The experience

When you go on a photo safari you certainly have expectations. I remember sitting up in bed one night before the trip, thinking “what if I don’t get any good images?”  A moment of panic. At that moment I envied those non-photographers  that  just go there to enjoy the experience, no matter what kind of pictures they come home with. So I vowed to enjoy the trip no matter what (there were a few times along the way I had to remind myself of that). Be open to whatever happens. Sure, there are images you would like to get (we all had some in mind), but most of them just did not materialize. We have all seen great images in books and they most certainly were not gathered all at once on a 10 day safari.  I have returned with a renewed respect for all those great wildlife photographers out there! It is not easy!  Sometimes a safari can somewhat resemble an easter egg hunt. The area is huge, everyone is on the look-out for wildlife. Yes, you will see wildlife, but of course there are no guarantees which. And when you  find it, it might be hiding in the brush or the light is awful.  We had plenty of wonderful wildlife moments when the light was just not right for photography. And you have all kinds decisions to make – what lens, tight shot or wide, etc – while your subject is not just sitting there patiently waiting for you to make up your mind. On top of it, you have three other photographers in the vehicle with you. The slightest movement of any one of them would cause enough vibration to mess up your shot. Fortunately everyone in my van was very considerate and we tried our best to stay quiet and give each other notice ahead of time.  Thank you!!! Going through my images now has been a bit of a roller coaster ride. There were plenty of times when I was scratching my head, wondering what on earth I was thinking taking the picture the way I did. I guess sometimes the excitement of the moment just got the better of me. And then there were wonderful unexpected moments. I had never thought I would get to see a leopard as close as we did.  What an amazing animal!

The people were just wonderful. So welcoming with huge smiles. All together it was a great experience. The landscape was breathtaking. I will not forget the incredible view we got of the Great Rift Valley on our way from the Masai Mara back to the airport. I am ready to do it all over again.