Harry -
You have some gorgeous shots here - I'm looking forward to viewing more!
Love the shot of the zebras running. It gives both a sense of scale and of speed.

--- Denise

Way to go, Harry! This was the post I was really waiting for.

Great work Harry! Of course I think we both had an unfair advantage with the Nikons :)

Seriously great images!

Seriously great images, is right. Some of the best I can recollect ever seeing from a safari.

Originally Posted by Andy Here are you and Marc shooting me, not easy from the biplane, shooting blind, camera over my head

From what I remember that was the way you always shot with or without the biplane.

Originally Posted by Harryb From what I remember that was the way you always shot with or without the biplane.

I do notice that you're sitting back and letting the real pro do the work there in that shot

And I thought you just shot birds Harry , these photo's are amazing and inspiring!
Something similar could be my 40th birthday pressie to me!

Our first three days at Wilderness Trails in Lewa Downs were a great beginning for our safari.

Our "hut" was marvelous





when we returned at the end of the day a fire was going


My only complaint was with the prior occupants


There was family of hyraxes hanging out on our porch. They seemed to resent our presence. They always scampered away when I came on the porch but one always stayed close and glared at me.


I looked them up and was relieved to find out that they weren't related to squirrels.

Fortunately there were ample other wildlife photo ops

Vervet Monkey


impala


red-billed hornbill


a grey-crowned crane


secretary bird








cheetah


I can't say enough about how the Maasai staff at Wilderness Trails and the Ker & Downey folks took care of us.

Simon, one of our drivers/guide/spotter


Simon took care of everything, even extricating our land rover from this little mishap


At the end of the three days we were wished a fond farewell


as we boarded Air Muench


and left Lewa Downs


next stop the Maasai Mara

Birds whoop whoop
Now you're getting to the pertinent critters. Really nice.

Originally Posted by Allen Birds whoop whoop Now you're getting to the pertinent critters. Really nice.

Allen, it was a birder's paradise. I'm not joking, we saw and photographed up close at least 30+ different species of birds. So awesome.

Nice! That last underwing Shot, incredible!

I'm just blown away from the variety of wildlife here. Really great shots, Harry. Keep 'em coming. I know you guys are going to be busy for a very long time.

Originally Posted by mushy And I thought you just shot birds Harry , these photo's are amazing and inspiring! Something similar could be my 40th birthday pressie to me!

Thanks and you have to remember that I've been shooting for a long time. I've only been shooting birds for the last few years since I moved to Florida.

Thanks for the kind words and if you're looking for a cool B-day present we are going back to Africa in early 2013.

I love all of these wilderness shots. Nice work guys!! :)

Harry,

These are among the very best images I have seen out of Africa. National Geographic cover all the way.

As to the biplane..............that would be my first choice!!!!!

Sorry about the harsh living conditions you had to live in.

I look forward to more.

Sam

Originally Posted by Sam Sorry about the harsh living conditions you had

What about me? I had 13 days with Harry, out in the middle of nowhere, and not a Pastrami Sandwich or good pickle in sight

Originally Posted by Andy What about me? I had 13 days with Harry, out in the middle of nowhere, and not a Pastrami Sandwich or good pickle in sight

Andy,

Your a vegetarian! What the heck would you do with a Pastrami Sandwich, poison the Maasai with American food?

Sam

Our next 5 days were spent on the Maasai Mara National Reserve at the Rekero Camp. The soft life we had at Lewa Downs was over as we faced the hardships of living in tents.





We had to eat lunch outdoors




dinner was served in a primitive tent


and sometimes outdoors


we hung out around a fire in the evenings


or Marc conducted critique sessions




Our long grueling days were spent in land rovers


The wonders of the Maasai Mara more than made up for the hardships we had to endure

















I was speaking of hardships

Harry,

More great stuff! I assume these horribly crude tent cities are permanently set up for unsuspecting guests like yourselves.

I do need to ask, what's up with the skirts?

Sam

Originally Posted by Sam I do need to ask, what's up with the skirts? Sam

It's called a kikoi, worn in East Africa. Super comfy, very cool, great for relaxing in. Also useful out shooting, as a blanket for rough ground, or a scarf when the night gets cool. Love it! I wished Harry would've worn his