“The Great Migration”

at the Maasai Mara

Rich and Jingru have made multiple trips to the Maasai Mara in Kenya to photograph one of nature's most awe-inspiring events: the Great Migration. Every year, millions of wildebeest, zebras, and other herbivores journey across the vast plains in search of greener pastures, followed closely by predators such as lions, leopards, and cheetahs. This spectacle, often referred to as one of the "Seven Natural Wonders of Africa," provided Rich and Jingru with the opportunity to capture breathtaking images of wildlife in action, from the tense moments of river crossings to the intimate scenes of animal interactions in their natural habitat.

Through their lens, they were able to document the raw beauty and intensity of this incredible migration. Their images showcase not only dramatic survival stories but also the delicate balance of life within this ecosystem. Each visit to the Masai Mara has deepened their appreciation for the diversity and resilience of wildlife, further solidifying their commitment to conservation and storytelling through photography.

Photographer Jingru Luo stands smiling among a group of Maasai children outside traditional mud huts in rural Kenya.

“Photographing Kids in the Maasai” Beautiful pic of Jingru with all the lovely smiling faces way out in a Village in the Maasai—Richard Bailey

A cheetah lunges at a young wildebeest that has turned to face it head-on across the open savanna.

“I Am Not Scared” PSA Gold Medals: 2022 Inner Eye Circuit, 2022 Time Lapse Circuit, 2022 Eterno Circuit and 10 International Awards

“I Am Not Scared” We were patiently watching this cheetah hiding in the brush watching the parade of wildebeest going buy during the Great Migration and eventually he decided to act. As we stood up in the safari vehicle our guide put the pedal to the medal, and we followed along. The cheetah focused on his prey and with a burst of speed leaped at the wildebeest at the split moment the young wildebeest turned to bravely face him.

A cheetah brings down a wildebeest in a cloud of dust on the open grassland of the Maasai Mara.

“The Charge,” (冲 ) exhibited as “Chong.” PSA Gold Medals: 2018 Loftman, 2020 Grip Grin Circuit, 2022 Alipurduar Circuit, 2022 Alp Circuit

“Chong” the cheetah grabs the wildebeest in his clutch—Jingru Luo

Two lion cubs embrace in tall grass, paused mid-wrestle in what looks like a hug.

“Buddies” Found these gorgeous cubs playfully wrestling in the brush. Just at this moment they paused in what appears to be a loving hug.—Richard Bailey

Several cheetahs rest on top of a safari vehicle in the Maasai Mara while a passenger watches from the roof hatch.

“Friends” Peering through my 400mm lens while flying in a hot air balloon over the Maasai Mara the unexpected sighting of a stopped safari vehicle with occupants and their welcome animal friends suddenly caught my attention. Our balloon was moving fast so I quickly shot off a few snaps and was lucky to get this one—Richard Bailey

A crocodile grips a wildebeest during a river crossing on the Mara River.

“Not Today” PSA Gold Medals: 2020 Triangular Circuit, 2020 Quintet Super Circuit, 2020 Global Grand Circuit, 2020 AAP Circuit, 2020 Foto Fiesta Circuit, 2022 Ivory Circuit, 2019 Shoot Snap Circuit, 2020 EMPA, 2021 Bong Circuit, 2021 Megapixels Circuit, 2020 Photo Narrative, 2019 Super Spectra Circuit, 2022 Bengal Photo Arts and 50 International Awards

It usually takes one to three minutes for a croc to drown a large animal. This wildebeest was under for just about one minute, but he survived—Richard Bailey

In the wild, survival can depend on a single moment. This wildebeest escaped a crocodile's attack, carrying only a small reminder of the encounter. Protecting Africa's wilderness ensures that these incredible struggles and stories of survival continue for generations. Support African Wildlife Conservation https://www.awf.org/

A wildebeest breaks free from a crocodile's grip on a riverbank during a Mara River crossing.

Let Me Go - PSA Gold Medals: 2019 AGCP Circuit, 2019 AAP Circuit, 2020 Calcutta Super Circuit, 2020 South Asian Circuit, 2022 Oxtan Ozatay, 2022 Life and Arts, 2022 Inner Eye Circuit, 2022 Artistic Vision Circuit, 2022 Digi Focus Circuit, 2022 Fotovisual Circuit, 2022 Hotshot Circuit, 2022 Crafty Lens Circuit, 2022 Bong Circuit, 2022 The Artsy Lens, 2022 UNIK Photos Circuit and 68 International Awards

He got away!—Jingru Luo

A cheetah stretches and yawns beside two cubs sitting on the grass of the Maasai Mara.

“Cheetah Cubs,” (猎豹宝宝) exhibited as “Cheetahbb.” PSA Gold Medals: 2020 Five Point Circuit, 2022 Alipurduar Circuit

Mom was doing a relaxing stretch far out in an open grassy field when I clicked this one—Jingru Luo

Zebras stand in alignment at a Maasai Mara waterhole with a small bird facing them from the opposite side.

“Stripes” 7 International Awards

In one of the rare instances where we were permitted to shoot from outside our safari vehicle, we climbed a couple of steps onto an observation platform overlooking a vital wildlife watering hole. I spent a lot of time there and noticed the zebras forming a spectacular alignment. With no crowd on the platform, I lay down and stretched a bit to maneuver my camera between some slots near the floor. Just as I touched the shutter, a small bird landed on the opposite side, facing the zebras as if to communicate! —Richard Bailey

 

A pride of eight lions lies on dry savanna staring directly into the camera.

“Family Portrait” In this photograph, a pride of eight lions rests on a dry savanna, their piercing amber eyes locked directly onto you. Unmanipulated. Shot face-on and low to the ground, the perspective amplifies their commanding presence, making you feel strikingly vulnerable. The lions vary in size, from a massive individual to smaller, sleeker ones, each radiating raw strength. Sparse, dry grass, golden and brittle, lightly fringes the lower edge of the frame, deliberately minimal to preserve the unpolished truth of the wild. The grass catches the sunlight, casting faint shadows across their fur, grounding them in the scene. Behind them, small green trees and brush form a vibrant backdrop, hinting at a nearby natural water source, though it remains out of frame. This image is completely natural, untouched by Photoshop, with nothing added or removed, capturing the unfiltered essence of the wild—majestic and almost too close for comfort—Richard Bailey

A hyena nurses two cubs in a dry, open landscape near their den.

“Lunch” PSA Gold Medals: 2020 Colossal Intern, 2020 Dreamscape, 2020 Indian Digital, 2020 Mammoth Circuit, 2020 Panorama Circuit, 2020 Pixelite, 2020 Trilateral Circuit and 40 International Awards

Notice the fine, rough, pebble-like material on the hyenas’ bodies from laying on the hot ground. Their den was in a very open, low brush area—Richard Bailey

A cheetah rests on a termite mound looking to the side, against a soft blurred background.

“Cheetah Portrait” this beautiful cat was just basking in the sum atop a termite mound—Jingru Luo

Three lions, two standing and one lying on the ground, interacting on a grassy plain in a savannah environment showing their respect for Mom.

“Respect for Mom:” While exploring a remote area of the Masai Mara we heard a loud seemingly mournful howl coming from a distance and spotted three young lions from various locations getting up and starting to walk towards the howl. As our guide drove us through the tall grass the lions’ pace quickened when they eventually reached their mom. This was a heartwarming interaction—Richard Bailey

Zebras, wildebeest, and warthogs drinking from a waterhole in a dry, reddish landscape.

“Pacificus” translation from Latin means “Peaceful/of peace,” tranquility in wildlife—Richard Bailey

A group of zebras drinking water from a waterhole in a dry, reddish landscape with some bushes in the Serengetti. A few warthogs are also near the water.

“Sharing A Drink” Zebras and Warthogs congregating at one of the few watering holes in the Maasaii Mara during the Great Migration.—Richard Bailey

Five warthogs drinking from a muddy pond on a dirt background.

“The Warthog Family” Warthogs gathering to quench their thirst from the blazing Maasai Mara.—Richard Bailey

Peoples of the Omo Valley, Ethiopia

Rich and Jingru embarked on a journey to the remote and primitive tribes of Ethiopia, immersing themselves in the unique cultures and lifestyles of these communities. Their photography captured the vibrant traditions, distinctive attire, and everyday moments of the tribespeople. With sensitivity and respect for the people they encountered, Rich and Jingru documented an intimate glimpse into these lesser-known tribes, preserving the beauty and essence of their way of life through their lens. This experience added depth and diversity to their global portfolio, reflecting their passion for cultural exploration and storytelling.

A portrait of a family from a remote tribal community in Ethiopia.

“African People” PSA GOLD MEDAL: 2019 Anasol Circuit

A woman with dark skin and colorful beaded jewelry sitting inside a hut, holding a toddler with dark skin and big eyes, while a young girl with dark skin and short hair, adorned with beaded necklaces, is sitting beside them. The scene is rustic, with food and household items on the ground, and a thatched wall in the background.

“Village Hut” Life inside the tinniest home—Richard Bailey

A mother breastfeeding her baby, both adorned with colorful beaded necklaces and bracelets. The scene depicts cultural attire, showcasing intricate beadwork.

“Nurturing,” (抚育), exhibited as “Fuyu.” PSA GOLD MEDAL: 2022 The Artsy Lens

Children and dogs outside a makeshift hut made of metal sheets and wood in a rural area in Ethiopia.

“Ethiopia” typical home. The beautiful, friendly children with their dog and little goats nearby—Richard Bailey

Children on stilts with body paint, standing on a rural road, against a backdrop of trees and a blue sky.

“Boys on Stilts” we found this wonderful group along the highway!—Jingru Luo

Two young children with their mom in Ethiopia

“Ethiopia Kids” beautiful chldren with their Mom—Richard Bailey

A goat herder in traditional dress walks with goats at sunset near a thatched hut, against an orange sky.

“The Shepherd,” (牧羊人) exhibited as “Myr” the goat herder was bringing some of his goats back to the village just as the sun was setting—Jingru Luo

Children of various ages sit at desks in a classroom with wooden walls, some wearing beaded necklaces.

“Tribal School” children of various ages together in the same classroom—Richard Bailey