This work shows the portrait of an African wild dog (Lycaon pictus). The African wild dog is also called Painted dog because of its distinctive pattern of spots that make this dog look a bit like painting.
I took this picture in the Central Kalahari Game Reserve in Botswana. Close to where I was camping, a pack of wild dogs also spent the night and when I observed them early in the morning just after sunrise, they were still sound asleep. Even when they sleep, they remain quite alert and one of the dogs looked up as I was photographing, allowing me to take this close-up portrait. The photo is dear to me partly because of the unique moment when I was alone in the African wilderness with a group of wild dogs, but also because it shows a lot about this endangered species. Wild dogs are group animals and this picture shows this very well as they are snuggled up and sleeping together. The beautiful large ears and bright eyes also stand out well. Because the photo was taken just after sunrise, a somewhat yellow monochrome colour dominates, bringing peace to the image. For me, a unique picture of a unique moment!
Welcome to Chris Stenger's site. I have been an enthusiastic landscape, nature and travel photographer for more than 50 years, mainly photographing on long trips to all kinds of pristine areas. I see myself as a contemplative photographer, who enjoys spending hours or days on a single.. Read more…