The African bush can feel like the land is unfurling forever with no obstacles on the horizon other than the occasional sunbaked termite mound. But, every once in awhile the landscape is punctuated by a single tree offering the promise of shade.
During the hottest hours of the day, I watched as this herd of elephants slowly crossed the vast plain, looking for the comfort of a moment spent together - without the sun. As they stood there, soaking in the protection of this tree, I was taken aback by the beautiful simplicity of the moment. They stayed there until the high noon sun passed, occasionally playing or munching on nearby greens while the youngest ones never left the care of their mother.
Between the serene scene in front of me, the smell of sweet sage punctuating the air, and the occasional ring-necked dove’s trill, this was one of the most memorable moments from my expedition to Kenya.
I’m driven by documenting signs of what’s shared by all inhabitants of this Earth - human and animal - in the most unexpected or remote of places, and this scene encompasses just that: the joy of spending time with loved ones.