Kolmanskuppe #1

[Rudi Venter]

This use to be the mine manager's house in the ghost town of Kolmanskuppe. This deserted, ex-diamond mining town, is situated in the Namib desert in Namibia.

This once thriving town is now totally deserted after the last diamonds in the area were picked up, yes, picked up since they were simply lying on the ground! The town was founded in the beginning of the 19'th century and was finally abandoned in the 1950's

My father lived there as a youngster, his father was the school master there. At its peak around 700 families lived there, they had their own hospital, station and ice factory

Today the shifting sand has reclaimed many of the houses, the house below was partially restored at some stage but nature has already started reclaiming again....

Thanks for looking!
Rudi

 

[Chris Dodkin]

I love ghost town shots - and the history with your family makes it even better.

Love the warm desert colours - and again, I'm blown away by the blue of the sky

Like that you framed the shot to capture the building, and it's shadow on the sand - was this a tilt/shift lens shot?

 

[Rudi Venter]

Thanks Chris, yes, ghost towns are special!

This shot was actually taken during a scouting visit, normally you are only allowed into the area on a guided tour since this is still a restricted area (They are worried you will pick up a few diamonds for your collection!). I managed to get in on my own but it was during the middle of the day. The plan is to go back again, I have permission now, to spend a day and night there for some spooky night shots as well as a dusk and dawn session.

I was actually in that part of the world on business so I did not have my normal camera kit with me, when I realized I could go there for a quick visit I managed to borrow a camera from a friend. This photo was taken with a Canon EOS 20D and a Sigma 18-125 lens, I must admit the old camera and the cheap lens did quite well

Can't wait to go back for the "real" shoot!