I am thrilled that the first Maasai Mara workshop with Vicki Santello was incredibly successful!! The images on this page are from the guests at the workshop.
For a decade, I passionately taught the Spirit-N-Light workshop series on light, background, motion, emotion, and perspective to help photographers build their skills in preparation for safari and travel photography. When I moved to Kenya three years ago, planning my busy schedule around traveling back to the US to conduct these workshops became impractical. As a result, I decided to host the workshops in my backyard, in the breathtaking setting of the world’s most extraordinary wildlife reserve.
When I dreamed up the idea of hosting a workshop in the Maasai Mara, I had doubts about how it would unfold. At the ranch, I controlled the subjects. At the ranch, I had control over the subjects. It was simple to demonstrate backlighting and side lighting with a shadowed hill, positioning the subjects accordingly. Teaching and practicing motion blur was effortless with the help of wranglers who could drive cattle or horses. I was incredibly anxious when the skies opened up in January, and we received unprecedented rain for the next six weeks in the middle of the dry season!!
The workshop took place in two locations in the Mara, one in the conservancy with off-road access and use of our low-angle door. On the first evening, I told the group to shoot what they felt. Then, each day, after our morning game drive, I gave a short presentation on one of the four elements of a successful image, and on the fifth day, I added some bonus creative concepts and ideas. The group was highly engaged throughout, and it was gratifying to witness their photography skills improve visibly day by day.
Our guides were definitely chasing the light!
As the sun shot up we looked for the shadows, side light, and contrast light.
We were in the Mara, so of course, there was lots of action and a very special, rare sighting of a Greater Melanistic Galago, but if you follow me on Facebook, I refer to it as a gremlin!
In the second location, we did daily image reviews and post-production, and Vicki, a multi-award-winning photographer, gave a fantastic presentation on entering photo competitions. We were also in a private conservancy with off-road access for the best positioning and where we could use our low-level door for the best perspective!
One of the quotes we loved the most was, “The sightings were fewer than I am used to, but my photos are so much better!” – Andrew Tse.
One of my core messages is, “STOP clicking and start creating.” When you’re rushing from one sighting to another, merely reacting to what’s in front of you, using a spray-and-pray approach, expensive gear isn’t necessary because you’re essentially taking snapshots. We intentionally chose the off-season, commonly referred to by photographers as “Big Cat Season.” During this time, there are significantly fewer vehicles, enabling the capture of higher-quality images. We often had sightings all to ourselves or with just a handful of other photographers.
One of our goals was for our clients to leave with a solid portfolio of diverse and creative images that they could carry with them on their next exotic photographic adventure and use as a reference tool while in the field.
I believe I can speak on behalf of both Vicki Santello and myself when I say that this experience has been incredibly fulfilling for us. It was truly remarkable to witness such a talented and diverse group of international photographers coming together, many of whom were friends traveling together. Despite their individual backgrounds, they seamlessly blended together to fully immerse themselves in the workshop safari experience, gaining insights not only from our teachings but also from each other.
We are excited to announce that we will be offering this workshop again at the beginning of 2026, and I have already put up an interest list. We sincerely hope that you will consider joining us in the world’s most fantastic wildlife reserve for what promises to be an unforgettable experience!
After just completing this successful workshop, it was thrilling to launch the Ultimate Kenya Wildlife Safari, co-led by Vicki Jauron. It SOLD OUT in about 12 hours!
There are TWO SPOTS left on the very special Legacy Safari Co-led with Kimerlee Curyl
Wow, that would have been awesome. Loved your Dust and Light and this would be fantastic! I hope you keep doing this! Next year the budget is booked, but maybe 2026 or 2027.
Beth
Looking forward to Botswana! Bucket list, I still want male lion playing with a cub and a really nice silhouette and of course backlight!! If I can have one more watch a hunt, have not seen that either!