MASSAI MARA EXTREME SAFARI2024

2 LOCATIONS, 2 LEADERS!

MAASAI MARA: Known as the wildlife mecca of the world and immortalized by countless wildlife films, the renowned Maasai Mara needs little introduction, because it is arguably the greatest wildlife reserve on the planet! The vast, open plains are home to large prides of lions, cheetahs, leopards, elephants, black Rhino,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.

Occurring in the greatest wildlife safari destination in the world, we are going to push the creative boundaries!  More than a safari this is also a creative skill building workshop! Our goal is you leave not only having an incredible safari experience, but return home with your best images ever! 

Each morning before sunrise and again in late afternoon until sundown we will be out on safari in the Maasai Mara with a focus on dramatic light, creativity, perspective, and thinking through making amazing images far beyond the panic point and shoot what is happening in front of you. We will explain our thought process as we approach a subject, why we positioned a vehicle a certain way, our gear choice, and settings. 

Our second location is in one of the best Mara conservancies where we will have off road access for the best positioning. We will also be able to use the special low angle door on our vehicles which will give you a low eye-to-eye perspective. There is a low density of vehicles in the conservancy especially at this time of year, so you can use your wide-angle lens low and up close and not have other vehicles in your shot! 

Each participant who wishes will also be able to spend one full day sitting next to the guide discussing the sightings, where to go, and giving directions in positioning the vehicle. You will leave fully confident in going out on your own in any reserve to create stunning images. 

During midday and evenings, we will conduct instruction on camera settings, composition, light, creative shooting and creative techniques, motion in still images, why perspective is critical, post-processing and image reviews. We will mentor you on your vision and photographic goals. 

Deluxe Photographic Safari Vehicles 

Our vehicles are fully extended Land Cruisers specially designed to give photographers the most flexibility and maximum space. The sides of the Land cruisers are open (no small sliding windows), with built in bean bags to support big lenses.  The roof has a special leather roll back top, so there are no bars holding up a pop-top, which create obstructions of your lens placement. They ensure plenty of space and options for using clamps, molar beanbags, panning plates, and other gear to aid your ability to capture the best images. 

Experienced Driver Guides

Our driver guides are all silver rated and have thousands of hours of experience throughout the entire Mara. They understand the needs of photographers and the importance of quickly positioning the vehicle for the best light, composition, and exceptional photographs.  Our main guides have vast personal networks, through which they receive information from all corners of the Mara. Having a large solid network in the Mara, which is critically important for the best photographic opportunities. 

Extra Weight Allowance 

We have arranged extra weight allowance on your flights to and from the Mara, so your gear and luggage can remain with you.  This is a big trip, and anything could happen when transferring gear and luggage by ground transfer. 

This workshop is open to 8 participants. 

Professional Photography leaders 

Piper Mackay – has over 18 years’ experience photographing throughout the African continent and lives in Kenya. She is a seasoned expert in guiding photographic safaris in Africa for over a decade. In 2017, she won the prestigious African wildlife category for Natures Best Photography. Her work has been widely published in numerous internationally known magazines and she is an inspirational speaker for Nikon. Her caring approach and sincere care for her clients’ satisfaction and success is palpable!

Vicki Santello-has traveled to Southern Africa 18 times since 1981 with extended stays as long 2 months. She travels the world over to diversify her photography portfolio including polar regions, South America, Japan and numerous locations in North America. In 2018, Vicki won the prestigious Nature’s Best Africa category, Wild Cat Behavioural. Her work has been published in various publications and exhibited in galleries and museums. Her imagery continues to earn recognition in photography competitions such as (USA based) North American Nature Photographer’s Association, (UK based), Wildart Photographer of the Year, (Kenyan based), Greatest Maasai Mara Photographer of the Year and numerous Nature’s Best competitions held worldwide. Vicki is looking forward to sharing her love of the Maasai Mara and her passion for photography with you!