TITLE: Great Spectacle of Nature - Mara River Crossing

Crossings of the Mara River by hundreds of thousands wildebeests during their yearly migration routes have been documented by many photographers. The drama and the sheer size of this miracle of nature leaves lasting impression on anyone who witnessed thousands of gnu running, jumping and swimming through the river. It is also a 'photographers dream' as sometimes happenings are simply beyond anyone imaginations. I have spent 6 days in August 2019 in the Northern Serengeti to observe and photograph wildebeests crossings. I have chosen Serengeti to avoid the crowds of Maasai Mara in Kenya. My entire week was memorable as I have witnessed 6 crossing on 4 different crossing point. Every day brought different experience, different light and overall atmosphere. From crowded crossing late morning to being completely alone early morning on the last day of my stay. The attached series is a testimony to the week in August. I hope I am able to bring you closer to this nature's spectacle, atmosphere of the place and the drama of crossings themselves. My favorite aspects of such as animals in their environment, shapes and light played tremendous role in my selection. Dust raised on occasion by countless animals added 3-dimensionality and emphasized the overal drama.

AUTHOR: Artur Stankiewicz (Poland)

I am a passionate wildlife photographer who started adventure with photography some 40 years ago. However, only in the last decade I have 'came back' very seriously to my passion and devote every minute of my free time to nature and wildlife. I have been enhancing my wildlife photography skills, learning by constantly practicing, observing great wildlife photographers in Americas and Africa. The focus of my photography is to look into animals 'soul', document animals daily activities while exploring the role of light, and other environmental factors.