They say elephants never forget – but this is the photographer who never forgets!
After ten years of photographing beautiful African elephants in the wild, this animal enthusiast has amassed an impressive photo collection.
Bob-Jo Clow, a 33-year-old Australian native, has been photographing gorgeous elephants since 2004 when she was left spellbound by her first wild elephant in Kenya.
She has since gone on regular trips to southern and eastern Africa to photograph the magnificent creatures in their natural habitat.
Bobby-Jo has now whittled down her collection of thousands of photographs to just 200, and she’s working on a book called Reflections of Elephants – as well as written thoughts from writers, poets, conservationists, and elephant specialists from across the world – all inspired by elephants.
Bobby-Jo said: “I have been interested in wild animals from a very young age – like most children my age, I grew up to Attenborough’s voice on the television.
“After capturing my first African elephant, I was captivated by Africa’s animals, places, and people — but most of all are the elephants.
Every 15 minutes, a wild elephant is k.il.led somewhere in Africa or Asia. In the time it takes you to drink another cup of tea or coffee, somewhere in Africa or Asia, a stunning elephant will be ruined.
“I’ve been so fortunate to encounter and photograph wild elephants, and now I feel I have a duty to return the favor.
“I teamed up with writer Dave Blissett to start working on an initiative that would make a big difference for elephants.”
The project is currently being funded through a Kickstarter campaign. The first printing of the book will feature an update from Bobbi-Jo; she’s also looking for help raising money for the book’s publication. To date, she’s raised over $600 in donations.
“We’ve received donations from some incredible and inspiring individuals – everyone has given their time and effort to this project.
“One hundred percent of book sales profits will be donated to the Askari Project, which is focused on protecting wildlife in southern Kenya, particularly the magnificent elephants. ”
“Every dollar collected reduces the cost of book production, allowing more money to go toward the elephants.”