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2017 Wildlife Photo Contest

Masai Giraffe, Maasai Mara , Kenya
Mutual Curiosity

Species: Masai Giraffe | Location: Maasai Mara , Kenya

When our bus pulled up to try to get a closer look at this giraffe (who up until this point was bent down low in the grass, feeding), I found myself mentally begging him to stand up and look my way. I was beyond thrilled when he did just that, and seemed to stare right into my lens as I got the shot I had desperately hoped for. He was an excellent model. :)

About The Photographer

Cropped shauna
I first discovered the magic of photography in high school, where I would lose hours and hours in the darkroom. After high school I moved on to Ryerson University's photography program, where film was still king but digital photography was starting to emerge. After Ryerson, I tried my hand at commercial photography but found it wasn't for me, and decided to switch focus. Inspired by my love of animals, I got into wildlife rehabilitation, working for Canada's largest wildlife hospital (Toronto Wildlife Centre). I still kept my camera with me at all times, doing portrait work part time. Six years later, when I started a family, I opened a portrait studio so that I could control my own hours and still do what I loved. Now, eleven years later, I feel an overwhelming desire to blend my love of photography with my deep respect for wildlife. There has never been a more important time to tell the stories of the animals we share this earth with, and show how vital it is that we protect them. We are all connected; preserving wildlife means preserving ourselves.
Check out Shauna’s photography website: www.shaunareay.com
Follow Shauna on Instagram: @shaunareayphoto
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