Sitting on the beach in Southern California, I reflect on the astonishing journey of the past 20 years spent capturing photographic adventures across Africa. Stepping onto the rich red soil, I was immediately transformed. The sights, smells, and sounds of those raw, untamed landscapes were nothing short of magic. Africa isn’t just a place you see in words or images; it’s an experience you must feel to truly comprehend.

I have been privileged to document the continent’s breathtaking landscapes, rich tribal heritage, and diverse wildlife. From the most exotic tribal areas deep in South Sudan, Southern Ethiopia, and Northern Kenya to the rainforest of Rwanda and Uganda, across the sweeping savannahs of East Africa, and through the wild wilderness of Zimbabwe, Botswana, and Namibia, each journey has been a tapestry of unforgettable moments frozen in time. These photographs are not just images; they are stories etched in light and shadow, reflecting the heartbeat of a continent that continues to inspire and humble me. They are also the footprints of my life. 

Overwhelmed by reckless beauty, the early years were captured in vivid color. As the world changed rapidly with technology, I turned to the powerful, sophisticated monochrome style of infrared, retracing my footsteps to create images that gave a powerful glimpse into the raw and wild lands I first experienced. I aimed to create a timeless body of work before the traditions and wild places melted into the fast-approaching modern world. 

The last 3-4 years have been filled with extremely unexpected challenges, one after another, which delayed a few projects. However, you can take a sneak peek at my new site, which is host to my fine art prints showcasing my infrared work—www.PiperMackay.com. The official launch, once all the corrections have been made, will be at the end of 2024. 

Speaking of the challenges, when my feet hit the pavement in Southern California about every six months, I take a big breath, loving my time back at the beach and visiting friends and family, and the break is always needed. However, once I catch my breath and feel normalized for a few minutes, something triggers the soul as it did this morning. I was scrolling while having my first cup of coffee and stopped on some photographs, recognizing the place to be the Congo, and instantly, my heart was racing with excitement as we will be there next year! 

Before the iPhone and Instagram ushered in crowds, commercialism, and modernization across Africa, those early years were the most exhilarating of my life. This motivates me to persevere through all challenges, knowing there are still a few hidden gems—wild, underexplored places brimming with authentic, unique, and rare experiences. However, these last places will soon become just another crowded tourist destination. I know this because I’ve witnessed precious, pristine places transform rapidly before my eyes, at a pace faster than I could have ever imagined.

Deep in the experience, surrounded by exotic wildlife or exotic tribes, is when I feel most alive. Visiting California always puts this in perspective.  In Africa, I am where I belong. My work feels incomplete. Not while I can travel to and capture these last remote rare places before the experience is forever changed! 

At the end of a journey, you can shake the dust from your boots, but Africa remains in your soul in a way no other place can.

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It is a high honor to have my infrared portrait work receive several awards from ASMP, the American Society of Media Photographers. 

View the winning images and categories below.

1ST PLACE -PORTRAIT SERIES CATEGORY

JUDGES CHOICE #2 – PORTRAIT SERIES CATEGORY

1ST PLACE – TRAVEL SINGLE IMAGE

JUDGES CHOICE #1 – TRAVEL SINGLE IMAGE

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WHY ONLY ONCE?

Please continue to read to understand…….

Fifteen years ago, while still in the fashion industry, I first encountered the exotic Suri Tribe. At the time, Hans Silvester’s book Natural Fashion: Tribal Decoration from Africa had just been released and was featured in numerous fashion publications. Colleagues, aware of my passion for Africa, sent me copies of the articles and photographs. The images were breathtaking. This sparked my journey of researching how to connect with the Suri Tribe, a quest that spanned for many years.

Back then, Instagram didn’t exist, and only a select few had the first iPhones. We relied on travel guidebooks like Lonely Planet, but the preferred option was finding a photographer to connect me with a reliable fixer. In those early days, we navigated barely visible tracks, navigating challenging terrain, excited to see what lay around every corner. Those expeditions remain the most thrilling adventures experienced.

THE EVOLUTION OVER 15 YEARS

Below is the first image I captured of the Suri, and it remains one of my most popular. It inspired most of the stunning headpieces depicted in my images, marked with an iconic red flower.

I’ve maintained a deep passion for photographing these women for over a decade. Their talent and beauty are so remarkable that they could effortlessly grace the runways of Paris. The creative energy from my days in the fashion industry started beckoning me, so the headdress became more sophisticated and dynamic and the tribal painting more simple and elegant.

THE DREAM

Ever since I first encountered the Suri people 15 years ago, I have been inspired by their grace and beauty. Wanting to immerse myself in their environment again, as I did in my early days as a photographer, I decided the perfect occasion would be the end of the year, marking ten years of Piper Mackay Photo Safaris. I reached out to Greg Thomason, an exceptionally talented portrait photographer and frequent flash instructor at my workshops, to see if he would join me. Producing emotionally engaging images requires proper time to immerse yourself into an environment, deeply connect with your subjects, and be fully present for more than a few days to allow creativity to flow from the engaging experience.

Our creative ideas began flowing immediately, and by the end of our conversation, we decided to plan a private trip, inviting a few photographs to join us in this unique collaboration. We pulled out all the stops,  providing spacious safari tents equipped with cozy beds, gear tables, and electricity for charging devices. Each tent also featured private en-suites with flush toilets and showers, ensuring our comfort during the immersive 8-day experience. We believe that being well-rested is not just a luxury but a necessity for pushing creative boundaries and making the most of every moment in a remote location that you may only visit once, especially for a rare opportunity such as this one.

IN HER OWN WORDS

“This unique trip created the most extraordinary opportunity to live adjacent to the Suri villages for 8 days. I had the opportunity to make images from dawn to dusk as in-between our outings the villagers wandered into camp to interact and be photographed.   My tent had 5 windows, 2 doors, a real bed with linens, solar light, a workspace for my laptop, my own 6-socket power strip, an en-suite toilet and shower, and my own patio in the shade to sit and watch the river  I cannot emphasize enough that the comfort and access on this trip was well worth the cost.  This was a very special experience!” – Ivy Gorden

STEPPING IT UP

We had two tents set up for studios. In the morning and afternoons, we would spend time in the villages, at the cattle camp, or at a ceremony, but we could create amazing portraits all day. 

I brought bright chiffon fabrics to drape the ladies to create a high fashion style

The neutral colors provided a more sophisticated look.

Simply turning color to monochrome and they take on an even more striking look.

THE RESULTS

Ivy Gorden, a guest on the private trip, won several awards from our private trip in 2023. See more here

A few of my images were included in the Lens Magazine feature article on my tribal photography across Africa. More announcements will be made soon about others.

WHY ONLY ONCE?

This is not a typical photo tour. This is a unique opportunity to join Greg and me as we share our personal creative visions as working photographers. We will push creative boundaries, building on what we accomplished in 2023 and the new ideas it inspired to create a fresh body of work. We’ll share our processes, styling, techniques, ways of connecting with our subjects, and all the intimate details. There was a long list of requests to join our private trip of repeat clients so we want to open up this trip one time only to anyone who wishes to join us. This experience is not something I want to commercialize. It is a chance to join us in a truly special and personal way. IT WILL BE OFFERED ONLY THIS ONE TIME. 

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It is truly invigorating to transition from working solo for over a decade to teaming up with such a dynamic group of talented photographers, some whom I have admired for years, some who influenced my photographic path, and some I’ve connected with in previous workshops. Not only do I love the collaboration, inspiration, and support in the field, but they bring a diverse range of skills, talents, and unique perspectives that significantly enrich the guests’ experience. The feedback from all of you has been overwhelmingly positive, and it’s gratifying to know that our combined efforts are making a real impact. 

Shivang Mehta – Photo buddies for a decade

I hardly know where to begin expressing my admiration for Shivang Mehta. We met at least 12 years ago in the Mara, where we used to stay at the same camp with our clients. The guides often tried to connect us, and eventually, we met and shared a few Tuskers. The following season, I greeted him and proposed teaming up for a Tiger Safari in India. Next year marks eight years of our collaboration. We are co-leading the SOLD OUT Tigers and Wildlife of India and the Snow Leopard Expedition in 2025 (2 spots left). Shivang’s talent is palpable, his images are breathtaking, and he is one of India’s most respected wildlife photographers. Originally a Canon Explorer of Light for over 15 years, he is now a Sony Ambassador.

Ben McRae – Kindred spirits 

Ben and I shared a deep love and passion for tribal Africa. For 3-5 months each year, he immerses himself in the remote tribal regions, forging deep connections that transcend cultural boundaries. His bond with the tribes is rooted in mutual respect and genuine camaraderie, cultivated through shared experiences and heartfelt exchanges. The vibrant energy of his photographs stems from the intimate moments he spends living alongside his subjects, delving into their rich cultural tapestry. He is leading the SOLD OUT Best of the Omo in 2024 and we are planning a special trip together in Namibia 2026.

Jeff Vanuga – coming full circle

Jeff Vanuga, a self-taught outdoor and adventure photographer, mastered his craft to capture and share his creative vision with the world. He became an incredible mentor to me.  I was fortunate to meet him in Africa, almost from my first click of a professional camera. It was with Jeff that I had my first few lessons on light and experienced my first visit to a Samburu village in Kenya. This village has since become a part of my life, with a 20-year friendship during which I’ve seen young boys grow into warriors and start their own families. It feels like everything has come full circle, as Jeff and I will be leading the Best of the Omo together in 2025 (2 spots open)! Although Jeff now shoots with Nikon, he used Canon for nearly 20 years.

Greg Thomason  – Southern hospitality meets portrait mastery

I met Greg nearly a decade ago when he joined my Incredible India tour as a client, and we instantly clicked. His passion for photography, boundless drive, and remarkable talent were truly inspiring. It came as no surprise that soon after, I invited him to co-lead a tour with me. Greg’s portrait work is extraordinary; his ability to connect deeply with his subjects brings a profound authenticity to his images. This unique gift is why he is an invaluable addition to our upcoming Signature Suri Expedition in 2025 – 3 spots left. After eight years of collaboration, I can confidently say that working with Greg continues to be a rewarding experience.

Kimberlee curl – Admiration in all ways always 

I met Kimerlee by chance nearly 20 years ago, at the start of our photographic careers, when another photographer invited me to a private shoot with her at Return to Freedom. Kimerlee has since become the leading wild horse fine art photographer in the world. Her unique, intimate, minimalist images leave viewers in awe. We’ve followed each other’s careers, staying in touch from time to time, and I remain a great admirer of her work. I’m over the moon that we’ll be co-leading the SOLD OUT Legacy Safari together!

Vicki Jaroun –  A unique breed

I met Vicki as a client at one of my Spirit-n-light workshops many years ago. Not only is she an incredible human being, but she also possesses raw talent. She came to the ranch to learn about light before embarking on her next safari. Over the years, I watched Vicki evolve into an extraordinary photographer with remarkable mastery of light. She would undoubtedly be among the top pros if she chose to pursue it professionally. Together, we successfully led the first Ultimate Wildlife Safari in 2023, and the 2025 safari SOLD OUT in just one day.

Mark Comon – ride-or-die photography

As the owner of Paul’s Photo and passionate about all things photography, I often wonder when Mark ever finds time to sleep. Few people match his dedication to helping customers and clients. Mark isn’t just my go-to expert for gear; he’s the person who answers my calls in the middle of the night when I have an urgent technical issue from Kenya!

While my passion lies in the artistic side of photography, teaming up with Mark, who excels in the technical aspects, is a huge win for our guests on the SOLD OUT Best of the Omo 2024 tour. His expertise and unwavering support make our collaboration truly exceptional.

Jeremy Woodhouse – no words needed 

Collaborating with one of the most talented, experienced, and award-winning travel photographers in the industry is an honor. Renowned and respected, he has led hundreds of tours across 99 countries, often co-leading with other elite photographers. I am thrilled and excited about our partnership for two highly sought-after travel destinations: Kashmir 2025 and Morocco 2026. Registration opens soon, so add your name to the priority notification list!

Vicki Santello – the passionate mentor

Vicki’s enthusiasm for photography is contagious, and her passion for sharing it with others is palpable. Traveling the globe for more than half the year, Vicki’s work is a symphony of colors and contrasts. Her award-winning images and extensive portfolio make her the perfect match for the Maasai Mara workshop. She works tirelessly in the field with clients, ensuring they not only improve their skills but also leave with award-winning images. The first SOLD OUT Maasai Mara workshop in 2024 was incredibly successful, which you can read about here, so we are repeating it in 2026. 

Coordinating schedules with extremely busy photographers can be challenging, but it is a rewarding and enriching experience for my guests. It is an honor to work with some of the best in the field! We look forward to traveling with many of you soon, enhancing your experience and bringing even more value to our journeys together.

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It is a high honor to be the portrait category winner in the series pro section for the prestigious 23^rd Julia Margaret Cameron Awards for women photographers; my second entry also received an honorable mention. 

Julia Margaret Cameron (1815-1879) was a pioneering British photographer known for her distinctive and influential portrait photography during the Victorian era. She is celebrated for her innovative techniques and artistic approach, which set her apart from her contemporaries and helped to establish photography as an art form. She actually did not take up photography until relatively late in life, at the age of 48, when she received a camera as a gift from her daughter. 

Her work was initially met with mixed reactions, but she is now recognized as one of the early masters of photography. Her innovative approach influenced the development of photographic art and portraiture. She is known for her close-up portraits of famous intellectuals, artists, and family members, capturing their expressions and personalities in striking detail. Her photographs are held in significant collections and museums worldwide, and she has been the subject of numerous exhibitions and retrospectives. Julia Margaret Cameron’s contribution to photography is marked by her artistic vision and her ability to capture the essence of her subjects, making her a significant figure in the history of photography.

The six winning images will be part of the group exhibition in Barcelona in July of 2025. They will also be included in the book with a featured interview. 

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Our severe storms made international headlines recently. A few weeks ago, I embarked on a drive through the remote region of Northern Kenya to explore new areas for an exciting itinerary. During breakfast one morning, the day before we continued our journey to Turkana, we heard distant singing from women, so we decided to investigate. These women were singing prayers and dancing as they made their way to the river. Intrigued, I followed them for nearly two hours, captivated by the experience. The irony was evident: their prayers for rain were answered almost immediately. About three hours into our 4.5-hour drive, heavy rain began pouring down. As we passed the security barrier at the wind plant, we encountered a seasonal river nearly overflowing its banks, highlighting the power of nature.

We returned to the barrier and waited there with security for several hours until the rain eased. Once it did, we resumed our journey. However, when we got to the river, we still had to wait another 30 minutes for the river levels to decrease before crossing safely. Within less than 1 kilometer apart, we encountered multiple rivers to cross—one after another. After nearly 30 river crossings, we finally arrived in Turkana around 9:30 PM, having spent eight hours driving instead of the expected hour-long journey. We set off early the next day and endured another 14 hours of driving due to ongoing weather challenges. My plans for morning and afternoon shoots had to be abandoned. Although I typically don’t stay in one place for just one night, this trip was squeezed into a tight schedule at the last minute. It wasn’t the first, second, or even third time I had encountered unexpected severe weather in such remote tribal areas.

This year, the rains arrived unexpectedly in January, a time that’s usually dry. The usual rainy season in April and May was marked by exceptionally heavy rains. The weather in Kenya and worldwide has become incredibly unpredictable. This shift in Kenya’s weather patterns, which began nearly a decade ago in 2016, has made planning trips during the dry season, which used to be straightforward, nearly impossible to anticipate. This had me pondering the challenges when designing photographic experiences in wildlife safaris and tribal expeditions. 

Weather is now an essential factor to consider when deciding on a tribal trip to a remote area. Many remote tribal tours focus on a quest to see as many tribes as possible, racing through a country, often spending just one night in each place, enduring long hours of driving to arrive at villages late in the afternoon, leaving at sunrise, and repeating the cycle. Most of these trips are arranged well over a year in advance during what should be the dryer months.  However, unexpected weather changes, as seen in Kenya and many other parts of the world this year, can disrupt plans significantly. You might spend most of your time driving and miss out on much of what was initially planned.

I have always designed my tribal expeditions, focusing on exceptional experiences, as I believe they lead to more vibrant and meaningful photographs. My strategy involves immersing the group in local communities where I’ve built relationships. To do this, I set up mobile tent camps near villages for added comfort and convenience. While this may be seen as a luxurious approach that comes with a higher price tag, I see it as essential for genuinely immersing oneself in the rich tribal culture that’s increasingly rare to find. What some might call “running and gunning” for photos in villages seems like a hollow victory in comparison.

Rather than planning a full circle itinerary, which generally means a lot more driving and less time in each village. I generally like to drive my way up, spending more time in each special location, maximizing our time in the field, and then arranging a charter flight back to the arrival city, saving 2-3 days of driving. Again, while this may be considered a luxurious approach with a higher price tag, I see it as essential for genuinely immersing oneself in the rich tribal culture and maximizing your investment. 

Are mobile tent camps and charter flights simply luxuries or vital for a more profound experience? Considering the increasingly erratic global weather patterns, I see the comfort of staying in carefully chosen locations and utilizing a single charter flight as a significant advantage. This approach reduces the risk of weather disturbances affecting our experience. Therefore, after what I recently experienced (not the first time), I consider mobile tent camps and charter flights indispensable for ensuring the best possible experience.

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Gone are the days of signing up for every trip that catches your eye, racing from destination to destination – and that is not a bad thing! Traveling like it’s 2014 doesn’t cut it in 2024 as the world has evolved and prices have soared. The quest for meaningful experiences becomes paramount. By indulging in travel with a focus on quality, each trip becomes a delectable feast for the mind, body, and soul worth savoring. 

“We take photos as a return ticket to a moment otherwise gone. ”

Before the pandemic, many of us indulged in frequent travel, with one trip blending into the next and photographs languishing on hard drives for months, if not years, before seeing the light of day. Personally, I must confess to the hectic pace of travel, but with a sense of purpose-driven motive due to the rapid transformations occurring in cultures and wilderness areas. Having had the privilege of immersing myself in the unspoiled beauty of Africa prior to the onslaught of modernization, similar to a Category 10 hurricane, I felt an urgent need to explore remote tribal regions like South Sudan, Northern Kenya, Angola, and pristine locations such as Mana Pools before they succumbed to overcrowding, losing some of their intimate allure.

When I reflect on my travels across the African continent over the past 20 years, with so many of you, the memories that fill my heart are those in the most remote, wild places, with wildlife and tribes. Those expeditions were filled with challenges but so exciting. Somehow, being in these exclusive, lesser-known locations felt like entering a secret world. These journeys have left a lasting impact, shaping my perspective and passion for adventure and designing photographic experiences.

“Travel should leave you speechless; your photos add the words”

Successful safaris and expeditions are not only about understanding where, when, and how to travel but also allow you to fully immerse yourself in the richness of the destination, losing yourself in the moments, opening yourself up to new perspectives, and feeling changed by the experience. 

“The traveler sees what he sees. The tourist sees what he has come to see.”
― G.K. Chesterton

In this evolving travel landscape, contemplate embarking on fewer yet more significant journeys to uncommon or less commercialized destinations. Choose places that provide exclusive access or a sense of uniqueness, facilitating the capture of distinctive photographs. Make the preparation part of the journey where anticipation and excitement build with each meticulous detail. Think of it as a quest for the holy grail of travel, conquering the world of travel, one cleverly planned adventure at a time! Let it be a reminder that the true value of travel lies not in how many destinations but in the depth of our experience and the lasting memories created. 

“The real voyage of discovery consists not in seeking new landscapes, but in having new eyes.”
― Marcel Proust

The post More than a Photograph, an Experience.  appeared first on Piper Mackay Photography.

One of the questions I’m often asked about my photography is, “How do you capture such amazing light?” It’s a relevant question because cameras perceive light differently than our eyes. Preserving the enchanting essence of beautiful light can be tricky without a solid grasp of how to capture it. This difficulty is especially notable for photographers who mainly use histograms and automatic modes (auto ISO!) without utilizing EV Compensation. Despite the advancements in camera technology, some manual adjustments are crucial since cameras tend to standardize details; automatic modes look for medium grey to make the perfect exposure. 

You must evaluate the light and ensure the background works for it before you raise your camera, plant your feet, or stop the motor of a safari vehicle. Your guide must also be well-trained to understand your goals in capturing the light. 

Light and background are the top two elements out of my five for capturing stunning images! Those of you who have attended my workshops on the ranch know my mantra: “What’s your light, and what’s your background?” 

Flare light happens only for the first few minutes when the sun cracks the horizon or just before it touches it at the end of the day. If this is your goal, you will need to be out at first light, have a good network of information to find your subject, and be in position before sunrise. Capturing your subject in the flare light is a very narrow window, especially if you have a moving subject. A moving subject will first have rim light only, which is a different exposure than when they hit the flare light, and again after, they will have rim light. Therefore, you must manually work through your exposure compensation while the subject is in motion. Usually slightly stopped down (protecting the highlights) to correct exposure and back to stopping down.

Having an experienced guide who understands light, background, and goals is critical to your success. Two crown cranes flew in at the last few minutes of the light. They were illuminated perfectly, and we got off a few shots, but the light flaring on the other side was pure magic. They were moving quickly, and we had to reposition quickly if we were going to capture it. It would have been very challenging working with a guide who did not understand the outcome we wished to capture. 

I am often accused of not photographing birds, which is not true. I do not photograph a subject. I photograph light. I do not sit and wait for a lion to get up or photograph a pretty bird sitting on a branch. I seek out the light and photograph the subject in it. 

The flare and rim light are very short-lived, especially if you are near or on the equator. In Kenya, the sun shoots up and down in a matter of minutes. Next, you want to work the side light, which creates shadows and gives shape to your image, making it much more interesting to the viewer. This is the light I want to work in for at least of my images, if not more. Again, an experienced guide who understands every minute counts for the first and last 30 minutes of each day, is one of the most critical elements for your success.

“Light makes photography. Embrace light. Admire it. Love it. But above all, know light. Know it for all you are worth, and you will know the key to photography.” – George Eastman

Lastly, I seek the remaining shadows of the contrast light. First, you need a dark shadowed background. Second, you need light filtering through trees; then, of course, you need a subject perfectly in the filtered light. This is much more difficult because it is essential to anticipate the movement of the animal and be ready to click when the light hits them perfectly.

My philosophy does not change even with Infrared.

The post Find the light and shoot it!  appeared first on Piper Mackay Photography.

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

FULL DETAILS

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I’m delighted to present this exclusive 13-page interview showcasing my tribal work across Africa, with a focus on my work with the Suri tribe in Ethiopia. The past three years have been incredibly busy with safaris, expeditions, and the launch of Mackay Africa. However, I’m now finding a better balance in life, allowing me to return to my personal photography and projects. This interview is just one of many to come, and it’s always a privilege to see my work published, especially in such a beautiful publication.

VIEW THE FULL ARTICLE

Join Greg Thomason and me for this unique trip to the Suri in 2025 – offered only 1 time!! FULL DETAILS

It is still one of the most unique and life-changing experiences; if you have not been to the Omo Valley, there are two opportunities, each including a visit with the Suri!

The post My interview in Lens magazine and the cover! appeared first on Piper Mackay Photography.