The Faces of Kenya: Maasai Women's Stories Through My Lens
A photographic celebration of the strength, beauty and culture of Maasai Women.
Portraits | Personal Stories | Cultural Insights | Mara Bush Camp Kenya | Request the Lookbook
I am not a professional photographer. I am a woman who loves taking pictures and is learning by doing! I love to tell a story with my camera, and I like to take pictures of people. I leave most of the wildlife to the professionals!
The Matriarch
She was the first to welcome me into the circle. She was measured, fun and spoke with her eyes and her smile.
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Kenyan women I met in the Masai Mara
The Mara Bush Camp | Women who bead | My Pictures | My Connections
Hopefully, I made these women be seen. I didn't ask their names, but I did connect during our time together.
I never asked for their names. Because at the time it wasn't important. I was at The Mara Bush Camp, and I was there to
1. Do some serious beading
2. Do some serious shopping.
3. If you don't know by now. I love all jewellery. It empowers me as it empowers the women who make it. For a long time, I sat with these women, and we connected with our love for jewellery. They beaded. I photographed. We laughed. I hugged many of them. I think they were surprised - but I am a hugger!
Once, at work I had a friend who did not like to be touched. It was very tough for me!
I wasn't asked. But I paid them for the photographs. Not because of their monetary value - I am not a photographer and will only post them on my channels. But because in this short time, I experienced so much from these women.
I loved spending time with them! Below is what we communicated through broken Swahili, gestures and shared smiles.
The Quiet One
She didn't speak much. She reminded me of the perfect school pupil (I was a teacher for many years!) When, I asked to take a picture of her, she was genuinely surprised. But then she quickly got her necklace ready. Then she put another one on top of it.
When I showed her this image she smiled confidently. We were both happy.
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Women bead to be independent. To buy things for their families, without asking men for permission. It's a different scenario is a Massai Camp. The women who come to the Mara Bush Camp are saving money to send their children to schools. To craft futures for their families. To feel freedom.
These portraits are my gift back to them. Proof that they were and still are seen. Not as vendors. Not as traders. But as artists. I love to call my jewellery Artisan Jewellery. Because that is what it is. Now, because I love a cliche and because I am a frustrated poet..... these women are culture keepers, and dreamers.
Love it, love them, Love Africa.
Bena X
The Perfectionist
This lady came to play. She knew what I wanted and gave it to me. She got styled in front of me. Chose her outfit, changed her shawl and then went to town on layering the necklaces.
I loved her!
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The Best Friend
This lady quickly became my best friend. She reminded me of me. A little bit protective and a little bit caring. We laughed so much as I took at least 20 pictures and her eyes were closed every time. She had that warmth of a best friend.
I never knew her, next time I am at the Mara Bush Camp, I will ask her name.
I want to know her.
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How to buy Ethical Tribal Jewellery in Kenya
Buy from women.
Now, everyone who you meet in Kenya is going to ask for 20, 30 or 50 dollars for some jewellery. They are trying it and think that everyone else in the world is rich.
Usually, I just sit. Talk. Ask then say.
How about this for 5 or 10 dollars?
Look, I only have 10 Euro but I love this, can we make it work?
That is it! Easy!
Woman Only!
There is nothing better than the experience of sitting and beading with women on Safari.
As part of Active Luxury, I will do my best to allow these women to visit us in the camp.
Usually, they only come on Wednesday, but lets see. I would love for all of you to share this great experience!
If you have been dreaming of an ethical experience that is authentic in Kenya - join me.
Coming soon - New 7 day Itinerary with 57 Hours - The Soul of the Savannah.
