Guys, this is not to exclude you, and you are more than welcome to read along, as you might want to recommend this to one of your photographic friends. 

In my two-decade journey photographing across Africa, the challenges of being a female photographer persist. Simply put, the path to success is more arduous for us due to a significantly higher ratio of male photographers, particularly in the professional realm. It’s crucial to note that this isn’t a negative statement but rather a factual observation meant to provide context. As we’ve progressed through life, we understand the significance of connections and who knows us when opportunities arise.

In moments of need, the common practice is to turn to workmates, colleagues, or friends in the industry and ask, “Do you know of anyone…”. This also means fewer mentorship opportunities, , a factor of paramount importance for those seeking a more expedited journey with fewer obstacles and more significant support in reaching their goals. The profound impact of mentorship is often underestimated.

Female mentorship was a rare commodity when I embarked on my photography journey. Two decades ago, those of us venturing into the field found ourselves navigating the terrain alone, testing the waters, making numerous mistakes, leaping over daunting hurdles, and dusting off our knees repeatedly. Therefore, the invitation from Sarah Delvin of Women in Wildlife Photography to be one of the Women on the Mara leaders this July/August filled me with excitement and honor. Beyond the opportunity to share my photographic expertise and philosophy, orchestrating the perfect vehicle positioning for optimal light and composition, the true essence lies in the camaraderie and invaluable mentorship unfolding during this safari.

In each vehicle will be an experienced wildlife female photographer leader who, like me, has a strong business background in diverse industries. Our mission goes way beyond helping you capture incredible images; we are dedicated to providing mentorship and offering support not just in photography but in all aspects. 

A mentor is there for;

• A source of knowledge
• Helping to build your network
• Encouragement and empowerment to overcome adversity
• Increasing confidence and having guidance, motivation, and emotional support 
• Giving crucial support for navigating challenges
• Gaining insight from their experiences 
• To help you understand professional expectations
• Collaboration

My colleague, Greg Thomason, who co-leads trips with me, has just returned from Namibia. I thought he was there on a unique workshop, and while that was true, it was not a photo workshop but a “creative retreat.”  They shared industry insights, philosophies, stories in the field, and creative techniques and made solid connections, all of which are important and seem lost in today’s world. 

Women on the Mara offers far beyond the promised incredible photographic experience. It encompasses the bonds, camaraderie, mutual support, unity, uplifting one another, the friendships forged, and the stories we’ll share around the fire with cocktails every night.

Ladies, this is a tremendous opportunity to be a part of a refreshing, soulful experience, and I hope two of you reading this grab the chance to join us; it could be just the inspiration needed to move you forward! 

More than a photograph, an experience!