The Followers — three young elephants following an elder in single file, black and white fine art photograph from Maasai Mara, Kenya by Vasilis Moustakas
The Followers — three young elephants following an elder in single file, black and white fine art photograph from Maasai Mara, Kenya by Vasilis Moustakas

The Followers

$1,000.00

Maasai Mara, Kenya 2023

Three young elephants walking in line behind the wiser one in the family. This is something I had seen before in elephant herds, but never with three youngsters together. When I spotted the herd I started watching for the formation — waiting for the moment the small ones would fall into line behind the adult. I knew what I was hoping to see. I did not know if it would come.

It came. For a few seconds all three were in the same stride, the same direction, the adult anchoring the left side of the frame. I cropped her body but left her legs in. She is the reason they are walking this way. I did not need to show her face for the image to mean what it means.

This photograph is about guidance. About how the young in any family seek the wiser ones ahead — following, watching, learning how to be. It is a metaphor for what we all do. We look for the people who already know the way so we can become the best version of ourselves. Nature shows us things like this over and over if we are patient enough to see them. This frame is one of those lessons.

The panoramic format was not an editing decision. I was seeing it in the field. The line of three needed room to breathe across the frame — a tight crop would have compressed the walking into a group shot and killed the sense of procession. The wide format lets them move.

This image is from The Heart of the Wild. I do not photograph wildlife to document it. I photograph because the natural world still carries things modern life has mostly forgotten how to see. Nature is a teacher if you pay attention. Rare moments like this one are the lessons.

Maasai Mara, Kenya 2023

Three young elephants walking in line behind the wiser one in the family. This is something I had seen before in elephant herds, but never with three youngsters together. When I spotted the herd I started watching for the formation — waiting for the moment the small ones would fall into line behind the adult. I knew what I was hoping to see. I did not know if it would come.

It came. For a few seconds all three were in the same stride, the same direction, the adult anchoring the left side of the frame. I cropped her body but left her legs in. She is the reason they are walking this way. I did not need to show her face for the image to mean what it means.

This photograph is about guidance. About how the young in any family seek the wiser ones ahead — following, watching, learning how to be. It is a metaphor for what we all do. We look for the people who already know the way so we can become the best version of ourselves. Nature shows us things like this over and over if we are patient enough to see them. This frame is one of those lessons.

The panoramic format was not an editing decision. I was seeing it in the field. The line of three needed room to breathe across the frame — a tight crop would have compressed the walking into a group shot and killed the sense of procession. The wide format lets them move.

This image is from The Heart of the Wild. I do not photograph wildlife to document it. I photograph because the natural world still carries things modern life has mostly forgotten how to see. Nature is a teacher if you pay attention. Rare moments like this one are the lessons.

‘‘We look for the people who already know the way so we can become the best version of ourselves’

The Followers — 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 × 10 in (61 × 25 cm)
Medium: 36 × 15 in (91 × 38 cm)
Large: 60 × 25 in (152 × 64 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