The Eastern Cape Karoo in black and white

I’ve had such positive responses from my recent blog post on the Karoo that it’s inspired me to put together these ten images. This time all of the pictures are different styles in black and white. They’re taken from Mt Zebra National Park, which is just outside Cradock, along the R61 to Ganora Guest Farm and Compassberg – just before you arrive in Nieu-Bethesda.

I get these rich blacks in the landscapes if I use the wide-angle M.Zuiko 7-14mm lens. It really picks out the contrasts when there are clouds and captures lots of detail and texture in the foreground.

Lone tree, Blaauwater Siding, Nieu-Bethesda

Karoo sheep and water tank, Blaauwater Siding, Nieu-Bethesda

I used the same lens for this view. I love the way that the fence line and clouds pull you into the photograph.

When the sun’s lower then the light often gets much hazier. I’m looking either through or into the light in this next set of pictures.

Compassberg from Witnekpas, Nieu-Bethesda

Karoo skyline north of Mt Zebra National Park

Misty Road, Kranskop Loop, Mt Zebra National Park

The next pair of pictures were both taken using a zoom lens (the M.Zuiko 40-150) with full sunlight bathing the focus of the scene.

Grass and bush at sunset, Black Eagle Hike, Mt Zebra National Park

Karoo roadside view, N9, Middelburg

Lastly I’ve a couple of pictures that I took looking upwards with the body-cap fish-eye lens. That means the sun gets into your picture unless you hide it behind something!

Drought, Blaauwater Siding, Neu-Bethesda

Jointed cactus, Blaauwater Siding, Nieu-Bethesda

I’d love to get some feedback so let me know what you think!