The story behind the hippopotamus print: ‘Hippodrama’
Some wildlife species are harder to photograph than others. For me, hippopotamuses have always been one of the trickier ones.
African hippos are photogenic animals, and their presence dominates any scene they’re in, but they spend much of their time submerged in water. As any wildlife photographer will know, creating strong photos of hippos – and particularly photos of hippos in water - is not that easy.
I finally felt I’d managed to create a pleasing hippo photograph when I shot this image of two hippos in the Maasai Mara in Kenya in 2014.
Titled ‘Hippodrama’, it’s one of my most memorable shots, and is now available as a black and white fine art print in my print store, in a limited edition run of just 25 in each size.
Why African hippos are so difficult to photograph
A great image of one or more hippos requires quite a few things to come together at once.
First, you need the right angle – to photograph hippos, you ideally need to be at eye level, which is far easier said than done when you're dealing with a massive animal that spends most of its time in water.
Secondly, you need to be close enough to show detail and emotion, but far enough away to be safe! Hippos are known to be unpredictable.
Then, finally, there’s the behaviour. Most of the time, hippos sit quietly in the water, eyes and nostrils just visible above the surface. If you’re lucky, one might yawn. But anything more dramatic than that is rare.
So you can imagine my delight when all these things came together and I witnessed the moment I captured in this image!
A display of strength and pure Hippodrama!
On that morning, all the elements finally aligned.
At first, I watched as the two hippos began what looked like play fighting. They opened their jaws wide at each other, circling, nudging, baring teeth – a mock dominance display of sorts, all while surrounded by the rest of their pod.
I waited, hoping they might drift just slightly away from the group so I could isolate them in the frame. I knew a cleaner background would help tell the story more clearly. Eventually, they did, and thankfully, I was at eye level, and the light was right.
They moved into an open area of the water, giving me the exact opportunity I needed to frame the shot just how I had imagined.
Black and white hippo print
For many years, Hippodrama existed only as a colour image. I’d tried to work it in black and white not long after capturing it, but couldn’t quite find a treatment that did it justice. More recently, I revisited it with fresh eyes and a more refined approach. I incorporated contrast, texture, and a warm-cool split toning that brought the image to life.
Now, I feel this version is at least equal – if not more powerful – than the original colour file. It feels more dramatic. More timeless. And so, now it’s available as a limited edition black and white hippopotamus print.
It’s the kind of image that rewards a closer look. There’s power and tension in the lines, in the raw physicality of the two hippos, and in the texture of the water that surrounds them.
To me, it feels like a moment frozen in time – a rare, intimate glimpse into the life of a species we so often see only from a distance.
Why hippos deserve more attention
Despite being one of Africa’s most recognisable animals, hippopotamuses are often underappreciated.
They’re the third-largest land mammal, after elephants and white rhinos, and are capable of surprising speed and aggression. Hippos are considered one of the most dangerous animals in Africa due to their unpredictability.
But they also have an almost prehistoric elegance to them – a mix of strength, confidence, and social complexity. This image captures that duality: power and play, beauty and tension, all in a single moment.
Hippo art print: A statement piece for your space
Whether you’re a collector of fine art wildlife photography, an animal lover, or simply looking for a striking piece of art to add to your home, I invite you to browse the print collection and view ‘Hippodrama’ in the print store.
This hippopotamus print is available as a limited edition, and like all of my work, it’s printed to the highest archival standards, on museum-grade paper using archival inks. Each print is hand-signed and comes with a certificate of authenticity.
Whether you’re drawn to nature photography, dramatic black and white wildlife images, or simply want to bring a striking reminder of Africa’s wildness into your home or workspace, this piece makes a bold and dramatic statement.
It also speaks to the kind of photography I strive to create on all of my photo safaris in Africa – images that aren’t just technically good, but emotionally resonant.
And it reflects the kind of once-in-a-lifetime encounters that we sometimes have on small group safari tours, where we spend unhurried time in the field, waiting for rare moments in the company of wildlife like this to unfold.
My approach to wildlife photography
If this image speaks to you, why not join me on a photo safari in Africa? My tours to Kenya, Uganda, and beyond are designed for photographers who want space in the vehicle, time to wait for the perfect moment, and guidance tailored to capturing meaningful images, not just snapshots.
Whether you’re travelling solo or with a partner, my Africa group tours are kept deliberately small so we can focus on the kind of quiet, rare wildlife encounters that produce images like this one.
To hear more about upcoming photo safaris in Africa, join my email list or get in touch to find out what trips are available.
David
