Amboseli

2022

Image Story

"Out on the lake bed there's always something happening, the trick is knowing where to be and when."

There are two main reasons photographers are drawn to Amboseli. The first is Mount Kilimanjaro, but I have included it in so many images now that I felt the need to try something different. The second is the dry lake bed, which through August and September becomes so parched you can drive a Land Rover full of camera gear across it.

At 25 kilometers wide and eight meters deep, it is a vast space, and several elephant families cross it daily in search of water within the national park.

In years past, photographers were able to step out of their vehicles and lie beneath the bonnet, so calm and accustomed were these elephants. But a rise in visitor numbers, combined with a lack of experienced and ethical guiding, has brought that practice into question. It may soon be consigned to the past.

That might signal the end of some of my favourite days in Amboseli, but there are always new ways to make compelling images within the boundaries we must respect. This low angle photograph feels like one of those moments - the movement of the herd, the light in the sky, and the tight formation all combine to make something visually rewarding. A strong place for any image to begin.

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Behind the Lens

The number of hours I have spent on this lake bed are perhaps better measure in days. Be it for my own work or guiding my guests we adore this spot in southern Kenya.