Water Dance

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.