“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.

“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

Cheetah chasing a wildebeest in a grassy savannah.

“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.

Cheetah chasing a wildebeest on a grassy plain, with dust kicked up around them.

“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 embracing in a grassy field.

“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 are sitting and lying on a safari vehicle in a dry savannah landscape. The vehicle has a roof opening through which a person is observing the cheetahs.

“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

Crocodile attacking a wildebeest in a river crossing

“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

Crocodile attacking a wildebeest in a riverbank scene.

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 stretching and yawning near two cubs sitting on grass in a savanna.

“Cheetahbb” PSA Gold Medals: 2020 Five Point Circuit, 2022 Alipurduar Circuit

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

Zebras at Masaii waterhole

“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 hyena with two cubs, one nursing, in a dry landscape.

“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 male lion roaring while two lion cubs playfully interact with him in tall grass.

“OK My Love” cubs tussling with their dad—Jingru Luo

Cheetah lying on a grassy mound, looking to the side with a blurred background.

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

“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

A male lion walking through dry grass with two lion cubs following behind.

“Where Is Daddy Going” seems to be what’s on these cute cubs minds—Jingru Luo

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

“Pacificus” tranquility in wildlife—Richard Bailey

“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