Piper Mackay Photography

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Piper Mackay Photography Piper Mackay is an African wildlife and tribal photographer. A land she fell in love with when she first touched foot on it’s rich red soil.

She instantly made the decision to change directions and created an exit plan on a successful career in the fashion industry. She is now living in Nairobi, Kenya. Driven to create compelling imagery and stories that make a difference, her work takes her deep off the beaten path, immersed into the cultures and wild environments she is photographing. Her passion for the natural world has grown into

a lifelong commitment to inspire others to explore, respect and preserve the beauty of our fragile planet. For those seeking a little more adventure and excitement, her photographic wildlife and cultural safaris offer a deeper experience throughout the African continent. Piper’s photographs are licensed by Getty Images top collections. Featured articles of her work have been printed in national publications such as; Outdoor Photographer, National Geographic Traveller, Nature Photographer, Ranger Finder, and Selamata, as well as, local travel and online magazines. Her images have grace the pages of Natures Best, National Geographic, WWF calendars, birders and numerous travel publications. Her images have been on exhibit at the Smithsonian Natural History Museum in Washington DC, The Museum of History and industry in Seattle Washington, The Art Wolfe gallery, The G2 Galley and are hanging in private collections.

The strength and spirit of these women is staggering.The recent floods along the lower Omo River have forced the Daasana...
06/11/2024

The strength and spirit of these women is staggering.
The recent floods along the lower Omo River have forced the Daasanach people to leave the riverbanks behind. Now, the women make long treks across the newly formed deltas, searching for firewood and gathering water.
Each journey is exhausting as they cross muddy, unstable ground under a relentless sun, always aware of the risks from crocodiles and other wildlife. Yet, in spite of these challenges, they carry heavy bundles of firewood on their backs and balance large water containers on their heads, sometimes walking miles to meet their families’ needs. Their resilience and spirit shine through as they face these trials, embodying both the strength and dedication needed to sustain their community and uphold their traditional way of life.

www.PiperMackayPhotogrpahy.com

Some of Africa’s most amazing photographic destinations are those less known and less visited.We have strategically pick...
04/11/2024

Some of Africa’s most amazing photographic destinations are those less known and less visited.
We have strategically picked private locations with iconic species and unique ecosystems with special access to maximize every minute of the light, have off-road access to precisely position the vehicle, and the freedom to alight from the vehicle to shoot level with the earth that turns ordinary photographs into extraordinary images. With very low occupancy and vehicle density, these private reserves elevate the safari experience beyond the photograph. We will be immersed in breathtaking beauty with more meaningful encounters that allow us to stay spiritually connected to the unspoiled wilderness away from the crowded known national parks and reserves.

HIGHLIGHTS – 3 private conservancies, 4 charter flights, Respectable off-road driving for the best positioning, custom-designed low-angle photography vehicles in two locations, ability to alight from the vehicle and photography from the ground two locations, low vehicle density in all three locations, two talented experienced and passionate leaders!

Sign up for the Legacy Safari 2026
https://www.pipermackayphotography.com/photo-safaris/legacy-safari-2026-2/

Traveling to northern Kenya, away from the urban settlements and the fragmented Kenyan highlands would take you to anoth...
01/11/2024

Traveling to northern Kenya, away from the urban settlements and the fragmented Kenyan highlands would take you to another different world that is more authentic with very little of today’s modernity. The dusty roads and the vast plains that stretch beyond horizons. Countless herds of cattle or labor goats spread on the open land. The local people in their attractive traditional dresses. As a photographer, these experiences would make your safari the best ever! The northern tribes are greatly concerned about their livestock and their treasured cultures and traditions. Even with the gradual change that is creeping unnoticeably, these northern Kenyan cultures still remain as strong as ever.
Though closely related, each tribe has its own unique beautiful way of life and when these come together, a wonderful world of incredible diversity is created. Despite the global climatic changes that have affected everyone, the Samburu, Rendille, Turkana, and other pastoralist tribes in northern Kenya exhibit great resiliency in adapting to the harsh conditions. They still uphold their amazing cultures and traditions while letting go of some that have become obsolete.

Northern Frontier Tribal Odessey 2026👇🏼 3 SPOTS LEFT
https://www.pipermackayphotography.com/photo-safaris/northern-frontier-tribal-odessey/

MagicalKenya

The elderly Turkana women, guardians of ancient traditions, offer wisdom rooted in resilience and harmony with nature. T...
31/10/2024

The elderly Turkana women, guardians of ancient traditions, offer wisdom rooted in resilience and harmony with nature. They teach the importance of community cohesion, emphasizing that collective strength and support are essential for survival in their harsh environment. Their knowledge of sustainable living—how to find water in arid lands, utilize medicinal plants, and nurture livestock—ensures their people's continuity. They remind younger generations to respect the earth, honor their heritage, and cherish the bonds that hold their society together.

www.PipermackayPhotography.com

Vicki Santello Photography and I are super excited about our second Maasai Mara Safari Workshop in 2026! THREE SPOTS  le...
24/10/2024

Vicki Santello Photography and I are super excited about our second Maasai Mara Safari Workshop in 2026!

THREE SPOTS left!!

We will have daily lectures, image reviews, and in-the-field mentoring. One row in each vehicle per photographer with Silver-rated Kenyan drivers/guides who understand Light and vehicle positioning for optimal imagery.

Here is the link to all the details - https://www.pipermackayphotography.com/photo-safaris/massai-mara-workshop-2026/

While there, please hop on over to the testimonials and photography of the trip participants from our first Maasai Mara workshop this past March 2024! It was a huge success -
https://www.pipermackayphotography.com/.../maasai-mara.../

These facial decorations are considered an essential part of the Wodaabe's beauty standards. They enhance their appearan...
22/10/2024

These facial decorations are considered an essential part of the Wodaabe's beauty standards. They enhance their appearance and make them more attractive to potential partners during the Gerewol festival.
The facial tattoos serve as a unique form of self-expression and cultural pride for the Wodaabe people, emphasizing their distinct cultural identity and heritage.

www.PiperMackayPhotography.com

There is just no place like the Omo Valley. It is always exciting and different. Even with more than 30 visits over 15 y...
18/10/2024

There is just no place like the Omo Valley. It is always exciting and different. Even with more than 30 visits over 15 years, I can't wait to depart with Greg Thomason and our small group of 6 in the morning! We are about to experience such beauty!

www.PiperMackayphotography.com

Golden monkeys in Rwanda are like something out of a jungle fairy tale. With their golden-orange fur shining against the...
16/10/2024

Golden monkeys in Rwanda are like something out of a jungle fairy tale. With their golden-orange fur shining against the lush green of the bamboo forests, they move through the trees like little bursts of color. Found in Volcanoes National Park, they’re curious, lively, and always on the hunt for their favorite snacks—bamboo shoots, fruits, and the occasional insect. Watching them swing from branch to branch in their natural habitat, deep in the misty Virunga Mountains, feels like stepping into a hidden world. Rare, beautiful, and full of personality, these monkeys are truly one of Rwanda's hidden gems.

Rwanda 2024

www.PiperMackayPhotography.com

A few more of those gorgeous Kalahari lions against the striking white sands. The Kalahari lions, native to the arid pla...
15/10/2024

A few more of those gorgeous Kalahari lions against the striking white sands.

The Kalahari lions, native to the arid plains of the Kalahari Desert, are a striking and majestic subspecies renowned for their impressive size and regal appearance. Their muscular bodies are covered in sleek, golden-tawny fur, while the males boast distinctive dark, lush manes that can appear almost black in older individuals, enhancing their imposing presence. These lions, adapted to the harsh desert environment, exude power, resilience, and an unmatched beauty that sets them apart from their counterparts in more temperate climates.

Botswana 2024

While it has been a tremendous month in Botswana with lovely groups of photographers, it is heartbreaking to come back o...
14/10/2024

While it has been a tremendous month in Botswana with lovely groups of photographers, it is heartbreaking to come back online to the devastation of lives shattered by the hurricanes. I am grateful that those I know are all safe and unharmed; the rest can be rebuilt in time.
My heart and positive thoughts are with you as you pick up the pieces and forge a new path.

www.PiperMackayPhotography.com

My spirit animal is the elephant, We have all heard the story about a genie who comes out of a bottle and grants you thr...
11/10/2024

My spirit animal is the elephant,
We have all heard the story about a genie who comes out of a bottle and grants you three wishes. What is your first wish?

My only wish is to speak with the elephants...

www.PiperMackayPhotography.com

Africa Wildlife Extreme Safari 2026Helicopter, night, low angle, and hide photography Unleash your inner adventure and e...
07/10/2024

Africa Wildlife Extreme Safari 2026
Helicopter, night, low angle, and hide photography

Unleash your inner adventure and embark on a thrilling photographic experience of a lifetime. This African wildlife photo safari promises to deliver on all fronts! Over-the-top unique wildlife photography experiences include night hide photography, helicopter photography, night photography, low angle photography, and the most renowned wildlife reserve in the world You will return home not just having furthered your personal photographic skills but with an extreme variety of images and experiences not offered in ANY other safari.

TWO SPOTS LEFT!!
https://www.pipermackayphotography.com/photo-safaris/africa-wildlife-extreme-safari-2026/

I was in a barren land this morning when I found this leopard lying up in a dead tree enjoying the warmth of the morning...
30/09/2024

I was in a barren land this morning when I found this leopard lying up in a dead tree enjoying the warmth of the morning sun. Although I have seen many leopards in a tree, the timelessness of this scene still captivates me. In a symphony of light and shadows, she lifted her head to the sky for a moment before falling back into a slumber.

www.PiperMackayPhotography.com

Lions of the Kalahari. I find them so striking against the harsh and barren environment. Botswana 2024
29/09/2024

Lions of the Kalahari.

I find them so striking against the harsh and barren environment.

Botswana 2024

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