MAASAI MARA SAFARI WORKSHOP 2026

2 LOCATIONS, 2 LEADERS!

If you want to learn and improve your skills while in the field and on safari,
this safari/workshop is PERFECT for you!!

This experience is more than just a safari—it’s a creative skill-building workshop! Each day includes presentations focused on enhancing your skills. Vicki, an expert in photo contests, will share her process for selecting standout images, and there will be multiple image review sessions. Our goal is for you to leave with an unforgettable safari experience, improved photographic expertise, and a collection of your best images. Set in one of the world’s most extraordinary wildlife destinations, we’ll inspire you to push the boundaries of creativity!

MAASAI MARA/MARA CONSERVANCY: 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 most incredible wildlife reserve on the planet! The vast, open plains are home to large pride of lions, cheetahs, leopards, elephants, black rhinos, hippos, Maasai giraffes, common zebras, gnu, impala, Thompson’s and Grant’s gazelles, topis, hartebeests, black-backed jackals, spotted hyenas and more. It is the best reserve for big cats, where BBC filmed Big Cat Diaries and continues to film regularly.

” I am a serious amateur photographer and this was my 4th Safari to Africa. I learn a few very important techniques to make my photos look so much better. I took much less photos this trip than before, even though at 20 frames per sec, but many many more one-star and above photos.” – Andrew Tse

See the images of guests from the success of the workshop in 2024

SAFARI + WORKSHOP

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. 

In our first location, after our morning game drive, we will give a short visual presentation on one of the five elements of a successful, powerful image. We will focus on that element for the next two drives and layer on these elements each day. This was proven to be very successful for our guests in 2024. Each day, you will be given time to review your images and make a small selection for the image reviews that will take place in our second location. 

During midday, 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. 

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! We will apply creative techniques and conduct daily image reviews at this location. We will also discuss all things photography and mentor you on your vision and photographic goals. 

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. 

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 unique leather roll-back top, so no bars are holding up a pop-top, obstructing your lens placement. They ensure enough space and options for using clamps, molar beanbags, panning plates, and other gear to help you capture the best images. 

Experienced Driver Guides

Our driver guides are 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. They have vast personal networks through which they receive information from all corners of the Mara. 

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 – lives in Kenya and has over 20 years of experience photographing throughout the African continent. She has also been a seasoned expert in guiding photographic safaris for over 15 years and has vast experience in the Maasai Mara. She has won many awards, including the prestigious African wildlife category for Nature’s Best Photography. Her work has been widely published, and she has been an inspirational speaker for Nikon and Canon. Her caring approach and sincere care for her client’s satisfaction and success are palpable!

Vicki Santello has traveled to Africa over 20 times since 1981 with extended stays as long 2 months. In 2018, Vicki won the prestigious Nature’s Best Africa category, Wild Cat Behavioral. 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 (the 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!