UMOJA 👣

In the late afternoon haze, an elephant herd pauses as the matriarch thoughtfully scents the air.

Umoja in Swahili means "togetherness". The had just emerged from grasses further below. Their rumblings quieted for the moment. Gently, the adults stood by the youngest, who kept still as the wafts of the humid African haze wrapped behind them. They stood there for a while, the occasional soft grumble echoing up to me as the matriarch lifted her trunk to sniff where I was. It seemed they were somewhat cautious about our presence but seemed accepting after a few moments, as they turned slowly in our direction, carefully urging the youngsters of their herd to be protected on all sides.

Observing the unspoken loyalties and sensing a constant exchange of information among this elephant herd touched my heart. Even in nature, there are fellow creatures where families are key. Not just to survival and development to continue the species, as we mostly perceive the reasoning behind this, but, for me, perhaps also deeply bound by affections we cannot see or understand. The elephant is a perfect example of how groups often create and maintain a deeper social order. Respect for this creature may be understood in terms of love and memory, and while their nature is essentially loving and peaceful, it can be torn apart in a very challenging world. In this moment, though, it was the kinship and love that shone for me, which I hope translates into this capture of togetherness.

RAW AFRICA COLLECTION

Welcome to Africa - the wise, the restless, the life giving.

This soulful land of dreamers gives rise to the underbelly of a beautiful gentle beat that is only heard by those who listen for it. This photographic journey explores, profiles and captures what I hope is the heart and soul of Africa's true wilderness kingdom. From its deep bush to its dry savannah and desert, Africa remains a place where life is represented by timeless vistas that are distilled into moments to treasure.