Heartfelt Stories Photography Blog — Kathy Karn Photography

A smile is the strongest weapon in the battle of life. Ghanian proverb

Africa, African Wildlife, Animal Stories, conservation, Wildlife PhotographyKathy KarnJanuary 17, 2024animal games, African wildlife, Storytelling, on safari, conservation, climate change, natureComment

Safari Njema - Safe Travels

The Journey of a thousand miles begins with one step. Lao Tzu

Africa, African Wildlife, Animal Stories, conservation, Wildlife PhotographyKathy KarnJanuary 10, 2024animal games, African wildlife, Storytelling, on safari, conservation, climate change, natureComment

Back Stage Pass to Safari 2024

Awe and wonder open our hearts and minds. From this place anything is possible. Happy New Year! I’ve hauled out my bags and am organizing my gear. For the curious, armchair travellers and safari dreamers, here’s my packing list.

Africa, African Wildlife, Animal Stories, conservation, Wildlife PhotographyKathy KarnJanuary 3, 2024animal games, African wildlife, Storytelling, on safari, conservation, climate change, nature Comments

A Time to Pause and Reflect

I have not gone away. The darkness of the season pulled me into its embrace. I am content to pause and reflect on the past year. I am grateful for so much in my life including you, my readers! Thank you. Your comments and support fuel my commitment to use my photography and stories to touch hearts and celebrate the beauty of nature. I appreciate hearing from you!

Africa, African Wildlife, Animal Stories, conservation, Wildlife PhotographyKathy KarnDecember 31, 2023animal games, African wildlife, Storytelling, on safari, conservation, climate change, nature Comments

What’s the best thing that happened to you in 2023?

What’s the best thing that happened to you in 2023?

Africa, African Wildlife, Animal Stories, conservation, Wildlife PhotographyKathy KarnDecember 20, 2023animal games, African wildlife, Storytelling, on safari, conservation, climate change, natureComment

“When in your life did you stop singing?”

In indigenous culture when a shaman met an anxious or depressed patient, they often began by asking, “When in your life did you stop singing? When in your life did you stop dancing?” Singing and dancing are an integral part of Samburu culture. They sing to celebrate, they sing to heal the broken hearts of orphan elephants.

Africa, African Wildlife, Animal Stories, conservation, Wildlife PhotographyKathy KarnDecember 12, 2023animal games, African wildlife, Storytelling, on safari, conservation, climate change, natureComment

It Takes a Village to Raise an Elephant

How do you care for an orphaned elephant? Patiently, because healing for a trauma survivor is slow at first. Lovingly in a community of safety, because without love and family elephants fail to thrive.

Africa, African Wildlife, Animal Stories, conservation, Wildlife PhotographyKathy KarnDecember 6, 2023animal games, African wildlife, Storytelling, on safari, conservation, climate change, natureComment

Return to the Wild

The orphaned elephants that are cared for by the Samburu at Reteti Elephant Orphanage, are symbols of a new wave of thinking about wildlife and the environment. It goes far beyond traditional conservation methods, and dives deeper into the core value of what nature represents. Reteti.org

Africa, African Wildlife, Animal Stories, conservation, Wildlife PhotographyKathy KarnNovember 29, 2023animal games, African wildlife, Storytelling, on safari, conservation, climate change, natureComment

A Win for Conservation – Canada Bans Ivory

Canada Bans Ivory

Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world; indeed, it's the only thing that ever has. Margaret Mead.

Africa, African Wildlife, Animal Stories, conservation, Wildlife PhotographyKathy KarnNovember 22, 2023animal games, African wildlife, Storytelling, on safari, conservation, climate change, natureComment

Breaking News! Vital Impacts Print Sale

Vital Impacts is excited to launch a fundraising fine art print sale in support of Reteti Elephant Sanctuary (@r.e.s.c.u.e), Africa's first indigenous-owned elephant sanctuary, and I am thrilled to be part of it!

Africa, African Wildlife, Animal Stories, conservation, Wildlife PhotographyKathy KarnNovember 15, 2023animal games, African wildlife, Storytelling, on safari, conservation, climate change, natureComment

If You Meet a Lion on the Road ….

I love that my kids pick up my phone now and before they use it to play games and zone out, they are struck by the beauty of the Lion and are awed by nature! This somehow restores some balance for me.

Africa, African Wildlife, Animal Stories, conservation, Wildlife PhotographyKathy KarnNovember 8, 2023animal games, African wildlife, Storytelling, on safari, conservation, climate change, nature Comments

What has the legs of an antelope, the neck of a giraffe and can stand on two legs?

What has the legs of an antelope, the neck of a giraffe can stand on two legs? The gerenuk!

Africa, African Wildlife, Animal Stories, conservation, Wildlife PhotographyKathy KarnNovember 1, 2023animal games, African wildlife, Storytelling, on safari, conservation, climate change, natureComment

They Wear Their Hearts on Their Nose

Meet the waterbuck. They wear their hearts on their noses. They also have a special superpower. Read this week’s story to to learn more.

Africa, African Wildlife, Animal Stories, conservation, Wildlife PhotographyKathy KarnOctober 25, 2023animal games, African wildlife, Storytelling, on safari, conservation, climate change, nature Comments

The Peace of Wild Things

Nature is a powerful resource for solace and comfort. I hope this post brings you some peace and comfort during these difficult times.

Africa, African Wildlife, Animal Stories, conservation, Wildlife PhotographyKathy KarnOctober 18, 2023animal games, African wildlife, Storytelling, on safari, conservation, climate change, nature Comments

When We Take Care of Nature, Nature Takes Care of Us.

“Wildlife is a saviour. Majete was dead, now it is alive, and the future is bright.” African Parks Report

Africa, African Wildlife, Animal Stories, conservation, Wildlife PhotographyKathy KarnOctober 11, 2023animal games, African wildlife, Storytelling, on safari, conservation, climate change, nature Comments

We Stop for Elephants

“How close to you actually get to the wildlife on safari? Did you use a big telephoto lens to get close?” Yes, sometimes my 400 mm lens with a 1.4 converter allows me to get very close to an animal, but often the animal comes so close I don’t need it.