“Africa unexpectedly awakens one’s soul.
From the moment my feet hit the rich red soil I was changed. The sights, the smells, the sounds, the raw and wild spaces, it was magic that one cannot explain only in words or images; it is a place one must feel to completely understand.
Deep in the experience, surrounded by exotic wildlife or exotic tribes, is when I feel most alive. In Africa, I am where I belong.
At the end of an expedition, you can shake the dust from your boots, but Africa remains in your soul.” – Piper Mackay
About Piper
Life Altering Moment
From the moment my feet hit the rich red soil of Africa I was changed. The sights, the smells, the sounds, the raw and wild spaces; it was a magic that filled my soul in a way nothing ever had. Days later, in the heart of the Serengeti, sitting in a mobile tent camp surrounded by the greatest migration in the world I sat in awe and said to myself, “ I am going to be a wildlife photographer and live one year of my life in Africa.” This statement was quite bold or rather naive, as I had never even used a professional camera before the one I bought for this vacation. Nonetheless, I began to dream of a life in Africa.
“Little did I realize how powerful that statement
would become in redefining my life.“
Roaming Africa’s Wilds
Chasing the extraordinary, roaming Africa’s wilds, has became the oxygen to my soul for nearly two decades; capturing it as I experience it. My journey into photography was not one of a trained professional that plans out a collection in advance and shoots in a location over a few quick weeks, but rather one of following the heart. These collections were developed slowly over the years while spending countless hours in the field roaming the real African bush; passionately intrigued by the behavior of the wildlife, creating deep lifelong friendships with the communities, and learning all I could about this magical continent.
Accolades
Featured articles of Pipers work have been printed in national publications such as; National Geographic Traveler, Outdoor Photographer, Nature Photographer, and Lens Magazine. Her images have graced the pages of Nature’s Best, National Geographic, National Geographic Explorer, Travel Africa and numerous travel and local publications. Her images have been exhibited at the Smithsonian Natural History Museum in Washington Dc, The Museum of History in Seattle, the G2 Gallery, and are hanging in private collections around the world. She has spoke at events for trop brands such as Canon and Nikon.
Africa Safaris
Piper’s Passion for Africa has grown into a lifelong commitment to inspire others to explore, respect, and preserve the beauty of this great continent. Her life changing moment was when she booked a safari to Africa; forever altering her path. It was only natural that after many years of experience roaming Africa’s wilds she would design, lead, and operate safaris across the continent.
Events
2020 Remembering Cheetahs exhibit and book launch
2019 Remembering Lions Exhibit in London and book launch at the Royal Geographic Society
2019 Nikon Speaker at WPPI
2019 Nikon Speaker at NPS event for Mikes Camera
2019 Speaker SBCC
2018 Canon Speaker