Tribal Kenya: A Study of Infrared Portraits
Kenya, to me, was as much about the people as it was about the wildlife. On this trip I wanted to capture tribal life. While my standard Nikon Z7II body could do 20+ colour settings as well as black and white in camera--- it lacks tones you can only achieve with using an infrared filter. Inspired by the outstanding infrared tribal portraits of Piper Mackay (our photography guide on our Kenya trip), we set out to have one of our camera bodies converted to have an infrared sensor, ready for out Kenya safari trip.
Why infrared?
CONTRAST……DETAIL….LIGHT….There is something about the contrast, the details, and the tones that take these images ‘pop’. The infrared only lets certain bands of light through. What we have found is that it allows incredible detail and contrast. And it really works well with these portraits.
In Kenya we visited with the Samburu, the Masai in the Mara and the Masai in Amboseli. Each tribe presented us with smiles, singing, food, and an insight into their daily life. I was in awe of the bead work of the women and the high jumping of the men. I was also impressed with their hospitality.
These images are presented in chronological order of our visit—Samburu, Masai in the Mara, and our final tribal visit to the Masai in Amboseli. As with most people, street or portrait shoots, it takes time to find your way on how to approach the shot and to visualize what it is you really want to capture given the conditions.
I hope these images capture your imagination.
Samburu
Our afternoon with the Samburu was very special. We were first invited to be with the women, They welcomed us with smiles, dance, and song. They danced for us...showing off their beautiful beadwork. Absolutely stunning. Smiles all around from these beautiful women. So welcoming…so special.
Welcome
The men showed us their warrior dress. We. actually saw them paint their warpaint. That, though, I left to the colour camera. These portraits, though, capture the majesty of the Samburu warrior.
Samburu warrior I
Samburu warrior II
The Masai in the Mara
The Masai in the Mara welcomed us into their camp, walking with them through their homes and their herds of cattle. This provided an opportunity for a few informal portraits. I like these more candid shots. I wish I had more!
Cattle herders
Mara Masai
Masia in Amboseli
This was one of the last shoots of our Safari trip. Throughout this trip I was constantly reminded of the fact that the quality of the guide is key to capturing the moments that you want. It’s about placing you in the place of opportunities. On this entire trip, both wildlife and the tribal shoots, every day brought on something absolutely amazing, always a surprise, never a dull moment.
Amboseli was a dream location for me for the wildlife. However, the Masai shoot will go down as one of my most memorable moments. Piper had the chief of the tribe and his council meet us at our lodge. I was able to chat with the chief in the jeep ride back to the village. l learned about medical care, marriage, and education. Since the chief and I were now friends, I really had to buy goods from his wife…but that’s another story. All for another blog.
When we arrived in the village we were led to an area where the chief and other tribe members were set up along the rocks for portrait opportunities. It was magic. In this shoot I went around to many of the Masai and had conversations while I was shooting. They relaxed, they laughed, they chatted. Yes, one of the those wonderful moments where you think that the world is small, and that we always have so much to learn. After each portrait shoot I showed them the images. Big smiles all around. I must have been pretty intimidating as I had two camera bodies with me, shooting both in full-on colour and infrared. What I came away with that day were a series of stunning images, but more importantly, a treasure of memories.
Masai, Amboseli, A portrait
This last picture in this blog is one of my favourites from the entire trip. To me it is like the Annie Liebowitz Oscars shot. Yes, it is posed. Yes, it is a portrait of the tribe. Yes, it demonstrates the confidence and pride of this tribe as owners and guardians of their land.
magical moments, many memories…