Photo 1: Necking
I took this photo in Entabeni Game Reserve in South Africa, capturing a fascinating moment between two giraffes engaged in a behavior known as “necking.” As I watched, these two males swung their long necks with incredible force, striking each other in what seemed like a graceful yet powerful dance. Necking is their way of establishing dominance, testing strength to determine hierarchy or access to mates. It was mesmerizing to witness how these gentle giants displayed such raw power, yet their movements remained elegant. The intertwining of their necks created a striking composition, and I chose to present it in black and white to emphasize their unique coat patterns and the texture of their skin and symmetry in their interaction. The stark background isolates the subjects, focusing all attention on their entwined forms and the intimate yet competitive moment they share. Giraffes are such iconic animals, yet their future is uncertain due to habitat loss, poaching, and climate change. Standing there, watching these giants in their natural habitat, I couldn’t help but feel a sense of both awe and urgency. This moment reminded me of how important it is to protect their ecosystems so that these incredible behaviors can continue to play out in the wild.
Photo 5-10: Newborn
During a morning game drive in South Africa’s Entabeni Game Reserve, torrential rain forced us to consider cutting our adventure short. We were on our way back to the lodge when we stumbled upon an extraordinary sight, a herd of wildebeests, one of which was in the midst of giving birth. Despite the rain, we couldn’t tear ourselves away, spending over half an hour watching this miraculous event unfold. It began with a glimpse of two tiny hooves emerging from the mother wildebeest’s birth canal. Next, the head of the calf appeared, and the mother kept walking. Then, the mother knelt and lowered herself to the ground. With one final push, the newborn wildebeest entered the world. What followed was one of the most touching scenes I’ve ever witnessed. The entire herd gathered around the mother and her calf, forming a circle of protection and curiosity. It was profoundly moving to watch the herd collectively welcome this new life. The calf began its first attempts to stand. Its legs wobbled, and it toppled over a few times. Each attempt was a testament to the newborn’s instinct to survive. After several tries, the calf finally stood tall on its spindly legs. My happiness was endless.