Mara Watch: Week Six

23rd October 2009

This week: Light from Paul Goldstein in the Mara, Kenya

The Masai Mara is blessed with the best light in the world, fact. Whether you are a photographer or wilderness fan you cannot fail to be seduced by the extraordinary light. Whether it is towering thunderheads and angry inky nimbus or early or late burnished glows, it is completely intoxicating. Vertiginous escarpments and 1500 metres almost guarantee quality photographic light but often thumping storms provide the best of all. Here is an example of what attracts so many back to this prolific reserve. Throw in the highest concentration of game anywhere in Africa and you have a mesmeric cocktail begging to be experienced.

To see more of these spectacular shots come to the Royal Geographical Society on 8th Dec - Mara Watch 2009 - when Paul will thrill any wilderness fans with his take on the Mara this year. Presenting with Paul will be Mr Travel himself, Simon Calder.

Click on the images to enlarge and appreciate full size image

Mara Watch Week Six

	Left and following 7 images: Sunsets, storms and big skies – is there anywhere more beautiful, or anywhere more dramatic.


Next 2 following images on the right: Not just big game, bee eaters and rollers are at their best in the early morning piercing rays. Followed by 3 images below: A leopard (or cub - see week 4 image) at any time is the hardest currency of any safari, but combine it with radiant light and it is photographic nirvana.



Previous 6 images above: Although not ostentatious animals, cheetahs do have a knack of posing when the sun shines, early or late, they are fantastic subjects for all precision optics. Next image on right: Smaller spotted cat but just as stunning, a beautiful female serval soaks up the last rays of the day. Followed by next 3 images:Wildebeest – the protagonists of the migration – fundamental food sources for the crocs and lions but also dramatic in their own right and sometimes they cross just after dawn.


Previous and following images: Lion Kings – Bold, majestic and powerful, also lazy, greedy and bad tempered, whatever the characteristics they are always marvellously impressive.