Charmaine Venter Photography

Oh boy did I have the best time today!!

I realised how much I miss the equestrian events in Cape Town, and so happy to be back in my happy place today. Thanks Angelique Van Der Hoogen and JT for sharing my passion with me today.

Here are a few images of the thousands I took, I'll be posting plenty more over the next couple of days.
Thank you Shongweni Polocrosse for putting on such a fabulous event. Ignition Group Polocrosse World Cup 2024

How messed up has the human race become that we have to resort to this to save our wildlife ! Very sad :-)

A big thank you to the team at of life for arranging for myself and Yvette to witness this event, as sad as it was. Rene, Simone and Sue-Anne - THANK YOU

A tribute to a man and his dog - my new hero's. Ranger Louis and Ruby - thank you for protecting our precious wildlife.

Rebecca Rae this one for you :-) thank you for yesterday.

Did something different today, photography just for me, in my element. Thanks to Gary's Horses Amanzimtoti and your riders for coming down to the beach for SCOTTBURGH CAMERA CLUB - was awesome and will definitely do it again, soon.

Ive managed to get a discount for this weekend and can only take 8 guests - Whats App me on 082 896 9134 if you are keen to join.
R17950PP

This is Kenya, big skies, open veld and majestic herds of wildlife. My heart is aching to return.

Going through archives - I miss my old home :-(

Shot on my Canon 7Dmk11 with the Sigma 150-600 contemporary lens - f6.3 / ISO1250 / 1/1600sec

A youngster of the Topi Pride - how long will he survive without Summer :-(

What a life... Touched down at OR Tambo on Thursday from Kenya. Picked up a guest at the airport on Friday and drove straight to Zimanga.

Update : day... I lost count 😜
I don't know what to say... Having such a fantastic time in the Mara.

Update : I am having such a fantastic time, Ive lost count long I've been out in the Mara - I cannot put in words the amazing time we are having. So when we arrived, I left you hanging with the question of whether we had found the Topi Pride or not! Well ... of course we did. We have the most fantastic guide, Mohammed Billow is a freaking magic maker and has the eyes of a hawk. I cant wait to share more of my epic time in the Mara.

Day two : 4 hour drive from Nairobi to Kembu Cottages & Campsite - Kembu means chameleon and we have been so blessed with sightings thanks to owner Andrew.
Took a walk down to Kenana Knitters Ltd. did a tour which was awesome and a little bit of shopping 😜. Will share images once I've downloaded.

Martin Dudley thank you, thank you, thank you, I am jusy loving my classes with you - thank you for your patience ! Cant wait for more.

https://www.facebook.com/photo?fbid=876951517639087&set=a.644102134257361

The African skimmer feeds by 'skimming' its lower mandible (the lower mandible is longer than the top mandible) through the water and snapping up small fish that it makes contact with.

Pangolin Photo Safaris guest image by Charmaine Pypers-Venter.

Image captured on The Chobe River while staying at the Pangolin Chobe Hotel

Don't forget, the new Facebook rule starts tomorrow (aka... new name META) where they can use your photos. Dont forget the deadline is today!!! I do not give Facebook or any company affiliated with Facebook permission to use my past and future photos, information, messages or posts.
With this statement, I inform Facebook that it is strictly forbidden to publish, copy, distribute or take any other action against me based on this profile and/or its contents. The violation of privacy can be punished by law.
NOTICE: Facebook is now a public entity. All members must publish such a note.
Whoever wants can copy and paste this version. Failure to post a statement at least once will be tacitly allowing the use of your photos, as well as information in profile and status posts.
Hold your finger anywhere in this message and copy will pop up. Click the copy button. Then go to your page, create a new message in “What’s on your mind” and put your finger anywhere in the blank field. "Paste" will appear and click Paste.
This will bypass the system....
He who does nothing agrees.
(Better to be safe and post this than be sorry later)

I decided to take a drive today and explore KZN as a tourist.
I cant believe we have this absolute gem of a place on our doorstep and I look forward to working with them this year in promoting and creating awareness, by taking photographers up there. Paula and her team are doing a phenomenal job.
The Hidden Forest Wildlife Sanctuary deserves a visit from every resident in KZN.

I absolutely love back lit photo's :-) Shot on the Chobe River in March 2023 when I led a photographic workshop on behalf of Juan. When I left South Africa, Juan was weak but still full of hope - when I landed back in South Africa 6 days later, he was bedridden and passed away a week later. When I am alone and sit and contemplate the past year's events - it still seems surreal and I expect him to walk in the door any moment, and then reality sets in, that he is gone forever.

Which one ?

When you are passionate about something; you will spend hours with your subject.
I spent 8 days at the look out point, for between 6-8 hours a day; in Aus, Luderitz and could easily have spent a couple of months here.

If you are in and around Durban, you really dont want to miss out on this movie!
And the value for money - R50 includes a soft drink and popcorn and awesome company.

ISO5000 | f5 | 1/500sec on Canon R6 mkii

This is probably one of my most favorite images of my recent trip to Chobe.

I just love sitting for hours with these baboons on the Chobe river.
Canon R6mkii - Canon 100-400 lens | ISO500 | f5.6 | 1/1000sec