Chasing light – Kenya 2025

Understanding and harnessing the power of light is paramount in capturing stunning images. There’s a certain magic that unfolds during the fleeting moments when the sun kisses the horizon. This is the realm of flare light, where the sky is painted with hues of gold and amber, and every scene is imbued with an ethereal glow. Capturing this requires precision and timing with experienced photographic guides!! Whether you’re chasing the first light of dawn or the last rays of dusk, being in position before the spectacle unfolds is paramount.

In Kenya, where the sun’s movement is swift, maximizing every lighting opportunity is crucial. In these precious moments, subjects bathed in flare light exude a mesmerizing aura, but the window of opportunity is narrow, especially with moving subjects. However, the focus moves to side-lighting once the precious flare light dissolves.  Side lighting adds depth and drama to your images, inviting viewers into a world of dynamic contrasts. Working within the realm of side light demands a keen eye and a patient spirit.

JOIN ME CHASING THE MAGICAL LIGHT IN KENYA

Most of you know my deep passion for capturing light rather than subjects. However, in Kenya, we are fortunate to have some of the world’s most exotic creatures. I have selected three extraordinary locations known for their dust, light, and action to maximize our chances of creating stunning images. I am also limiting this safari to a minimum of 6 guests in 2 vehicles, which is ideal for light chasing. 

MAASAI MARA: Known as the wildlife mecca of the world, the renowned Maasai Mara is one of the most outstanding wildlife reserves on the planet! The vast, open plains are home to large prides of lions, cheetahs, leopards, elephants, black rhinos, hippos, Maasai giraffes, common zebras, gnu, impala, Thompson’s and Grant’s gazelles, topi, hartebeest, black-backed jackals, spotted hyenas and more. It is the best reserve for the big cats, where BBC filmed Big Cat Diaries and where they continue to film regularly.  

This safari will also take place during the GREAT MIGRATION. Each year, between July and October, approximately 1.5 million wildebeest, 400,000 zebras, and 200,000 gazelles migrate through the Mara, chasing the rain and eating the tall grasses as they come from and returning to the Serengeti in Tanzania. This giant moving feast for the predators creates one of nature’s most astonishing dramas, producing a lot of dust and action!! 

AMBOSELI RESERVE: This enchanting African jewel, nestled at the foothills of Mount Kilimanjaro, offers a sensory feast that awakens the soul. Imagine driving beside large herds of elephants, zebras, and giraffes as they roam through the dusty plains of the dry lake with Mount Kilimanjaro as a backdrop. These exotic creatures traverse long stretches of bare soil between feeding grounds, forming long lines as they march, a breathtaking sight in this spectacular environment. 

A Maasai name meaning “salty dust,” Amboseli is an incredible place to see some of the last giant iconic tuskers remaining in Africa. Over 1,000 tuskers reside in the unique ecosystem. 

Hide photography – day and night.

Not all hides are alike, and this is my favorite hide across Africa because the lights that surround it are all connected to an individual switch. This is the ultimate creative tool for side light and backlight. The exclusive lodge where we will be staying has a magnificent ground-level (eye-to-eye with wildlife) night hide, allowing for an intimate perspective and dramatic images.  Staring into the darkness, anticipating what wildlife is about to arrive, is thrilling. We will exclusively use this hide and lodge 

Helicopter Photography

In the heart of the Great Southern Rift Valley, surrounded by the staggering beauty of the Olkeramatian conservancy, lies the volcanic lunar landscape. Beyond the soda lakes of Madadi and Lake Natron, which are full of flamingos, are the perfect setting for aerial photography! We will fly over the wildlife reserve on the way to the lakes. You will have two separate one-hour helicopter flights.