2015 was one of my most successful years for photography. 3 years into my photography story and I'm thrilled to look back and see how every year I am growing. Here is a compilation of my favourite twenty images from the year. I will try my hardest to leave them to speak for themselves. Thank you everyone who was part of the journey, I cannot wait to see what 2016 has to offer!
This has been a year that I have had limited time to travel, and I was forced to spend my first Christmas in the UK. Having said this I have been to Bali, South Africa, Botswana, Namibia and of course England, and captured some shots along the way. My first photograph will be one of the most memorable moments of 2015 when I first got the chance to photograph long-tailed macaques (Macaca fascicularis). This was from an amazing ten day trip I had in Bali earlier in the year
One of my favourite images taken in the months I spent photographing wading birds in Phakalane Sewage Lagoons. The catfish had been spawning, drawing in a frenzy of activity from the herons and egrets looking for an easy meal. This Little Egret made a big splash in its efforts to catch lunch.
This year has certainly been the year of the elephants on my facebook page (facebook.com/williamsteelphotography) and who can blame me! Elephants are an African icon and I am blessed to be able to share so many photographs of them.
An image I have had in my head since I started out in photography. Fork-tailed Drongos are often seen following elephants for an easy meal. Finally this year I got the shot I wanted.
One of my most unexpected sightings of the year was bumping into a pride of four lion crossing the main road outside of the Chobe National Park. As they crossed one paused for a few seconds and I was given the chance to photograph this intense stare.
No wild and interesting story with this one, just a shot I love from a beautiful sunset in my home town Gaborone. Photographed in Gaborone Game Reserve, Botswana.
A little elephant that has covered itself in mud, what could be cuter? Its a trick question, nothing is! Photographed at Senyati, Botswana.
It is not all about the big game and I love these Little Grebes (Tachybaptus ruficollis) posing perfectly for me in the evening light. Phakalane Sewage Lagoons, Botswana.
Yet another Elephant (and not the last). Visiting Senyati safari camp was one of the highlights of 2015. Sitting for hours just meters away from some of the biggest Botswana elephants is something extremely special. This was an unforgettable sight after hours of waiting for the elephants to arrive. Senyati, Botswana.
I always think that the best way to photograph an animal is to photograph them undisturbed, and going about their every day activity. It doesn't have to be a rare animal or an amazing moment, sometimes the best photographs are simply an intimate insight into an animal's behaviour. helmeted guinea fowl photographed in Chobe Game Reserve, Botswana.
Another highlight from Senyati safari camp, ayoung elephant excitably runs to the waterhole. Elephants have always been one of my favourite to photography. They are such characters and always provide a photo opportunity. Senyati, north east Botswana.
A very early favourite, photographed on the 7th of January I knew 2015 would be a good one. This is a dung beetle rolling its dung ball. Gaborone Game Reserve, Botswana
A simplistic shot of a pheasant photographed at my local reserve; RSPB Minsmere, England.
Another special moment with a Long-tailed macaque (Macaca fascicularis), posing for a photograph in Ubud's monkey forest, Bali.
Taken from a moving car in Chobe National Park, this may well be one of my top 5 images of the year. I just love how the scale of the landscape makes even the largest of land mammals look tiny. I also love the contrast and depth of different shapes and textures giving a sense of layers and distance.
One of my all time favourite bird species to photograph is Bee-eaters, there is always a hive of activity as they all fly around catching every poor unsuspecting insect that happens to fly into their patch. Here is a Little Bee-eater with its meal. Photographed in Chobe Game Reserve, Botswana.
Possibly my favourite image of the year, while it is slightly abstract I love all the dimensions of the shot. This effect was created as the setting sun cast a shadow of the zebra in the dust it had kicked up. Gaborone Game Reserve, Botswana.
The Elephant and the Roller. A moment that just perfectly came together. A roller waits for a meal as a large elephant drinks from the Chobe River. Chobe National Park, Botswana.
This is a moment I have been hoping for a while. It is not often you come across a honey badger, and ever rarer that they are close enough for a shot in daylight. I was thrilled when this beautiful honey badger stopped for a brief second allowing me to take the shot. Photographed in Chobe Game Reserve, Botswana.
Sadly that is the end. Thank you if you made it this far! I am always thrilled to share my passion for wildlife and photography. I would love to hear what you think so do not be shy to comment. Thanks again everyone and I look forward to sharing 2016 with you all!
- William
