ENTRY DESCRIPTION
Location: Maasai Mara National Reserve
When: 18th November 2023

At first glance, this might seem self-indulgent, but I must clarify—I’m not responsible for naming this incredible elephant.

He just happens to share my name. Allow me to explain.

Last year, during my time in the Maasai Mara, I encountered this magnificent elephant. With tusks larger than those of the typical Mara elephants, he immediately captured my attention.

I spent countless hours photographing and filming him, utterly captivated by his presence. Some time later, I received an email from the Mara Elephant Project, an organization dedicated to conserving elephants in the greater Mara ecosystem.

The email revealed that this elephant had been cataloged in their database as “Individual 668.” However, they’d noticed how much time I spent observing him and decided to give him a proper name: Harry.

So now, somewhere in the vast Mara ecosystem, there’s a majestic elephant carrying my namesake.

And honestly? It's a huge honour!

This image is one of my favorites of him. His powerful yet graceful form faces the camera, framed by dramatic storm clouds. Capturing this shot took careful planning and patience.

I spent weeks studying his movements, noting how he’d emerge from the forest and move into the marsh in the mornings. This behaviour was key to the shot—the light would be in front of him, beautifully illuminating his features. Once I envisioned the kind of backdrop I wanted, it took nearly two months to position myself at just the right time and place.

In the end, everything came together. I’m proud of how it turned out, and I hope it does justice to this extraordinary creature.

AUTHOR
Harry is a wildlife photographer from the UK. Leaving the corporate world at the end of 2020, he took up photography full-time to pursue his passion.

Most recently, Harry has worked as a Resident Photographer for the renowned Governors’ Camp Collection in Kenya. Using both photography and videography, he has captured some unforgettable moments in the wild across multiple location across Kenya, including; Mugie Conservancy in Laikipia, Lake Naivasha, Lake Nakuru, Tsavo, Chyulu Hills and the Maasai Mara.

Harry’s aim has always been to use his photography as a medium to give back to wildlife and conservation efforts. Causes that he donates to are usually related to the subject of the image. Organisations that he has raised funds for include; Mara Elephant Project, Mara Predator Conservation Programme & Cheetah Conservation Fund UK.

Harry is set to spend October 2023 to January 2024 in Kenya for his second stint with Governors’ Camp Collection.

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