I was born in the heart of Nairobi, a city that pulses with energy, innovation, and life. My love for photography began in the most unexpected way—through the lens of my father’s old photographs. I vividly remember the images of him as a young man, kneeling in his garden, surrounded by vibrant flowers that stretched as far as the eye could see. The contrast between those moments and modern Nairobi, where flowers are confined to balconies and the skyline has swallowed up green spaces, struck me deeply. I realised how impermanent time is and how precious the act of preserving each moment could be.
For years, my camera was glued to the side lines, capturing the blur of athletes in motion. The roar of the crowd, the adrenaline of the game—sports photography was my passion. But a yearning for something different, more primal, began to stir within me. The call of the wild beckoned me to explore a new frontier. So, I embarked on a journey of transition, leaving behind the structured world of sports, venturing into the unpredictable realm of wildlife photography. It was a daunting leap of faith, a complete shift in perspective and approach.
As wildlife photographers we are called to immerse ourselves in the intricate dance of life—from the grace of a soaring eagle to the subtle shift in a leopard’s gaze. Every click captures a moment of existence, a testament to the delicate balance and raw power of the natural world. It is not just about capturing a photograph; it is about connecting with the wild, understanding its rhythms, and sharing its beauty with the world.
For years I have felt a deep connection to nature, learning to decipher the whispers of the wind, the rustling of leaves, and the songs of birds. The true reward of photography lies in experiencing the world through a unique perspective, magnified by the lens. This journey has been a constant evolution marked by self-discovery and the acquisition of knowledge. It has challenged me to push my creative boundaries and has heightened my admiration for the complex magnificence surrounding us.
The essence of wildlife photography is to showcase the splendour of our world, to show beauty where others see chaos. Wildlife photography extends beyond creating visually stunning images; it is a powerful tool for promoting conservation and raising awareness about diverse species and ecosystems. It plays a pivotal role in fostering a deeper connection between viewers and our planet, igniting a collective responsibility to protect our shared environment. This is why I fell in love with this beautiful art form.
There are a few tips that have helped me capture stunning images. First and foremost, it is about understanding light, which is fundamental to photography as an art form. Mastering light is crucial for successful photography as it significantly impacts the quality and storytelling potential of the image.
In wildlife photography, composition is everything. It is about what’s in the frame and where it is. You are arranging elements, choosing what to include and what to leave out. Every good wildlife shot focuses on the animal, whether by showing a full scene or zooming in tightly, using depth of field and leading lines to tell a story.
Another important aspect of wildlife photography is capturing emotion. Whether it is the joy of a playful animal or the determination of a predator on a hunt, adding emotion to your images makes them more engaging.
At the very core of Ishara, storytelling is not just an activity; it is a vibrant pulse, a compelling force that inspires us to rise at the first whisper of dawn, eager to capture the golden hues that only the early light can paint. This fervour is what keeps our grip firm on our cameras, our eyes wide with anticipation, as we seek to immortalise the fleeting moments that the world offers. It is in this pursuit that the enchantment of photography reveals itself to us time and again, a never-diminishing wonder that we are profoundly thankful to share.
Ishara stands as more than just a space; it is a sanctuary for creativity, where individuals, irrespective of their journey in photography—from novices finding joy in the simplicity of phone captures to veteran wildlife photographers who narrate the untold stories of the Mara—come together. It is here, in this special enclave, where creative souls flourish, collaborate, and broadcast their distinct narratives of the Mara, and indeed life itself, to a global audience. Ishara celebrates this diversity of vision, uniting us in our shared passion for storytelling and the enduring magic of photography, making it a place where every shot tells a story and every storyteller is welcome.
Photo credits: Joseph Njenga, Eric Averdung