Canon 1DX ??“ Canon 100-400 @400mm ??“ ISO 125 ??“ f6.3 ??“ 1/000th second Tv
On a 2015 trip to Kenya, we lucked into ten Mara River crossings in five days??”and nothing prepares you for the real thing. The wildebeests in this image are often more organized than the photographers: a hundred safari vehicles packed side-by-side, bumper to bumper, everyone lunging for the “perfect” shot.
Literally thousands of wildebeest stack up on the far bank, pacing and false starting as crocs wait below. And as soon as one animal makes the leap, the river explodes. Ten thousand bodies hurl into the current. The roar of the crossing was so overwhelming that a woman in the next vehicle just burst into tears from the emotion of the moment.
This crossing may have included 20,000 individual animals and what you see is a ‘snapshot.” I don’t carry a wristwatch, but my guess is this crossing took 20 minutes or more, time stands still during a crossing and the experience is absolutely surreal, I count myself incredibly fortunate to have witnessed it.
9 comments posted
Tom Buckard
(Groups 21 & 48 & 71)
Butch, this is an AMAZING shot. You can almost feel the energy, noise, chaos, heat, dust and ground rumbling. Excellent composition and all technical aspects to me are outstanding. Posted: 12/05/2025 00:22:33
Butch Mazzuca
Thank you Tom - much appreciated - we saw 10 crossings in 5 days - some bigger than others and I feel that I got 16 keepers, so I cannot complain. Posted: 12/06/2025 19:02:29
Bud Ralston
Butch, this is a classic shot to hang on a wall! I know what you mean about 100 photographer jeeps hanging out. I hated that aspect of the trip. I was not as fortunate as you in witnessing large crossings. Your much lower bank enabled more wildebeests to get to the river at one time. This one takes my breath away! I'm speechless. Posted: 12/10/2025 23:14:55
Butch Mazzuca
Thanks Bud - btw, are you notified when someone comments on your images? I haven't receive a notification in years
Posted: 12/11/2025 14:07:05
Larry Treadwell
This is one of those shots that just explodes with the energy pf the moment. The moment is a sensual overloads for sure. I like this better than many similar shots because while there is a great deal of dust in the back half of the image the animals are still quite clear. Often times they are just hidden in the dust.
I still think your counting skills a questionable as I counted 20,002 wildebeests attempting the crossing. You missed the mother and calf in the back.
I'm sure you will not forget the moment and this is a wall hanger right?
Posted: 12/12/2025 20:59:38
Tom McCreary
(Groups 7 & 32 & 57)
The energy shown from the water splashing is great. The contrast between the water and the dust is also good. The image is sharp from front to back. What a great sight this must have been to photograph. Your image in Group 7 is much calmer. Posted: 12/14/2025 19:15:51
Butch Mazzuca
That's why I referenced this one Tom - I got about 16 good crossing images - the one in DD group 7 is the calmest of the group - this is one of 5 that are truly chaotic - thanks for checking in Tom Posted: 12/16/2025 18:20:54
Cindy Marple
You really captured the energy and drama of a crossing with this shot. It's a great surge of animals with interesting lines as they push their way to the river. But that blowing dust is the "icing on the cake" here, because it really heightens the sense of energy and motion in the scene. Top-notch image. Posted: 12/16/2025 19:51:18
David Kepley
Butch,
The others said it so well. What a terrific shot of this moment! Energy!! The dust adds to the feeling of movement! I was at the Mara a couple of months ago, but the wildebeests were just gathering, but did not cross! Posted: 12/18/2025 15:31:45
