As many of you know 2012 was an exciting year, but one that became a little overwhelming. Suddenly I found myself drowning in deadlines, pushing to meet them all. This brings on the A-type behavior and loss of perspective. I planned to take a step back the last two months of the year when then life threw in some challenges and unexpected travel.
I had a nice “to-do-list” already going for 2013, but I stepped back and said, “ I can’t start out this year as crazy as the last.” So, I am letting go of the silly deadlines I set for myself – meaning if doesn’t really have to be done by the 10th or the 15th, or 30th , then I will get it done when I can. This will take some practice, but I do find it becoming easier than I thought. I am not sure that is good or bad yet…LOL.
As an example, I saw so many photographers pushing to put out their favorite images of 2012. I thought with all I have going, why I am pushing to do that? Does it really have to be posted by 12/31/12? I also saw that many people pushed to choose only their top ten; again I thought – why do I need to push to do that? It’s hard enough when I have to narrow it down for editorial, exhibits and presentations. Instead, I chose my favorites.
We have so many deadlines we can’t control; I have come to realize that putting these type made up deadlines and demands on myself has a negative effect. They affect my passion and take time away from being out in the field doing what I love most. I decided I was not going to cancel going up to the ranch for a weekend of photographing horses just so I could hit all my self-made deadlines by the end of the year. In the past, I would have cancelled.
So it is mid January….well, almost late January, and I am sharing some of “my favorite” images of 2012, not necessarily “the best”. I chose them for various reasons; Beauty, technique, powerful, great moments, and personal favorites.
Make this a year of perspective – enjoy your passion!
Migration crossing the Mara River – an image I’ve dreamed about for years.
It was too hard to narrow it down to one image in this series.
Lighting, mood, and ambience make stunning images.
No words necessary
Personal favorite. The elephants in Amboseli are special; I could watch them for days.
More than a photograph; An experience.
Behavior
Classic beauty
Close encounter- knowing the behavior, these lions were drinking from a puddle and I suspected they would then head for shade. We lined up the car at a distance and slowly, one by one they walk within a few feet of us before turning to around the vehicle and sit under the shade of a few trees.
Rare opportunity
An even rarer opportunity and behavior
Beauty
Beauty – too hard to choose just one
Special moment
Technique – selective focus with repeating patterns
Story Telling
Story Telling – light, mood, ambience, Africa
Creating powerful images with light and composition
Story Telling
Cover of my ebook – Dream, Plan, Go available –here
Beauty, Light, Composition
Controversial -read the story behind the image here
I rarely photograph landscape but this image of Africa just spoke to me
again you have captured the looks of love love and more love………..thank you so much for placing my heart on fire…………
Piper,
Your images of Africa are so incredibly powerful. I open your emails with great anticipation – they are such an experience and such an inspiration!
What a wonderful way to start the day by looking at your stunning photos. I feel very blessed that you are willing to share your photos. Mary
Wow Piper! These are fabulous!!!! I especially loved the Mara River crossing photos. I would loved to have seen that, but alas, after waiting through multiple false starts in hot sun for 3 1/2 hours the herd was spooked by a lioness stalking a zebra and the zebra warned everyone away, and we missed seeing this since it was our last day in the Mara. Thanks for the fab photos!
Hello Dale
It is not easy to get a big crossing for so many reasons, as you have now discovered. This year I created this safari especially for the migration with an emphasis on the crossing. We were position right, at the right time and got lucky. It is a shot I have dreamed about! Not getting to see the crossing is always a great excuse to come back and try again!
Piper- you are right.Missing that crossing is a definite reason to return to the Mara. One thing I learned was to not stay at a lodge far from the river crossing points. We stayed at Kichwa Tembo, about an hour from the crossing. Any recommendations? Perhaps staying closer such as Mara Plains or Serena Lodge would be a better position to get to a crossing with short advanced notice.
What an absolutely stunning collection Piper! I think you are on to the something about the deadlines. After all, no one really cares whether you got your images out by the end of the year. We just want to see them!! Those first two images are my favourites. It’s hard to believe the scene is real!
Thank you so much!!
A good friend of mine watched me through the year, well past several years, but especially last year, and she kept repeating,” I am worried you are going to burn out.” I brushed it off.. well I did not burn out, I think it was more like crash and burn… Last year was exciting, but with the balance of nature, it also brought out some tough challenges that were exhausting!
I have been in the Mara every year, for the past 8. It was always my intention to focus on the crossing, but I always became distracted photographing special sitings I may not see again. Such as Singo and her 6 cheetah cubs. I spent almost the whole 2 weeks focusing on them. Finally I decided to put together a migration safari that focused on the crossings, and we hit gold, so to speak!!
It was so good, I have just decided to offer it again this year.. but it all depends on timing, the rains, nature, and luck.
Piper – Stunning images – I could not pick my favourites from your selection, loved them all. I thought it interesting that all the images were from Africa. It is a fabulous continent in so many ways and, like you, I can go there again and again and again. Thank you so very much for sharing your images and your thoughts. Wish you all the very best personally and professionally in 2013.
Incredible selection of images Piper. I can see why they’re your favorites.
Excellent Work !!!!