For the Beauty of this Earth
What kind of beauty
Was in God's gaze
When she created the Giraffe?
—Kathy Karn
My final and 26th game drive in January 2020 and I felt full. My photocards were full. My external drives were full. My heart was full! Steeped and sated in my encounters with the iconic African wildlife and its people, I wondered what this day would bring.
Our guide, Betty Maitai, turned to the three of us as we piled into her land cruiser at 6:15 in the morning. The veil of the new day was slowly lifting off the Maasai Mara. A few hoots from hyenas echoed across the river valley below us. “Jambo Betty! Jambo Gladys!” we said as we climbed into the truck. Two guides, three photographers, eager for another adventure. Betty turned and asked her question that never ceased to astonish me. “What would you like to see today? Lions?” We knew there were lions close by, since a male had claimed his territory with loud roars most of the night. The idea that we could actually dial up a wild animal species speaks volumes to the skill of our Maasai guides. Betty and Gladys know this territory so well it is actually possible to find a specific animal species—never guaranteed of course—but so far on this trip, she had delivered every time.
“This is our last morning and I’d love to spend it with giraffes if possible,” said Lisa from the back seat, inferring both a question and plea. Betty nodded and headed down into the valley. Yellow and black weaver birds darted about building their nests in colonies that hung from branches in tiny basket collections. A pair of vultures watched our progress from a nearby treetop.
We caught sight of the familiar rocking lope of a hyena heading home to its den after a night of hunting.
The morning pause between dawn and daytime is the time the night shift goes home and the day shift shows up. A hippo trotted along the river’s edge before throwing itself back into the water with a mighty splash. Last one in looks foolish! (As you can see in my video here)
Hippos are herbivores. They lounge all day in the rivers to escape the heat and graze like cows on land all night. Their heavy bodies and small-hoofed feet make deep ruts up the banks of the rivers at their favourite exit and entry points. We laughed out loud as the massive grey sausage barreled down the trail and splashed into the river to the approving grunts of its buddies. It’s no laughing matter, however, if you meet a hippo on foot. They are known as the most dangerous mammal in Africa. Their massive jaws and incisor teeth make quick work of anyone who trespasses in their territory.
We were quiet taking in the beautiful transition from early dawn to full morning light. Betty pulled up near a group of tall shrubs. Three heads sprouted from the tops of the bushes. You asked for giraffes? Voila! True to form, Betty delivered. Being the tallest mammal on the planet you’d think giraffes would be easy to spot. However, their patterned coats are such perfect camouflage, I often miss them until we are almost upon them. If they are alone on the savannah they definitely stand out. If they are in the trees they are easily missed.
Today I decided to play with my camera and try ICM—intentional camera movement and high resolution. After a few experimental shots I set my camera to high exposure and slow shutter speed.
The giraffes glided up the crest of the hill, perfect models for my photographic experimentation. For me, the results convey the peaceful and elegant beauty of one of my favourite African animals. See what you think—do you prefer in focus or blurred? Reality or abstraction?
I’ve created a set of note cards from this morning’s photo shoot. Any one of these images can also be made as a fine art print or canvas. I’ve also added the black and white giraffe portrait to my African pillow collection.
A percentage of my online sales goes to Save Giraffes Now, a non-profit organization working tirelessly to raise awareness about the silent extinction of giraffes. I hope you will consider supporting giraffe conservation as part of your holiday shopping.
