We all love great wildlife pictures, and for everybody that’s ever tried to take that amazing picture knows it`s not that easy. It`s all about finding that subject, then making sure the light is right, there is no grass in the way and the most difficult thing of all is anticipating the movements of the subject. This is the most difficult as the subject will hardly ever do what you want it to. However, those times, when everything comes together, it is pure bliss and you know in that moment that you have captured something truly special.

With all that being said, in a world striving for perfection and governed by social acceptance are we not maybe missing the point a little. In that pursuit of that award winning photograph are we taking for granted what is taking place right in front of us?

Photographically, if you have a subject that isn’t doing a great deal but the light is spectacular, why not snap away. If the elements are good, take that moment and immortalise it as you may never get that opportunity again. The same also goes for light, if it`s not ideal, snap away, a great black and white photograph is more often taken when the light is bad.

If there is grass in the way, use that to place the animal in context of its environment. If you can convey emotion in your images, no matter the elements you will achieve something that is special.

When you work and observe a harsh environment like this, you start to appreciate the adversities these animals face. Even with all of these challenges, the animals live every day as if it’s their last - the joy is in living and that is what evokes so much passion and emotion in us. Maybe that is what we are sometimes lacking in our daily lives, the joy of just living in that moment.

There is no doubt that as a guide, we want our guests to see the best sightings possible, if we felt differently then certainly we would not have been selected to work for this prestigious company with some of the best lodges and game viewing in the world. It is not always about that, it’s sometimes the smallest things that don’t make picture of the day or get over 300 likes on social media platforms - it’s the little things that make up the big picture that guests remember.

So when you arrive at Sabi Sabi on your first or next safari experience by all means enjoy the Big 5 sightings. However take the time to live in that moment, to appreciate the smaller things that make up this beautiful landscape that supports such a diverse ecosystem. Most of all engage all of those senses to truly embrace nature and enhance those memories which are sure to last a lifetime.