~~~~ A photographer tells ~~~~

In the Afternoon Glow

Late in the afternoon, walking along the beach at Chitimba, I saw her standing there. She had just been washed by her mother in the clear waters of Lake Malawi. She was looking straight ahead, towards her mother, who was now bathing her younger sister. Her African hair was still wet, droplets glistening on her face.

Then she saw me, and our eyes met.

A little later, the two girls sat on the beach, facing each other, drying off in the last warmth of the day. Forgive sat quietly. She looked straight at me, her gaze deep and questioning. Her small body was still fully wrapped in the colourful Chitenge cloth, the bright patterns standing out sharply against the sand. Dora sat opposite her, her head slightly turned over her shoulder. In her hand, she held her teddy bear tightly. Her cloth had come loose and lay in soft folds on the sand.

Cheers,

~~~~ A Photographer tells ~~~~

Silent movements among the branches

The Spotted Bush Snake is a regular visitor to our garden. On a quiet day, I was sitting with my camera at the ready, hoping to photograph some birds flying back and forth to the water basin to drink and bathe. But suddenly, everything went quiet, the birds had disappeared. Then, the Spotted Bush Snake appeared, slowly moving through the branches, making its way toward the water.

Fortunately, I was already prepared with my camera. As the snake moved silently through the branches, I aimed my lens. Drawn by the water, it slid down to the basin, took a quick drink, and then continued its way back into the trees. At one point, it paused, moved slightly in my direction, and looked straight into the camera, a brief, intense moment of connection.

The Spotted Bush Snake is an alert, diurnal snake and an excellent climber. It mainly hunts geckos and is often found in outbuildings, between walls and ceilings. Due to its striking green coloration, it is often mistaken for the Green Mamba or the Boomslang, which sadly results in this harmless snake being unnecessarily killed.

Cheers,

~~~~ A photographer tells ~~~~

Morning Stillness, Evening Glow

Early one morning, many years ago, I set out for Chombe, not far from here. My goal: to capture the sunrise over Lake Malawi. As the first rays of light slowly spread across the water, the landscape quietly came to life. On the shore lay stones of all shapes and colours – some still just touched by the rippling water.

A few days later, I returned, this time to photograph the sunset over that same lake. The atmosphere was different, but just as powerful. The sky turned deep orange and the shadows of the stones grew longer, as if the landscape was preparing itself for the night.

Cheers,