The Story:
African Cape buffalo – Letaba region, Kruger national park, South Africa.
In the northern part of South Africa’s Kruger park vast herds of buffalo numbering into the thousands roam. They are truly impressive to behold in these large numbers, but the individual animals are often overlooked because of the scale and noise of the herd. I have the up most respect for the African Cape buffalo, having spent a lot of time on foot in the bush, you quickly learn that these animal is not to be underestimated, they are brave, determined and aggressive when needed.
I captured this image whilst sitting with a smallish herd that was slowly moving whilst it fed on the long grass of the end of the rain season. This younger female wondered very close to us, she stopped and raised her head, sniffing the air to determine whether we posed any danger to her. Having stepped out of the crowd, it offered a chance to capture an intimate portrait of her.
Showing just enough for it to be recognisable as a buffalo, but with an abstract edge. You notice the smaller details, the texture of her curved horn, the long hairs along the edge of her ear, the shine of her nose. The more you look the more you notice & build a sense of the individual gazing calmly but contemplatively back at you.
HOW PURCHASING THIS PRINT WILL SUPPORT CONSERVATION:
As you will probably know I donate money from the sale of all my artworks to conservation organisations. Having lived in these areas for many years and been fortunate to meet and work alongside the people and organisations working hard to protect them, not giving back to support the places that I love would be incomprehensible.
Whilst the subject of this print – the African Cape buffalo is not currently threatened or at risk, like all wildlife in the world they need space and healthy eco-systems in order to thrive and are ultimately at risk of the same threats of habitat loss and human population growth that have left other species already at risk. It is for that reason that I have chosen to support the Peace Parks Foundation through the sales of this print. The Peace Parks Foundation has an incredible vision that transcends man-made boundaries. They began with the concept of transfrontier conservation areas (TFCA), an area or component of a large ecological region that straddles the boundaries of two or more countries, encompassing one or more protected areas as well as multiple resource use areas. Peace Parks Foundation has been actively involved with the establishment and development of ten of the 18 TFCAs found throughout southern Africa. The Kruger National Park in South Africa where this image was taken is part of the very first Peace Park that was established – the Great Limpopo. The Great Limpopo Transfrontier Park is home to more than 850 animal and 2 000 plant species. This 35 000 km² park links the Limpopo National Park in Mozambique, the Kruger National Park in South Africa, and the Gonarezhou National Park in Zimbabwe. The amazing vision of the Peace Parks Foundation comes with huge challenges, not just creating cohesive relationships with multiple countries and their governments, alongside balancing private sector interests. But they have proved it is possible and they have exciting goals to continue pushing forward and impacting even more areas, forging new relationships and helping to ensure that these vast complex ecosystems and the wildlife and people that rely on them are able to thrive. If you would like to learn more about how your donation will help or to learn more about the Peace Parks Foundation or support their work directly, you can visit their website here: https://www.peaceparks.org
EXTRA INFORMATION:
Instead of offering bulk mass-produced prints, I want you to know that you are buying something special and unique. I feel that people should purchase fine art photography prints because the artwork speaks to them and they feel an emotional connection to the print and the photographer. All my prints are strictly available as low number limited edition runs. As a limited edition print sells its price will appreciate accordingly in the online store, as fewer remain available to purchase.
Printed on Aluminium using the Chromaluxe process. It offers a unique, sleek contemporary finish. It has a sub-frame which allows the image to be mounted directly to the wall, thus achieving a flawless floating effect, without the need for additional framing.
Should you wish to purchase a limited edition print in a different size to that listed, please contact me and I will be happy to discuss your requirements and provide a quote for the cost to produce the print in your desired size. I am also happy to provide quotes for printing onto Archival Grade Fine Art Papers and framing if you would like to have your print printed and framed in a more traditional way.
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