He is Craig, the King of Amboseli. One of the few big tuskers left in the world, he is considered by many the biggest elephant alive. It was a privilege to be in front of him, sharing time and space with one of the most amazing creatures alive on Earth. It was really hard to photograph him. First because he is moving permanently, walking long distances in the Amboseli area. And it makes it difficult to find him. Without some of the most experienced guides in Africa and the support of the Massai this would not be possible. Secondly because finding him is one thing and making a strong and evocative picture of Craig is something different. Ideally an open space, might be with the Kilimanjaro behind as a background, or like in this case in open plain with a beautiful textured sky over him. After several failing attempts I had a good feeling that morning and decided to try it again. My dear guide Juma managed to find Craig outside the National Park and the light was getting better every moment. The picture was taken at a very short distance and from the ground, at very low level, and the time window for making it was very short. I was on the limit of proximity to him, with one eye on the viewfinder of any camera, and my ears fully attentive to the Massai by my side just in case the situation turned really dangerous and I had to abort the shooting. There is always certain degree of anxiety and strong emotions being in front of Craig. He is a gentle giant, the King of Amboseli, but a free and wild soul. A living icon of the wildlife and nature. That morning in Amboseli and after so much work, it was finally possible to take this strong, beautiful and evocative photo of Craig.
He is Craig, the King of Amboseli. One of the few big tuskers left in the world, he is considered by many the biggest elephant alive. It was a privilege to be in front of him, sharing time and space with one of the most amazing creatures alive on Earth. It was really hard to photograph him. First because he is moving permanently, walking long distances in the Amboseli area. And it makes it difficult to find him. Without some of the most experienced guides in Africa and the support of the Massai this would not be possible. Secondly because finding him is one thing and making a strong and evocative picture of Craig is something different. Ideally an open space, might be with the Kilimanjaro behind as a background, or like in this case in open plain with a beautiful textured sky over him. After several failing attempts I had a good feeling that morning and decided to try it again. My dear guide Juma managed to find Craig outside the National Park and the light was getting better every moment. The picture was taken at a very short distance and from the ground, at very low level, and the time window for making it was very short. I was on the limit of proximity to him, with one eye on the viewfinder of any camera, and my ears fully attentive to the Massai by my side just in case the situation turned really dangerous and I had to abort the shooting. There is always certain degree of anxiety and strong emotions being in front of Craig. He is a gentle giant, the King of Amboseli, but a free and wild soul. A living icon of the wildlife and nature. That morning in Amboseli and after so much work, it was finally possible to take this strong, beautiful and evocative photo of Craig.
