The source of life goes into Africa

? More than 600 years ago, a huge Chinese fleet crossed the Indian Ocean and arrived in Africa. This team led by Zheng He landed on Mombasa Island, the "gateway" of Kenya, connecting China and Africa. The navigation map of Africa's Silk Road was thus drawn. The Chinese not only created a peaceful navigation model, but also opened up hundreds of years of friendship between the Chinese and African peoples.

? I have longed for the stars and the sea. I have climbed the Great Wall to see the sights, seen the waves of the Yellow River, explored the clouds and mists of Huangshan, experienced the wind and sand of the desert, appreciated the fragrance of spring flowers, and been intoxicated by the beauty of golden autumn. , my awe for nature is growing day by day, and my heart yearns for the African savannah even more.

? Africa is a magical continent with primitive tribes, unique cultures, and various natural landscapes.

? I started my photography trip to Africa in September 2007, and the first stop on that magical land was Kenya.

? I arrived in Botswana in May 2012. Ten years later, in August 2017, I went to Kenya again, and also to Ethiopia and Tanzania. In November of the same year, I also went to Egypt.

? In July 2018, when I set foot in Africa for the fifth time, I went to Ethiopia. When I stood on the blazing land that crossed the equator where Zheng He set foot, it was heart-warming. It was heart-warming to appreciate the natural scenery and have close contact with wild animals in the "World Biosphere Reserve".

? The Africa trip is not as leisurely and comfortable as those domestic sightseeing tours. After we got off the plane, we had to go through a long journey to get to the hotel in the animal reserve, and the so-called hotel was not The star-rated facilities in our minds are just houses built from local materials such as stone or wood. In some protected areas, hotel rooms are built on trees to prevent wild beasts from attacking.

? The road to go out for shooting is even more difficult. We get up at 5 o'clock every morning, bring breakfast and lunch (eggs, bananas and bread) prepared by the hotel the night before, and wear long lenses on our backs , wide angle, boarded the off-road vehicle, and started a nearly 12-hour photography journey. Sometimes in order to get deep into the hinterland of the grassland, we have to take a speedboat or plane.

? Traveling in Africa, there is the most unforgettable terminal building. There is no door. Above a wooden chair that is only big enough for two people, four pieces of wood support a small space with dozens of people on it. A roof made of twigs and surrounded by gauze on three sides became the terminal. This is the simplest terminal I have ever seen. The only plane on the tarmac only had four seats, including the pilot. The uniformed captain took over all the duties of the driver, flight attendant, ground handling, ticketing and other tasks.

When the plane took off on the dusty dirt runway, the hearts of the people on board were uneasy amidst the huge roar. Although there was a moment of selflessness in the high-altitude shooting, when the plane landed, everyone They were all secretly glad to be able to return to earth again.

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? When I walked into the forest and saw the sun rising over the equator, wisps of the sun hiding its light among the still clouds, the African rainforest began to stir, The animals on the grassland wake up together with the rain forest under the call of morning light.

? I heard the birds starting to sing, the rustling of animals running and jumping on the fallen leaves, and the sound of huge fruits falling from the sky and hitting the ground echoed in the forest.

Although traveling in Africa is difficult, I was fortunate enough to witness with my own eyes the great migration of animals, known as the "crossing of heaven", with more than 1.3 million wildebeests, 300,000 zebras, and 200,000 zebras. A majestic army composed of gazelles and more than 10,000 eland, a magnificent migration of life and death.

? They crossed the dangerous savannah, and hundreds of soaked wildebeests struggled to escape to the high bank from a river full of crocodiles biting at their heels. It was a shocking moment that cannot be expressed in words. , I feel that all the hardships along the way have paid off.

During my trip to Africa, I captured thrilling shots of lions, hyenas, cheetahs, the most ferocious predators on the savanna chasing their prey, as well as the rare spectacular sight of wild animal migrations.

? Traveling in Africa allowed me to see the real and cruel nature very close, and it also allowed me to take photos of the life-speed moments of predators chasing prey, just like a journey along the food chain.

? I will be happy when I meet those lucky people who survive the disaster, but I know that as time goes by, they will eventually leave. This place feels both cruel and beautiful.

In the African grasslands, all the animals running around are aiming for the same goal - survival. Seeing them made me deeply understand that animals can still run for survival, let alone humans?

? When people live in the world, they should realize their own survival value and let society recognize the existence of their own value. This is a meaningful life. Those who give up on themselves may be able to survive, but this is definitely not life!

? Therefore, people cannot just spend their time in misery and wait for their return to Nirvana. Everyone should have a positive attitude to devote themselves to life and pursue goals. Just like antelopes and lions on the savannah, when the sun rises, they must run forward without hesitation for life...

During my 5 trips to Africa, I saw Every scenery is the beauty of the world, where man and nature are in harmony, and angels on earth sing the song of life year after year on the vast African savannah.

? This is the most touching and admirable thing. Fighting for survival, striving for better survival and development, even paying a huge price of life, aren't these the most shocking things? The beauty of the human heart! With great awe in my heart, I quickly pressed the shutter button. I wanted to make these touching moments last forever.

? I hope to present these beautiful scenery, touches and shocks to my friends, and I hope to leave a true record of the animal paradise on earth.

? I hope to share it with everyone, so that people can see that the African land full of natural vitality is not only poverty, hunger, war and bloodshed, but also beauty and hope.

Photography resume:

Ye Huitang, male, was born in 1957 in Shilong Town, Dongguan City. Member of China Photographers Association, senior fellow of Guangdong Photographers Association, honorary consultant of Dongguan Photographers Association.

Awards:

In 2006, the work "Morning Mist Boat" was selected into the natural scenery category of the 21st Guangdong Province Photography Art Exhibition.

In 2006, his works "Getting Married" and "Shepherd Boy" won the Excellence Award in the Guangdong Construction of a New Socialist Countryside Photography Competition.

In 2007, his work "Longing" won the silver medal at the 4th International Photography Art Exhibition in Vietnam.

In 2007, his work "Ruthless Fire" won the gold medal at the 12th China International Photography Art Exhibition.

In 2007, the work "Joy of Harvest" was selected as an outstanding work in the National Photography Art Exhibition.

In October 2008, he was named "Guangdong Province Staff Artist" (Photography Category).

In 2008, he was awarded the 50th Anniversary Creative Contribution Award of the Guangdong Photography Association.

In 2008, "Morning Fog Boat" won the Excellence Award at the 9th Shanghai International Photography Art Exhibition.

In 2008, "Wonderland on Earth" was selected into the 9th International Photography Art Exhibition in Shanghai. In 2008, "Sheep Herder" was selected into the 9th International Photography Art Exhibition in Shanghai.

In 2009, his works "Goalball Player", "Migration of Ten Thousand Horses" and "Hunting" were selected into the art works category of the 22nd Guangdong Province Photography Art Exhibition.

In 2011, his work "Morning Fog Boat" won the bronze medal at the 14th China International Photography Art Exhibition.

In 2012, the work "Morning Exercise" was selected into the art category of the 24th Guangdong Province Photography Art Exhibition.

Participate in the exhibition

2017 "Mirror View: From "Manufacturing" to "Intelligent Manufacturing" - Sociological Image Specimens of Dongguan Manufacturing Industry" was selected and participated in the 17th exhibition in 2017 China Pingyao International Photography Exhibition.

Personal Portfolio

In 2017, ""Manufacturing" opens dreams, intelligence creates the future" A photography enthusiast and the history of images of all living beings. Printed by Dongguan Photographers Association.

In 2021, "Into Africa" ??is a collection of Ye Huitang's African photography.