If there is an iconic creature that transcends Amboseli is Craig. Craig is one of the few big tuskers alive on earth and a desired subject worldwide for many photographers. He was always in my mind when I travelled to Amboseli the very first time, and I was lucky to find and photograph him then. Despite it was one of the most exciting experiences in my life so far, the conditions prevented me to make a good and strong photo of Craig during my first safari. It was only after several tries and on later trips to Kenya when I had the chance to meet him again under more favorable conditions for photography. The support from my guide and the Maasai was paramount, and I was able to stay in directly in front of him the necessary time to make some photographs I really wanted to. I got as close as possible to Craig having the Maasai with me, and vey attentive to them, as my safety was in their hands. I strongly recommend and advice everyone not to do that on his/her own, as it is really dangerous. Despite that Craig is familiar with humans, he is a wild giant. In any case and apart of the photography, the experience to share space and time with him is something unique. In this picture I wanted to have a close look to him, capturing one singular moment when both were looking into the eyes of the other, in complete silence. I felt he has a good soul and heart, and some days later I had another chance to experience it, but that’s another story I tell in my book “The Giants Whisper”, where I choose this image for the cover.
If there is an iconic creature that transcends Amboseli is Craig. Craig is one of the few big tuskers alive on earth and a desired subject worldwide for many photographers. He was always in my mind when I travelled to Amboseli the very first time, and I was lucky to find and photograph him then. Despite it was one of the most exciting experiences in my life so far, the conditions prevented me to make a good and strong photo of Craig during my first safari. It was only after several tries and on later trips to Kenya when I had the chance to meet him again under more favorable conditions for photography. The support from my guide and the Maasai was paramount, and I was able to stay in directly in front of him the necessary time to make some photographs I really wanted to. I got as close as possible to Craig having the Maasai with me, and vey attentive to them, as my safety was in their hands. I strongly recommend and advice everyone not to do that on his/her own, as it is really dangerous. Despite that Craig is familiar with humans, he is a wild giant. In any case and apart of the photography, the experience to share space and time with him is something unique. In this picture I wanted to have a close look to him, capturing one singular moment when both were looking into the eyes of the other, in complete silence. I felt he has a good soul and heart, and some days later I had another chance to experience it, but that’s another story I tell in my book “The Giants Whisper”, where I choose this image for the cover.
