Vernon Chalmers Photography

Cape Sugarbird and Proteas at Kirstenbosch | Bird & Plant Relationship Explore the Cape Sugarbird and its relationship with Proteaceae in Kirstenbosch's Protea Garden, combining bird photography, ecology and natural history. Cape Sugarbird | Kirstenbosch Garden, Cape Town Cape Sugarbird surrounded by developing Proteaceae flowerheads in the Protea Garden at Kirstenbosch, Cape Town. Photographic observation: These photographs were made during fieldwork in the Protea Garden at Kirstenbosch, where the Cape Sugarbird was observed directly among flowering Proteaceae. The images provide the photographic basis for this discussion of the bird's relationship with its flowering environment, while botanical and ecological information has been checked against authoritative South African sources. Photographing Birds at Kirstenbosch Garden Cape Sugarbird Protea Relationship There are some photographic encounters in which the bird is clearly the subject, but the photograph begins to tell...

Canon EOS R6 Mark III vs R5 Mark II: Which Performance Do You Need? Canon EOS R6 Mark III vs R5 Mark II: compare resolution, speed, autofocus, cropping, BIF and hybrid performance to find the right EOS R camera. Photography Education: Comparing the EOS R6 Mark III and EOS R5 Mark II requires more than comparing megapixels and frame rates. Both are highly capable full-frame EOS R cameras, but their different combinations of resolution, speed, autofocus, processing, storage and video capability make them particularly suited to different photographic priorities. Which Kind of Performance Do You Need? Canon's EOS R6 Mark III and EOS R5 Mark II are two of the most capable full-frame cameras in the current EOS R system. Both are designed for photographers who expect high levels of autofocus performance, rapid processing, sophisticated subject recognition and strong video capability. Both can handle demanding photographic subjects, including wildlife, birds, sport, portraits and prof...

Photographing Cape Sugarbirds, Bulbuls and Proteas at Kirstenbosch Photographing Cape Sugarbirds and a Cape Bulbul on King and Green Proteas at Kirstenbosch, exploring observation, composition and nature photography. Cape Sugarbird | Kirstenbosch Garden, Cape Town A Cape Sugarbird ( Promerops cafer ) perched on a Protea at Kirstenbosch, illustrating the close relationship between Cape birds and the Proteaceae of the Cape Floristic Region. Kirstenbosch provides an especially appropriate setting for this type of observation. SANBI records more than 125 bird species at Kirstenbosch and specifically identifies the Sugarbird ( Promerops cafer ) among the garden's characteristic birds. The garden's fynbos also supports a diversity of Proteaceae, including Green Protea ( Protea coronata ) and King Protea ( Protea cynaroides )  Photographing Birds and Proteas at Kirstenbosch Some photographic opportunities cannot really be planned. They can only be encountered. During a recent visit to...

Anticipated Canon EOS R7 Mark II Functionality for Birds in Flight Photography The anticipated Canon EOS R7 Mark II represents a significant evolution in APS-C mirrorless cameras that, if realized as suggested, will offer meaningful benefits to birds in flight photographers. Canon EOS R7 Mark II Birds in Flight Wishlist Canon EOS R7 Mark II Birds in Flight Photography "Birds in flight (BIF) photography demands high-performance imaging systems capable of rapid capture, precise tracking, and adaptability in dynamic conditions. This essay examines the potential capabilities of the anticipated Canon EOS R7 Mirrorless Camera Mark II version for BIF photography within the context of current information, industry trends, and how enhancements over its predecessor could benefit serious wildlife photographers. Drawing on existing specifications of the original model and credible speculation about the Mark II, this review assesses sensor performance, autofocus systems, continuous shooting, ...

Kirstenbosch Bird Photography Guide How to photograph birds at Kirstenbosch Botanical Garden — perched sunbirds, protea settings, 300–400mm lenses, light control, and compositional precision. Cape Robin Chat : Kirsten Bosch Garden, Cape Town How to Photograph Birds at Intaka Island How to Photograph Birds at Woodbridge Island A Field-Based Guide for Serious Photographers Kirstenbosch presents a fundamentally different photographic environment from open wetlands. Here, vertical layering, botanical density, and complex light filtration define the challenge. Bird photography at Kirstenbosch is less about reach and more about background discipline, colour harmony, and micro-positioning. The garden rewards restraint, anticipation, and careful depth-of-field control. Small Bird Photography Kirstenbosch Garden 1. Ecological Context of Kirstenbosch Habitat Structure Kirstenbosch is characterised by: Dense indigenous vegetation Protea-dominated sections Forest margins and canopy layering Open l...

Grey Heron Landing: Milnerton Lagoon / Woodbridge Island Many of you may have seen this image of the Grey Heron landing (walking) quite a few times. Over the course of 15 years he has accumulated more than a million Likes and many, many Comments from all over the connected world. The (personal) contribution I want to make to the developing photographer is that it is not always about the Likes when making an image – it’s not about the stimulus and response in terms of take image (stimulus) and get rewarded via Likes (response) i.e. perceived beauty or quality of an image etc. What matters is what happens in the moment you take the image, your own satisfaction (as an impermanent and special moment) captured with purpose with your camera / phone. The (existential) story that an image portray (and sharing) is in my opinion more important than the Likes. Although Likes are generous attempts to support your image-making – and I suppose most photographers will experience gratitude in receivin...