On Safari in Kenya: Photographing Wildlife Moments
On Safari in Kenya
Photographing Wildlife Moments
Awakening to the Call of the Wild
Slowly awakening, I find myself in darkness, the wind gently stirring the fabric of the tent. Despite the chill in the air, I'm snug beneath a thick duvet, with a comforting warmth emanating from the hot water bottle at my feet. Suddenly, the sound that stirred me repeats—a lion's roar pierces the night, accompanied by the eerie cackling of hyenas and the distinct bark of jackals.
At that moment, I'm momentarily disoriented, until the realization hits me—I'm in Kenya, on safari. I drift back into sleep, attempting to suppress my bubbling excitement for the adventures that await in the days and nights ahead. I awake again, this time to the familiar chime of my iPhone alarm.
Lion Stare
Raw Beauty of the Wild: African Wildlife Prints for Your Home
Safari Preparation: Essentials for Wildlife Photography
The air is crisp as I slip into my robe and flick on the kettle. Being a coffee addict, I've brought some freshly roasted beans from South Africa and my trusty AeroPress. A steaming hot shower invigorates me, and I emerge ready for the day ahead, clad in jeans, a T-shirt, and a snug fleece—always bringing two on safari, one for chilly mornings in the vehicle and one for evenings by the campfire. With my travel mug brimming with aromatic coffee, I set off to rendezvous with my clients. Today marks the beginning of their photography safari with me.
"Sons Of Rosetta" Ruka And Rafiki
Feel the Spirit of the Savanna: Fine Art for Your Walls
As dawn breaks, a gentle pink hue tints the horizon while our 4x4 rumbles along the rugged terrain. My driver, Steve, punctuates the journey with his customary humour, quipping about the "African Massage" as we bounce along. His joke elicits a smile from me and laughter from my guests.
Our ride, a 4x4 Land Cruiser Troopy, is the standard vehicle used by most safari operators—a reliable workhorse with ample space. Ours has been modified for photographers, featuring wide-open windows and removed centre seats to allow for optimal shooting positions. The vehicle's roof can be opened, providing elevated angles for capturing subjects, particularly wildlife in trees or hidden in tall grass. While Steve focuses on navigating the terrain, I keep my eyes peeled for potential photography subjects.
Serenity | Elephants | Amboseli | Canvas Prints
Journey to Africa: Stunning Wall Art for Your Space
The Art of Photographing African Wildlife
The chilly wind nips at my face, but I'm grateful for my trusty beanie, which keeps my head warm. It doesn't take long before our first wildlife encounter—a pride of lions consisting of five females and a young male sporting the beginnings of a mane.
As we approach, maintaining a respectful distance of about 20 meters, I adhere to my philosophy of not crowding our subjects. Getting too close can trigger a fight-or-flight response, so I prefer a slow, cautious approach from a distance. Alternatively, if the animals are on the move, I opt to let them come to us. This approach ensures the wildlife remains relaxed, allowing us to photograph their natural behaviour.
Lion | Serengeti Boys | Fine Art Prints
Bring the Wild Home: Majestic African Wildlife on Your Walls
Capturing Moments: From Lions to Giraffes
As we approached the lions, I noticed the wide-eyed wonder on my client's face, reminiscent of my own first safari experience. The thrill, the reverence, and the tingling anticipation as you come face to face with a killing machine. Whenever I work with my clients, my first goal is to calm them down and reduce their over-excitement. After all, capturing a sharp photograph requires a steady hand and a calm mind. With a few deep breaths and reassuring words, the familiar click of shutters fills the air.
African Buffalos | Widow makers | Canvas Prints
From the Heart of Africa: Captivating Wildlife Prints for Your Home
As we rounded a corner that morning, one of my beloved trees came into view. Bathed in the soft morning light, with remnants of storm clouds lingering overhead, the Acacia tree stood majestically. However, what truly ignited my photography juices was the sight of tall figures in the distance, gracefully traversing through the long grasses of the savannah. Giraffe! The five Masai giraffes were still a few kilometres away, but I knew their destination—a tree close by. Deciding to position our 4x4 at a distance from the tree, I calculated that we'd need a 200mm focal length lens to capture the composition I envisioned. However, I also instructed my client to have his second camera ready with a wider lens as I had another composition in mind.
Serendipity | Giraffes | Canvas Prints
Safari Splendor: Breathtaking Art for Every Room
With nearly two decades of experience photographing African wildlife, I've become intimately acquainted with animal behaviour. This familiarity often aids me in capturing extraordinary moments. Anticipating the route of the giraffes and predicted that the lead giraffe would stop to assess us before continuing on his way. What, I hadn't anticipated was the near-perfect symmetry that unfolded as the other giraffes continued their graceful stride in the background.
“Camelopard" | Giraffe | Large Canvas Prints
Witness the Wild: African Wildlife Art to Inspire and Delight
My client was thrilled with the resulting composition, and so was I. As the giraffes proceeded toward the tree, it was the last giraffe that provided us with the quintessential African scene. Stretching its neck to reach the last dangling leaves, amidst the lush grass and billowing white clouds, a stunning photographic print was born.
African Buffalo | Large Canvas Prints
Raw Beauty of the Wild: African Wildlife Prints for Your Home
Breakfast in the Mara: A Photographer's Ritual
As my tummy rumbled, signalling perfect timing for breakfast, we made our way to my cherished tree. While my guests stretched their legs, Steve and I swiftly set up a table and chairs, arranging a delightful spread that the lodge had prepared for us: coffee, croissants, muffins, cheeses, and meats. It was a scrumptious breakfast, enjoyed amidst the expansive beauty of the Mara.
Fever Tree Leopard | Wildlife Fine Art Prints
Wild Elegance: Transform Your Home with Powerful Wildlife Prints
Unforgettable Encounters: Big Cats, Super Tuskers, and More
Over the next few days, we were treated to some of the most extraordinary wildlife encounters imaginable—leopards, cheetahs, rhinos, buffalo; one memorable morning, we managed to tick off the entire Big Five.
Ol Pejeta|Black Rhinos| Fine Art Prints
ourney to Africa: Stunning Wall Art for Your Space
Ol Pejeta | White Rhino Bull | Acrylic Glass Prints
Captivating Wildlife Prints for Your Home
Kambaku | Old Bull Elephant | Fine Art Prints
Stunning Wall Art for Your Space
One of the most unforgettable highlights for my clients occurred in Amboseli, where we spent an entire morning in the company of one of the last remaining super tuskers in East Africa. It was a magical bucket-list moment to capture and spend time with this gentle pachyderm against the backdrop of the majestic snow-covered Kilimanjaro. But that's a story for another time.
Super Tusker|Craig|Bull Elephant|Canvas Prints
Nature's Majesty Captured: Elevate Your Space with African Wildlife Art