After being trampled by elephants, a photographer who nearly died has finally been able to get the incredible creatures on film – thanks to a clever camera trick.
Daryl Balfour, 62, is seen to be just inches from the elephants’ feet in these stunning close-up photographs.
But Daryl is using a remote control shutter to get the elephants up close – without putting himself in danger!
“I was severely trampled by elephants and fortunately survived, but I was in the hospital for almost four months on crutches.
“It’s why I like remote-controlled cameras for those extremely tight shots.”
The stunning pictures of the dozens of elephants – including several calves – as they make their way around the Samburu and Buffalo Springs National Reserves in Kenya.
Daryl’s camera is set up on the side of the road and captures them as they pass by.
“I’ve had a long-standing interest in elephants – they are constantly active!”
“And their trunk adds a human-like element because it is usually picking things up, twirling them about, caressing a baby, scratching an ear, rubbing an eye, stripping bark, breaking trees, entwined with another, squirting water, or stuffing food into the mouth – there’s never a dull photographic moment.
“I’m always on the lookout for a new approach, and over the last several years, I’ve been experimenting with wide-angle, low, and close shots.”
“The easiest way to get there is to go on a safari to a location with photo traps sunken into the ground.
“You may also use a motorized, remote-controlled camera caddy to carry your remotely-triggered camera safely and securely. Then, using your camera cart, proceed up to your subject.”
Of course, you can try approaching an elephant and laying down in front of it with your camera, but it can be pretty painful!
“But hides all produce the same kind of images and I personally believe to be too intrusive and invasive of wild animals’ space.
So, in order to attract elephants, I planned a location where I could confidently predict their arrival. Then I just set my remotely triggered camera down on the ground and went away 50 meters before returning to capture the passing parade.
“Of course, there’s the possibility an elephant might stand on it, but this is part of the excitement!”
