Water Dance

$800.00

Chobe River, Botswana 2022

Do young elephants go to school?

The question may sound simple, but it points to something essential. In the early years of an elephant’s life, play serves as a form of learning. Through movement, contact, and repetition, young elephants build strength, coordination, and awareness—skills that will later shape how they survive and navigate the challenges of adulthood.

Seeing elephants play in water is rare. The Chobe River is one of the few places in the world where witnessing this behavior is possible.

Photographing a scene like this requires acceptance of limited control. In the wild, you cannot decide where animals will be or how they will move. What you can control is how you position yourself in relation to the scene.

I made this photograph from a boat, working with three clear intentions. The first was perspective. I wanted a low viewpoint, close to the waterline, to emphasize scale and presence. Even in play, elephants carry weight and authority. The second was simplicity. I waited for the scene to settle, removing visual distractions so the interaction could stand on its own. The third was interaction. I needed a moment where two elephants engaged in a balanced and meaningful exchange.

For all three to align requires patience and readiness. These moments last only fractions of a second.

When all these elements align, the result is deeply rewarding.

Chobe River, Botswana 2022

Do young elephants go to school?

The question may sound simple, but it points to something essential. In the early years of an elephant’s life, play serves as a form of learning. Through movement, contact, and repetition, young elephants build strength, coordination, and awareness—skills that will later shape how they survive and navigate the challenges of adulthood.

Seeing elephants play in water is rare. The Chobe River is one of the few places in the world where witnessing this behavior is possible.

Photographing a scene like this requires acceptance of limited control. In the wild, you cannot decide where animals will be or how they will move. What you can control is how you position yourself in relation to the scene.

I made this photograph from a boat, working with three clear intentions. The first was perspective. I wanted a low viewpoint, close to the waterline, to emphasize scale and presence. Even in play, elephants carry weight and authority. The second was simplicity. I waited for the scene to settle, removing visual distractions so the interaction could stand on its own. The third was interaction. I needed a moment where two elephants engaged in a balanced and meaningful exchange.

For all three to align requires patience and readiness. These moments last only fractions of a second.

When all these elements align, the result is deeply rewarding.

‘‘Seeing elephants play in water is rare. The Chobe River is one of the few places in the world where witnessing this behavior is possible.’’

Water Dance — framed large format fine art print by Vasilis Moustakas, shown in interior setting

The Edition

Edition of 7 + 2 Artist Proofs

The seven prints are shared across all three sizes, so whichever scale you choose, it is one of seven. When the last print is placed, the image is retired and never printed again.

Pricing follows the edition. Each print placed moves the next one up, so the earliest collectors acquire the work at its lowest price.

Sizes

Small: 24 × 16 in (61 × 41 cm)
Medium: 36 × 24 in (91 × 61 cm)
Large: 60 × 40 in (152 × 102 cm)

Prices begin at $800 for the Small print.

The Print

Each print is made as an archival pigment print on Hahnemühle fine art paper, chosen for its depth, tonal range and a surface that rewards close looking. Every print is signed and numbered by hand and arrives with a Certificate of Authenticity recording the title, edition number and production details.

Framing

Bespoke framing is available on request. Tell me about the wall and the room, and I'll put together a frame, mount and finish that suit both the work and where it will live.

Acquiring the Work

For pricing and availability, write to me directly. Every enquiry is answered personally.