It’s been just over a month since my return from Africa, and I’ve been quite busy with the bustling events in the Bay Area.
However, my thoughts keep returning to the enchanting moments I experienced in Africa.
After a year and a half without travel, capturing these new photos filled me with boundless joy, and I’m excited to share them with all of you.
Today, I want to showcase some of my cherished elephant encounters and stories, including the awe-inspiring sight of elephants crossing Botswana’s Chobe River. So, let’s get right into it!
When encountering elephants in their natural habitat, one can’t help but be amazed by how fiercely adult females protect their young.
Often, the youngest members of the herd gather in the center, making it a challenge to capture clear photos of them in the open.
However, many opportunities exist to photograph these adorable baby elephants as they roam and graze on vegetation.
The image of a calf affectionately touching its mother’s hind leg with its trunk is heartwarming.
Our group used telephoto lenses to capture these majestic creatures, while I relied on my trusty Canon R5 camera paired with the versatile Canon 100-500mm lens for these delightful pictures.
One afternoon in Botswana, while sitting on the deck of my tent, a young elephant caught my eye as it frolicked in the water.
Without hesitation, I grabbed my camera and began capturing its playful moments during its bath.
The pictures above and below were taken simultaneously as the elephant enjoyed itself by the marsh behind my tent. At that moment, my backyard was filled with about ten other elephants I had been observing from my deck.
This photograph captures a young elephant at play while its mother grazes nearby. Elephants are fascinating subjects to photograph due to their playful and captivating behavior.
It’s common to see them toss dirt and water on themselves to stay calm, creating incredible photo opportunities.
To ensure sharp images, I used a shutter speed of at least 1/1000th of a second to freeze the dirt in mid-air.
During my recent safari, I witnessed magnificent herds of elephants migrating from one territory to another, a breathtaking sight as these gentle giants waded into the Chobe River.
Among the many remarkable shots I took, one stands out—a unique two-tone-colored elephant towering over the group.
As a group, we were treated to an endearing scene where a mother elephant found a safe spot for her little ones to cross the shallow Chobe River.
One particularly captivating moment was when a young elephant climbed onto the back of another.
I couldn’t resist capturing this heartwarming scene as I focused my camera on the two playful creatures navigating the river. It was a moment that had to be preserved, and I’m thrilled with the results.
We steered the boat close to the shore during our excursion to capture stunning images of elephants on solid ground.
We also embarked on a land safari and had a thrilling encounter with a teenage male elephant. You can watch the video above to witness our heart-pounding experience.
Although it initially startled one of our guests, she later admitted that it became the most memorable moment of her journey. In summary, it was an unforgettable experience.
As our boat glided along the water, we found ourselves perfectly able to capture striking images of elephants on the shoreline. Being close to the water’s edge allowed us to achieve a unique shot angle.
During this time, I shared tips with fellow photographers on high-key shooting—a technique that intentionally overexposes the subject to eliminate the background and create a striking contrast.
This approach worked exceptionally well when we converted our pictures into black and white.
I’m often asked what makes photographing in Botswana exceptional, and my answer remains consistent: there’s nothing quite like capturing images from a boat on the river.
Being at eye level with the animals we photograph allows us to take stunning shots of them in their natural habitat.
One evening during our latest trip on the Chobe River, I asked our guide to help me find an elephant on the shoreline to capture a photo against the backdrop of the setting sun.
I challenged my companions to capture the sun under the elephant’s trunk or by its tusks, and we all ended up with some stunning shots. It was the perfect way to conclude an extraordinary day!
I hope you enjoyed viewing these pictures as much as I wanted to capture them. If you haven’t yet visited Africa, I highly recommend it! It’s a life-transforming experience.
Our team will be returning to the continent next year, and you can find more information about our upcoming excursions on this website.
