Kirstenbosch Garden Sculpture Photography

Kirstenbosch Botanical Garden Sculpture Photography, Cape Town

With Canon EOS 6D Mark II / Canon EF Lenses

Sculpture Photography : Anton Smit Sculptures Kirstenbosch Garden

Earlier today I facilitated an extensive one-on-one photography training session at Kirstenbosch Botanical Garden.

We were greeted early-morning with slight rainy conditions during the undercover exposure theory session. The morning light improved as we ventured outside into the the garden under slight diffused light, but perfectly dry conditions for the practical application session.

During the practical session I only managed to capture a few images as my attention was firmly on the new photographer's application of exposure in different modes, exposure settings and focal lengths while capturing small flowers and quite a few Anton Smit sculptures (of various shapes and sizes).

I managed to 'click and go' these very bold and impressive sculptures. Ultimately compromised by the availability of time for more effective background angles I decided to adjust both image backgrounds for eliminating people, plants and other unwanted natural obstacles.

For projecting the prominence and quality of  the sculptures I digitally enhanced the backgrounds with 'superimposing' image backgrounds in applying Windows 11 Photo App functionality and some non-AI corrections in Adobe Lightroom. 

According to my own (Vernon Chalmers Photography) AI disclaimer I am aware that due to the applied background changes I am obliged to communicate these image property changes. 

My objective was to stay as authentic as possible in creating an average generative natural background colour scheme (in terms of a generative depth of field application - based on the original tones). All sculpture images are the natural exposure depiction as captured with my Canon EOS 6D Mark II.

Kirstenbosch Sculpture Photography with Canon EOS 6D Mark II

Anton Smit, Kirstenbosch Botanical Garden Sculpture : Canon EOS 6D Mark II

Anton Smit, Kirstenbosch Botanical Garden Sculpture : Canon EOS 6D Mark II

Anton Smit, Kirstenbosch Botanical Garden Sculpture : Canon EOS 6D Mark II

Anton Smit, Kirstenbosch Botanical Garden : Canon EOS 6D Mark II

Vernon Chalmers Canon EOS 6D Mark II for Bird Photography

Vernon Chalmers Photography AI Disclaimer

Vernon Chalmers Photography Copyright | Intellectual Property Policy

Anton Smit South African Sculptor

Anton Smit is a renowned South African sculptor known for his powerful and evocative works. His sculptures often feature towering human figures, impressive heads, masks, and abstract pieces 1. He works with a variety of materials, including steel, metal, stones, and bronze, and is known for imbuing his sculptures with an illusion of movement.

Smit's art explores themes of suffering, reconciliation, glory, and sublimation1, and his works can be found in both public and private collections around the world. He has exhibited his sculptures in various locations, including the Pretoria Art Museum and the Century City Art Foundation 1. (Source: Microsoft Copilot)

Anton Smit South African Sculptor Kirstenbosch Garden

Anton Smit has recently collaborated with the South African National Biodiversity Institute (SANBI) to showcase his sculptures in several National Botanical Gardens. As of November 5, 2024, his artworks have been on display at the Pretoria National Botanical Garden. This partnership will extend to the Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden in Cape Town, with installations planned for 2025.sanbi.org

Smit's sculptures are known for their expressive themes, often delving into human emotion and spirituality. His works have been exhibited both nationally and internationally, gracing public spaces and private collections. en.wikipedia.org

For those interested in viewing his art in Cape Town, current exhibitions include displays at the Century City Arts Trail and the Delaire Graff Estate in Stellenbosch. antonsmit.co.za

To stay updated on the latest installations and exhibitions, it's advisable to check the official websites of SANBI and Anton Smit. (Source: ChatGPT 2025)

More about Vernon Chalmers Photography at Kirstenbosch Garden

“Vernon Chalmers has a strong connection with Kirstenbosch Botanical Garden 1. He frequently conducts photography training sessions there, focusing on various aspects such as bird and flower photography, macro and close-up photography, and landscape and long exposure photography 2.

Recently, on December 11, 2024, Vernon facilitated an extensive one-on-one training session at Kirstenbosch 1. Despite slight rainy conditions in the morning, the session continued with practical applications in the garden under diffused but dry conditions 1. Vernon used a Canon EOS 6D Mark II to capture images of sculptures and small flowers, providing hands-on guidance to new photographers 1.” (Source: Microsoft)

Camera / Lens for Sculpture Images

• Canon EOS 6D Mark II (Full-Frame)
• Canon EF 24-105mm f/4L IS USM lens
• Canon EF100-400mm f/4.5-5.6L IS USM lens 

Exposure / Focus / Focal Length Settings

• Autofocus On
• Aperture Priority (Av) Mode
• Aperture: f/4
• Auto-ISO: 100
• Focal Length: 105mm / 400nn 
• Zone Autofocus
• Handheld

Lightroom Image Post-Processing

• Lightroom Classic (Ver 13.5) - minor adjustments /  RAW to JPEG conversion
• Windows 11 Photo App 

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