In 2018, I traveled to Kenya to create portraits of participants in the Maasai Olympics, an event created collaboratively when Maasai elders noticed a precipitous decline in the local lion population and partnered with Big Life Foundation to develop an alternative to lion hunting as a rite of passage for young men. Quantifiably successful as a conservation initiative, the initiative also serves to support local communities and now includes events for young women.
In 2019, I traveled to South Africa to photograph members of an extraordinary anti-poaching unit called the Black Mambas. Comprised of local women, the unit patrols protected lands, partners with other conservation organizations, and sponsors educational programs in local communities.
With human encroachment upon natural ecosystems ever increasing, it is important to recognize successful examples of communities striking a balance between human existence and the preservation of these important systems. These two portrait series represent the early stages of what I plan to develop into a larger project recognizing the work that local communities - and particularly the women in those communities - do within the field of conservation.
Kitesho Marika, Maasai Olympics, Kenya, 2018
Peninah Sintoyia, Maasai Olympics, Kenya, 2018
Sabori Selewa, Maasai Olympics, Kenya, 2018
Mepukori Naanyu, Maasai Olympics, Kenya, 2018
Joseph Kirando, Maasai Olympics, Kenya, 2018
Johnson Salaash, Maasai Olympics, Kenya, 2018
Emily Soltei, Maasai Olympics, Kenya, 2018
Nkoitamany Mulami, Maasai Olympics, Kenya, 2018
Tsakane, Black Mambas All-Female Anti-Poaching Unit, South Africa, 2019
Judy, Black Mambas All-Female Anti-Poaching Unit, South Africa, 2019
Mkateko, Black Mambas All-Female Anti-Poaching Unit, South Africa, 2019
Cute, Black Mambas All-Female Anti-Poaching Unit, South Africa, 2019
Yenzekile, Black Mambas All-Female Anti-Poaching Unit, South Africa, 2019
Mirren, Black Mambas All-Female Anti-Poaching Unit, South Africa, 2019
Lucendar, Black Mambas All-Female Anti-Poaching Unit, South Africa, 2019
Leitah, Black Mambas All-Female Anti-Poaching Unit, South Africa, 2019
In 2018, I traveled to Kenya to create portraits of participants in the Maasai Olympics, an event created collaboratively when Maasai elders noticed a precipitous decline in the local lion population and partnered with Big Life Foundation to develop an alternative to lion hunting as a rite of passage for young men. Quantifiably successful as a conservation initiative, the initiative also serves to support local communities and now includes events for young women.
In 2019, I traveled to South Africa to photograph members of an extraordinary anti-poaching unit called the Black Mambas. Comprised of local women, the unit patrols protected lands, partners with other conservation organizations, and sponsors educational programs in local communities.
With human encroachment upon natural ecosystems ever increasing, it is important to recognize successful examples of communities striking a balance between human existence and the preservation of these important systems. These two portrait series represent the early stages of what I plan to develop into a larger project recognizing the work that local communities - and particularly the women in those communities - do within the field of conservation.
Kitesho Marika, Maasai Olympics, Kenya, 2018
Peninah Sintoyia, Maasai Olympics, Kenya, 2018
Sabori Selewa, Maasai Olympics, Kenya, 2018
Mepukori Naanyu, Maasai Olympics, Kenya, 2018
Joseph Kirando, Maasai Olympics, Kenya, 2018
Johnson Salaash, Maasai Olympics, Kenya, 2018
Emily Soltei, Maasai Olympics, Kenya, 2018
Nkoitamany Mulami, Maasai Olympics, Kenya, 2018
Tsakane, Black Mambas All-Female Anti-Poaching Unit, South Africa, 2019
Judy, Black Mambas All-Female Anti-Poaching Unit, South Africa, 2019
Mkateko, Black Mambas All-Female Anti-Poaching Unit, South Africa, 2019
Cute, Black Mambas All-Female Anti-Poaching Unit, South Africa, 2019
Yenzekile, Black Mambas All-Female Anti-Poaching Unit, South Africa, 2019
Mirren, Black Mambas All-Female Anti-Poaching Unit, South Africa, 2019
Lucendar, Black Mambas All-Female Anti-Poaching Unit, South Africa, 2019
Leitah, Black Mambas All-Female Anti-Poaching Unit, South Africa, 2019