Photographer Spent Countless Hours With Elephants, Here Are The Best 25 Photos!

My love of black and white photography is only surpassed by my love of African wildlife, in particular, elephants. A decade ago on my first wildlife safari in Uganda. We happened upon a herd of elephants, my first encounter with these magnificent beasts was one a frightening one.

Unfortunately, the past had not been kind to the elephants living in this reserve. They had been hunted for their ivory. Even though hunting no longer takes place, elephants do not forget or forgive easily. Every time we drove close to the elephants, they would charge. I was a novice wildlife photographer at the time, and this encounter made me very wary of elephants.

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#1 Baby Elephant, Few Day Old New Addition, Bonds Of Love

Ten years later and after many safari trips and tens of thousands of photographs. I have fallen in love with African elephants. I have spent countless hours in their presence. Have witnessed the most unusual behaviors and interactions. Elephants are very intelligent animals and can feel and pick up on emotions. If you are calm and peaceful, they too will mirror those emotions.

#2 Queen Of The Mara, Matriarch Elephant

#3 Baby Elephant, Curiosity

Understanding elephant behavior has allowed me the privilege of photographing unique moments that few people will ever witness. As a fine-art wildlife photographer, my mission is to share beautiful black and white prints of African wildlife. Hopefully, to inspire and ignite a passion for all wildlife on our beautiful planet.

#4 Elephant Ridge

#5 Synchronicity

I fell in love with black and white photography after discovering Don McCullins’ book ‘A Retrospective’ while on a lunch break in the city of London, where I worked as a money broker during the ’80s/’90s. I then fell in love with wildlife artists Kim Donaldson’s and David Shepherd’s work; they both had a big influence on my color photography and style.

#6 Elephant Brothers, Bonds Of Love

#7 Shadow Bull Elephant

It was a wonderful moment as my wife Nicolinah and baby son Neo, 3 years, were in the car with me as I photographed the family of elephants protecting their newborn. At times they were upset when the bull was kicking the baby elephant, his shrieks and cries affected us all. They asked me to leave the sighting as they struggled to deal with the events. Fortunately, the herd rallied around the baby, allowing me to capture “Bonds of Love.” And we left feeling happier.

I love black and white photography, all genres. But have a passion for wildlife and landscape.

#8 Contemplation

#9 Bull Elephants On The March

People connect in a positive emotional way to my fine-art prints. Bringing them a moment of happiness, joy, or remembering a personal memory. So when it comes to photography, honestly, I enjoy all aspects. I love being on safari making photographs. I love editing my images in the digital darkroom. I love interacting with my clients when they buy my artwork. The whole process from the beginning to the end is very satisfying. It’s all I want to do with my life.

#10 Family Of Elephants

#11 The Matriarch, Queen Of The Mara

I was always passionate as a young boy about Africa. I moved to South Africa 20 years ago. Becoming a wildlife photographer felt like the natural thing to do. It was more of a calling, a vocation.