The Countdown Has Begun

13 November 2018 | Giving Back |

Reading Time: 3 MINUTES

In just over three weeks the long wait will be over as to which photograph in The Greatest Maasai Mara Photographer of the Year earned its shutterbug top honours for 2018...

When the decision was taken to launch a photographic competition we were stepping into a new landscape. Building the website, developing the entry portal, selecting the judges and finding the right conservation partners were all demanding tasks. But we never shy away from a challenge, especially one with a worthy cause.

On the 1st of January when the competition opened we sat glued to our computers. We had done the hard work, but the question on all our minds was would people enter? Ten months later, with a huge grin on my face, I can tell you that they did.

The first entry came in after a few hours. We collectively breathed a sigh of relief. The Greatest Maasai Mara Photographer of the Year had officially gotten under way.

Every day over the last 10 months we have watched as one more beautiful image than the next was submitted; just under a thousand all told. With every submission came a small entry fee of which every cent was donated to one of six conservation partners doing great work within the Mara ecosystem. Not only did we want to highlight the photographic potential of the Maasai Mara twelve months of the year, but we wanted to highlight and support those groups and individuals protecting the landscape we all love so dearly.

The design of the competition meant that at the end of each month, from January through October, there could only be one monthly winner. The reality is that many truly exceptional photographs didn’t make the Final 10. As sad as this is, it bears testimony to the outstanding quality of the monthly winners. Never in our wildest dreams did we believe this would be so high. I believe it is fair to say that we have made considerable inroads in putting the Maasai Mara’s photographic potential well and truly on the map.

With no further ado I bring you the ten monthly winners … and a few of the highly commended just for good measure.

TGMM - January Winner

January Winner – “RUN FOR LIFE” by PAOLO TORCHIO

 

TGMM - February Winner

February Winner – “THERE’S FOOD FOR EVERYONE”by KETAN KHAMBHATTA

 

TGMM - March Winner

March Winner – “MARTIAL EAGLE FEEDING ON A WHITE STORK” by TORSTEN BREHM

 

TGMM - April Winner

April Winner – “THE GUARDIAN OF THE NIGHT” by FERNANDO MORALES ROCA

 

TGMM - May Winner

May Winner – “COALITION WATCH” by HARMAN SINGH HEER

 

TGMM - June Winner

June Winner – “DIFFERENT PERSONALITIES” by KETAN KHAMBHATTA

 

TGMM - July Winner

July Winner – “REFLEX” by ANUP SHAH

 

TGMM - August Winner

August Winner – “LION HUNTING GIRAFFE BABY” by NAMPASO KAANI JAMES

 

TGMM - September Winner

September Winner – “ESCORT” by ANUP SHAH

 

TGMM - October Winner

October Winner – “MOVING ON UP” by INDIA BULKELY

 

Highly commended - March

Highly commended – “Reflection of one of the five musketeers” by Gurcharan Roopra

 

Highly Commended - May

Highly Commended – “Hunted” by Arnfinn Johansen

 

Highly commended - Febuary

Highly commended – “THE HUNT” by Paolo Torchio

 

Highly commended - June

Highly commended – “Leopard Cub” by Andy Howe

 

With the success of the 2018 competition, I have to continually remind myself that this is only the first year and we are just getting started. Next year promises to deliver even more magnificent imagery and visual storytelling. But 2018’s journey is not yet done. The announcement of who wins the grand prize will be made on the 6th of December in Nairobi in what is guaranteed to be a joyous affair where photographers and guides alike will shine. This is their opportunity to receive credit for showing the world the beauty that is the Maasai Mara.

To view all this year’s submissions be sure to check out www.thegreatestmaasaimara.com or follow us on Instagram at thegreatestmaasaimara

AUTHOR: Adam Bannister

A South African-trained biologist, safari guide, author, filmmaker and photographer, Adam is, above all else, a gifted storyteller. After spending the past 10 years working in some of the world’s most beautiful wild places – the Sabi Sand Game Reserve in South Africa, Rajasthan in India, Brazil’s Pantanal, and the rainforests of Manu National Park in Peru – he is delighted to share his stories of one of the loveliest game reserves of them all, the Maasai Mara.

COMMENTS (3)
Mike Stricker
November 13, 2018

Hi Adam,
Since our February visit and interactions on photography, I am thoroughly enjoying your weekly “Leaving Out The Dull Parts” – with regard to your weekly email, the link to the week’s edition has not been working, just in case you are not aware of this and you need to access the website to view.
Best regards,
Mike

REPLY
Irene Simoni
December 9, 2018

MANYh thanks for giving me the pleasure of seeing those amazing photographs throughout the year, bu t how difficult it must be to decide on the winner!! My congratulations to you ALL and a great weekend!. With EVERY good wish for 2019.

REPLY
    Nicky Fitzgerald
    December 10, 2018

    Dear Irene
    Thank you so much for your delightful comments – it is a challenge because all the images are simply extraordinary each in their own way.
    Please be sure to follow the competition all through 2019 – more great photographs to follow.
    Warmest wishes for the New Year
    Nicky

    REPLY
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