During my recently concluded workshop in the Mara and Amboseli my group and I had some fantastic photo opportunities. BTW, they were a fabulous group--each and everyone added so much to the overall experience. As always, the Mara did not disappoint. We were lucky this time because we saw and photographed 11 young lion cubs belonging to the Topi pride; they were certainly the star of the Mara. We had so many sightings and photo opps that I have to look back on my images to remember them all….I guess that's a good thing.
On one morning, we had a special encounter with the Topi cubs and the lionesses. It started off kind of slow, the lionesses and cubs were spread out all over the place with none of them in a good position to photograph. Then they did what most animals and birds do --they moved! Once they started to move we were able to capture them walking in a row. I also tried to capture a more intimate shot of one lion cub and adult as they walked towards our vehicle. Trying to keep on sun angle is always a challenge, especially when there are other vehicles in the way. But, somehow we managed <wink>. I also like to photograph backlit animals, but sometimes I think that the backlight needs dust, or rim light or even an animal breath to enhance the look. Sometimes, grasses that catch the backlight can add interest. But otherwise the images just look orangish toned, and flat.
On another evening we photographed the lion cubs playing, fighting and interacting with the adults. It ended up that we had several photo shoots with this pride. I was extremely happy with all of our encounters with these adorable cubs. Each time I go to the Mara we have such a different photo experience. You just never know what you are going to see. I think that is why it is my most repeated photo tour.
In addition to lion cubs we saw and photographed a few Leopard. Mostly Luluka and her cub Jilime but we also photographed Fig and her un-named male cub. I think the male cub should be named Jaxson as his eyes are exactly the same color as my grandson Jaxson's eyes, I included a close up below.
We had a few encounters with some of the Mara leopards. One day stands out in particular. We pulled up just as Luluka and Jilime (mother and cub) were sitting on a large fallen tree branch. Just as we got there they got down, my heart sunk, but they got back on it one by one. I had a chance to at least capture one of them on the tree in beautiful light. I liked the way the tree framed the shot. Soon it was back to play time, they were running and pouncing on each other over and over again it was such a great experience to watch.
At one point Jilime hid in the grasses and waited for mom to stroll by. I was sure that Luluka knew what her cub was up to but cheerfully played along, pretending not to see her. Then Jilime pounced on mom for what was an exciting photo. I captured the shot below but in truth I had to clone a few grasses.
As the leopards ran around and walked to different locations they rested from time to time. I was able to get a backlit shot of one of the leopards as it rested under some brush. I liked the way the vegetation caught the light and framed the shot but I mostly liked it's eyes and how they were looking off to the side.
We saw several (at least 10) Marsh Owls and we had a few chances photographing them. I now know the general area where they hang out so on my next visit I will be looking for them again. We had a photo shoot with the Serval Kittens which was lots of fun. Some of the group photographed 2 week old Hyena pups.
After our action packed time in the Mara was over we headed (via a private charter) to Amboseli. The advantage of the private charter is that we can bring much more gear. Weight restrictions on the commercial flights are too restrictive. Amboseli is like stepping back in time. The lush marsh area attracts a plethora of birds, including tons of flamingos. In addition to the marsh area there is a giant dried up lake bed, complete with cracked mud and dust. This can be a photographer's dream come true with the right light. On our first day we sighted a large herd of Elephant on that cracked mud. The lake bed acts like a super highway for a lot of the animals as they make their way to and from their favorite feeding and watering spots. At times Amboseli felt like a topical paradise with its warm breezes and native palm trees.
Above are a few of my early morning shots from Amboseli. I have not had a chance to go through all of my images. I flew directly from Nairobi to Albuquerque in order to conduct my Bosque workshop. Dave Klein will be at Bosque to assist me with the group as will Donna Bourdon who will be making her second trek to Bosque and coming directly from Nairobi as well. Donna is a dedicated photographer and well versed in action and flight photography. She is shooting with the Canon R5 and Sony system.
I'll be sharing more images from this trip and I hope to publish a few of my clients images soon.