For some reason I love to do indoor and destination photography. Maybe it’s the fact that travel is involved or that I have more time to get the shot right than for instance at a wedding. Either way, after my first visit to Falls Fish Farm in Schoemanskloof earlier this year Dee, the owner, invited me once more to take some photos for her. This time it was of Mandevu Cottage.

Of the two cottages Mandevu is lower down on the farm and consequently closer to the Crocodile River. Mandevu features a lovely free standing dam literally on the door step. I’m told it’s a good spot for fishing and there’s even a canoe next to the water’s edge. I asked her about tubing down the Crocodile River. She warned: “Due to the close proximity of Croc Grove crocodile farm I’d stay well clear of the river if I was you.” It’s a pity as it seems that the Crocodile River always have strong flows in the Schoemanskloof area.

How to do it

The biggest challenge with indoor photography is light. There is massive contrast between the indoor lighting and harsh outdoor light. Flash is not an option unless used expertly by the photographer. The only other alternative therefore is HDR or High Dynamic Range photography. This technique involves taking at least three photos with different exposures of the same subject. A tripod is thus essential as the camera should stay still between the different exposures. The exposures should range from underexposed (to get detail on the outside of the windows) to overexposed (to get adequate detail in the dark interior). Lightroom is then used to blend the seperate images together. This creates a pleasing picture that showcases the details in the well lit as well as dark areas.

I’m looking forward to my stay at Mandevu cottage a bit later this year. Hiking, fishing, landscape photography and sipping wine next to the fireplace will be the order of the day at this wonderful and relaxing destination. Thank you for the opportunity Dee.

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