perched during our private photography training session at Spier Wine Farm:

• African ibis in flight
• African spoonbill in flight
• Pied kingfisher in flight
• Purple heron in flight
• Raptor in flight (too high to ID)
• Southern masked weaver perched
• White-breasted cormorant perched
• White-throated swallows perched and in flight
• Many small birds perched and in flight
• Yellow-billed duck / and others in the water

Camera / Lens for Spier Wine Farm Landscape Photography

• Canon EOS 6D (Full-Frame)
• Canon EF 24-70mm f/4L IS USM lens

Exposure / Focus Settings

• Autofocus On
• Aperture Priority (Av) Mode
• Apertures (f/11)
• Auto-ISO (100)
• Shutter Speeds (various)
• Image Stabilisation On
• Handheld
• Image Post-Processing

Lightroom Classic (Ver 13.5) - minor adjustments / RAW to JPEG conversion

Vernon Chalmers Photography Copyright | IP Policy

Vernon Chalmers Landscape Photography at Spier, Stellenbosch

Landscape Photography : Spier Wine Farm, Stellenbosch

Landscape Phototherapy : Spier Wine Farm, Stellenbosch

The Adventures and Life of Just Nuisance

Able Seaman (RN) Just Nuisance Statue : Jubilee Square, Simon's Town

Able Seaman Just Nuisance : Only Dog Officially Enlisted in the Royal Navy

"He was a very remarkable dog, his tactics in any pub were those of a born scrounger, he would lie peacefully on his side under a table until customers arrived. I saw him on several occasions when some matelots walked in. He would casually role onto his front, nonchalantly wriggle from under the table, straighten his front legs, then his hind ones, stretch all of them before padding slowly up to the bar. There he would insinuate himself between the two lads and look expectantly at first one and then the other, finally concentrating on whichever one put his hand in his pocket! If the men were regulars an extra pint would be forthcoming and placed on the edge of the bar, Nuisance would put his forepaws on the bar counter and, usually down the pint without stopping for breath. After a polite thank you lick at the hand of the donor, he would either resume his recumbent position and wait for another likely opportunity or go to the door, open it, and make his way to the railway station." - Ted Coleman

The story of Just Nuisance is a heart-warming and unique tale from World War II. Just Nuisance was a Great Dane who became the only dog officially enlisted in the Royal Navy. Here's how it happened:

Early Life

Just Nuisance was born on April 1, 1937, in Rondebosch, a suburb of Cape Town, South Africa. His owner, Benjamin Chaney, moved to Simon's Town where the British Royal Navy had a naval base. Nuisance soon became a regular visitor at the naval base, mingling with sailors and following them around. He quickly became a favorite among the servicemen.

Mischief and Trouble

As a large Great Dane, Nuisance caused some trouble, especially when he would lie down in inconvenient places, like on the gangways of ships, blocking passage. But sailors loved him because he would also hop on the trains to travel with them between Simon's Town and Cape Town, often without a ticket.

Official Enlistment

His habit of riding trains without a ticket created problems for the sailors, who were reprimanded for having him as an unauthorized passenger. The railway authorities were threatening to have him put down, so the Navy took an extraordinary step — they enlisted him as an official member of the Royal Navy on August 25, 1939.

As an enlisted "Able Seaman," Just Nuisance was entitled to free travel on trains and received rations just like the other sailors. His rank gave him special privileges, and he even had a service record, which included offenses like "absent without leave" and "sleeping on a bed that was not his own."

Service and Legacy

During his time in the Navy, Just Nuisance became a mascot and morale booster for the sailors. Though he never went to sea on a ship, he attended parades and recruitment drives. He became such a popular figure that he was even married to a Great Dane, producing a litter of puppies.

In 1944, Just Nuisance was retired due to health issues, and sadly, he had to be euthanized later that year after an injury.

Memorial

After his death, Just Nuisance was buried with full naval honors on top of Klawer Mountain at Simon's Town. His story lives on, and there is a statue of him in Simon's Town, serving as a reminder of the extraordinary canine who became a sailor.

Just Nuisance remains a beloved figure, symbolizing loyalty, camaraderie, and a bit of good-natured mischief during difficult times." (Source: ChatGPT 2024)

Image Copyright: Vernon Chalmers Photography (Jubilee Square, Simon's Town)

Kalk Bay and Simon's Town, Cape Town Photography

Just Nuance : The Saunter