Winter is: Golden backlight
There is a special time of day when sun lights the bush in an unimaginable way. Light soft enough to look into and not shy away from. So soft that it draws you in and forces you to contemplate exactly what is unfolding before you. To me, worth more than gold itself, eternal images that will forever brighten a dull day. Warmth that can carry through the night and motivate for another dry day. It lingers in the winter bush and with good cause, it is needed now in times of hardship.
A Majingalane male at first light. Simon Smit
Horns glisten in the prevailing golden glow. Mike Sutherland
Daniel Buys plans to check an area as the sun sets. Mike Sutherland
Dust kicked up further illuminates a breathtaking scene. Mark Nisbet
A young elephant turns to run after a mock charge. Simon Smit
Simon Smit sits up to enjoy a herd of buffalo drinking at the end of another dry winters day. Mark Nisbet
Even rapidly beating wings can’t escape the light. Simon Smit
A young elephant is ushered to safety across the mighty Sand River. Simon Smit
A lone male wildebeest. Simon Smit
Walking off into what will soon be night. Simon Smit
Black shapes in a sea of gold, a member of a massive buffalo herd. Simon Smit
Some wildebeest take a break from feeding. Simon Smit
Written by Simon Smit.
Photographed by Simon Smit, Mike Sutherland, Mark Nisbet.