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Table of Contents

Interview with Julie Hrudova

Youth of the Maasai Mara

Discovering Bisket

Street Photography as Storytelling

Street Shooters of June 2017

Youth of the Maasai Mara

Mcabe Gregg

When one thinks of the people of the Maasai Mara, Kenya…images of lanky jumping warriors clothed in vibrant tunics, wearing cowhide sandals and carrying wooden clubs come to mind. Graceful and proud women adorned with intricate beadwork journeying on their water walks are what one envisions. Attempts to hold onto the dying out traditions of this nomadic people are being made by the older generations but it appears that the modern world is moving in.

I found myself surrounded by a tribe of dancing and singing warriors and mama’s with goats’ milk being spit on my feet and goats’ blood being painted onto my face. Although it was an enjoyable unfamiliar experience I was happy to have, I couldn’t help but think, “Is this all an act? Have I fully been sucked into a tourist trap?” The scene reminded me of a turn of the century Buffalo Bill Wild Wild West Show in Tucson, Arizona.

On location, filming a documentary, I was invited to participate in “traditional activities”, which I appreciated greatly, but be honest, it all felt contrived and didn’t provide an opportunity to connect on any human level. I actually left feeling bad for those who are desperately attempting to hold onto a dying way of life.

Off the beaten path, I was able to find connection. Language barriers meant nothing. I find my camera is a great tool to facilitate impromptu and raw connection.

 

 

While capturing footage via drone in a field, locals would begin to gather. Curious about the process and what was happening in their backyard, Maasai villagers dressed in jeans and t-shirts would gather and discuss amongst themselves. There was a lot of giggling and laughter with friendly smiles being passed around. After chasing the drone all the way to landing, one boy continued to try to get my attention by pretending to kick the lens of my 35 mm. That led to a mini camera lesson without language communication. As I look back, that’s one of my favorite moments on the Mara.

These two young farmers were working their field as the drone flew above them capturing the landscape. Intrigued, they approached and obliged me with a portrait. Together, we sat in silence and took in the African sunset.

After visiting the local school, farms and greenhouses, homes, the town’s water wells, and a doctor’s office to get treatment for a co-worker’s eye infection, my hope is that as advancements are made, this culture finds a way to hold onto at least some of their traditions in an authentic manner.

As my bush plane lifts off the dirt runway with the community waving us off, I am left with the impression that the future is bright for the joyous youth of the Maasai Mara.

Mcabe Gregg

Mcabe Gregg is a 22 year old photographer, visual storyteller, and actor based out of Los Angeles, CA. Mostly the topics that interest him are documentarian travels and personal relations. He finds that embedding into different cultures is the best and most intimate way to document stories. Recent work has brought him to Africa, Dubai, Iraq and throughout Europe. Publications include Leica blog, Billboard, Galore, Positive Mag and more...

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Articles
June 2017

Interview with Julie Hrudova

Julie talks about documenting real life people, places and even animals in very real ways as well as the instances when street photography allows you to create a little confusion.

Youth of the Maasai Mara

Mcabe Gregg explores a culture and befriends a group of people that are feeling change in today's modern world.

Discovering Bisket

Apratim Saha gives a first hand account of one of Nepal's most vibrant festivals. Discover Bisket with him in this article.

Street Photography as Storytelling

Learn some of the key elements of storytelling from Andrej Zwitter so you can incorporate them in your own street shots.

Street Shooters of June 2017

A hand-picked selection of street shots from around the world, straight from members of the SPM community.

Street Photography Magazine is the journal of street and documentary photography

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