Held Together — young elephant holding an elder elephant’s tail, black and white fine art photograph from Maasai Mara, Kenya by Vasilis Moustakas
Held Together — young elephant holding an elder elephant’s tail, black and white fine art photograph from Maasai Mara, Kenya by Vasilis Moustakas

Held Together

$1,000.00

Maasai Mara, Kenya 2023

Both of them are young. The one in front is just a little older than the one behind. The younger one is holding the older one's tail with the tip of his trunk — seeking guidance from the one ahead. This is what young elephants do in a herd. They learn by following, by touching, by staying close to the ones who already know.

The herd was in front of us with many bonding moments happening at once. Calves, mothers, the older juveniles. I was watching for a small strong one — something quiet that would carry the connection without needing to explain itself. Technically the photograph was not difficult. Spotting the moment was the work. By the time you see it, you have a second to lift the camera and frame it before the animals move and the line of sight breaks. Most of these moments do not survive that second.

This image belongs to The Heart of the Wild. I do not photograph wildlife to document it. I photograph because being in these places is what makes me feel the most alive. The Mara is full of moments like this one if you slow down enough to see them. The first days of the trip I was reactive, shooting too much, missing the small things because I was chasing the big ones. Somewhere in the middle of the trip I started waiting for the quiet moments instead. That shift is what made the work.

Format I think about a lot. This image needed a horizontal frame with the grass on both sides — the two animals breathing inside the field, not pressed against the edge. A tighter crop would have killed the connection.

Maasai Mara, Kenya 2023

Both of them are young. The one in front is just a little older than the one behind. The younger one is holding the older one's tail with the tip of his trunk — seeking guidance from the one ahead. This is what young elephants do in a herd. They learn by following, by touching, by staying close to the ones who already know.

The herd was in front of us with many bonding moments happening at once. Calves, mothers, the older juveniles. I was watching for a small strong one — something quiet that would carry the connection without needing to explain itself. Technically the photograph was not difficult. Spotting the moment was the work. By the time you see it, you have a second to lift the camera and frame it before the animals move and the line of sight breaks. Most of these moments do not survive that second.

This image belongs to The Heart of the Wild. I do not photograph wildlife to document it. I photograph because being in these places is what makes me feel the most alive. The Mara is full of moments like this one if you slow down enough to see them. The first days of the trip I was reactive, shooting too much, missing the small things because I was chasing the big ones. Somewhere in the middle of the trip I started waiting for the quiet moments instead. That shift is what made the work.

Format I think about a lot. This image needed a horizontal frame with the grass on both sides — the two animals breathing inside the field, not pressed against the edge. A tighter crop would have killed the connection.

‘‘ They learn by following, by touching, by staying close to the ones who already know.’’

Held Together — black and white elephant fine art print, framed, by Vasilis Moustakas

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 $1,000 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.

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Framing and Display Options