The Big Friendly Giant, Tsavo, Kenya. (XL), 2018

James Lewin  

This is the shot of my dreams and I had tried time and time again without success. Twenty minutes earlier, my head was in my hands because after waiting two hours for HA1 to approach the waterhole where I was waiting. He gently strolled past, pushing my remote camera out the way with his tusk. After careful planning, I was certain it was a success as I waited eagerly to inspect my camera.

On retrieving my camera, which was thankfully in one piece. I was only to find that no pictures had been taken at all! I was sure that such an opportunity would never repeat itself. We followed him for a week and knew our best chance of achieving this image was when he was approaching waterholes to drink. You don't get many chances as in the dry season, elephants in Tsavo often drink every third day and our trip was coming to an end. Usually, once an elephant has quenched its thirst, their movements become unpredictable slashing the chances of achieving my dream shot.

After some encouraging advice from Tamara, my girlfriend who knows the African Bush far better than most. I tried again, and this was the moment I managed to capture after he had finished drinking.

I will never forget the days I spent with this remarkable and friendly bull, he is a prehistoric survivor living in a modern age. I hope we meet again.