ENTRY DESCRIPTION
It has been a dream to pair one of the world's most celebrated mountains with one of Africa's most iconic elephants for several years. I have lost count of the times I have had a clear mountain but no tusker or vice versa. After nearly 100 days in Amboseli, my dream finally came true.

This image highlights a couple of key things for me. Very little would be different in this photograph, whether it was taken today or 100 years ago. However, years ago, the snow on Kilimanjaro would have stretched down to the cloudline, highlighting our need to take drastic measures to improve the health of our planet. On the other hand, this image brings me great hope. The elephant, known as "TJ", is only 34 years old and has one of Africa's most impressive sets of ivory. They are, in fact, more prominent than Tim's were at this age. TJ will indeed become one of the most immense elephants to walk the plains of East Africa in modern history. Considering all the challenges elephants have faced, I find it inspiring that mammoth-like elephants still exist today. Special mention must be given to Big Life Foundation for this image because, without their work, TJ's tusks would most likely have been cut into small pieces in the Far East by now.

I love how the top of TJ's head and ears appear similar to the shape of the mountain above and how the texture and folds of his skin echo on the mountain. It provides the perfect connection between these two icons of Africa.

I sincerely hope to remake the portrait in 15 years when TJ could be the most impressive tusker in Africa.

AUTHOR
James Lewin is an internationally acclaimed photographic artist based in Kenya. He has built a reputation for creating timeless masterpieces that bring a unique perspective into the lives of some of the world's most iconic inhabitants. Entirely self-taught, Lewin picked up a camera after working with anti-poaching and research units on the front line of conservation in Kenya, and has since received more than 25 international awards for his evocative work.
Lewin has spent nearly a decade exploring remote areas of Africa, following his subjects for weeks, waiting patiently for extraordinary compositions that will likely never reoccur. All his photographs are of wild animals in their natural habitats, with multiple artworks captured within a few feet of his subjects using customised vehicles or on foot. The captivating levels of intimacy, emotion and drama allow the viewer to experience his subjects' magnificence and unique characters. His artistic approach aims to engage people and inspire new appreciation and respect for the natural world.

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