My Favourite Giraffe Print
- Johan Siggesson
- 21 hours ago
- 3 min read
My favourite giraffe print did not come from a dramatic encounter or a rare behavior. It came from a quiet morning in the field, seeing an opportunity and waiting for it to happen. When people ask why this image matters to me, the answer is always rooted in the experience rather than the outcome.
This image was made early in the morning, before the landscape had fully revealed itself. A light layer of fog rested across the plains, softening everything it touched. The mist was not thick enough to hide detail, but just enough to create separation.
The story behind this giraffe photograph
While driving through the Serengeti, I passed an area filled with dead trees that immediately caught my attention. Their shapes created a strong, repeating pattern in the landscape. I remember thinking how well an animal would fit into that scene, and then moving on.
A minute or two later, I came across a young giraffe walking toward us. The giraffe was young, tall, and slightly awkward in its proportions, still growing into itself. It occurred to me that it might pass through that same stand of trees. I asked my local driver and guide to turn the vehicle around and head back.
From there, it was simply a matter of waiting and trying to anticipate what might happen next.
After a short while, the giraffe walked straight into the area with the dead trees, just as I had hoped. It moved slowly, unbothered by our presence. Then, for a brief moment, it turned at exactly the right spot and looked directly at me. The eye contact lasted only a few seconds before it continued on its way.
That moment was bliss! It was quiet, unforced, and completely natural. The kind of encounter that reminds you that wildlife photography is not only about patience, but also about learning to read the landscape and foresee what might unfold.
Why this giraffe print stands out to me
What makes this giraffe print special to me is not just the animal, but the relationship between all the elements in the frame. The skeletal trees rise alongside the giraffe, matching its height and profile. The fog softens their edges, creating a gentle contrast between form and atmosphere.
I have photographed many giraffes over the years, but few scenes feel this balanced. There is no tension in the image. This sense of calm and balance are qualities collectors often respond to when viewing my giraffe wall art and fine art wildlife prints.
From a technical perspective, the image translated exceptionally well into print. The tonal range holds detail without feeling heavy, which is critical when producing limited edition wildlife prints meant for long term display.
This giraffe print remains one of my favourites because it represents how I want to work in the field. Patient. Observant. Present. It is a reminder that the strongest images often come from stillness rather than action.
Facts about Giraffes
Tallest Land Animal: Giraffes are the tallest land animals on Earth. Adult males can reach heights of up to 5.5 meters (18 ft), with nearly half of that height coming from their long necks.
Physical Characteristics: Despite their long necks, giraffes have the same number of neck vertebrae as humans, seven. Their height allows them to browse leaves that other herbivores cannot reach, giving them access to a unique food source.
Social Behaviour: Giraffes live in loose, flexible groups rather than fixed herds. These groups change frequently and are usually peaceful, with little visible aggression between individuals.
Vision and Awareness: Their height gives giraffes excellent visibility across open landscapes. They can spot predators from a great distance, helping protect both themselves and other animals nearby.
Lifespan: In the wild, giraffes typically live around 20 to 25 years, though some individuals can live longer under ideal conditions.
From the wild to a finished giraffe print
Translating a field moment into a finished giraffe print is a slow process. The choices made during editing are guided by memory as much as technique. I return mentally to that morning in Serengeti, the softness of the fog, and the calm behavior of the giraffe.
Working in black and white animal photography allows me to strip the image back to its essential structure. Texture, light, and shape become the focus. Color is removed, not to simplify, but to clarify.
More Giraffe wall art and photos
Different animal prints create different moods. A giraffe print brings a sense of grace and calm into a room. When people choose giraffe wall art from my collection, it is rarely an impulsive decision. Many are drawn to the mood rather than the subject alone.
