Cheetahs relaxing from the heat in Amboselli Africa Kenya national park canvas print metal print wall art

As I sat and watched the young cheetahs relaxing and playing like house kittens, I felt so blessed and thanked God at the turn in the road my life had taken. A couple of years ago, I joined a group of like-minded photographers to learn more about photography and how to get my art more visible. Joining turned out to be one of the best decisions I have ever made. The group organizes three or four trips a year to iconic places all over the world. This year, one of the trips was to Amboseli National Park in Kenya.

Amboseli is one of Kenya's most famous parks, known for its large herds of free-ranging elephants and stunning views of Mount Kilimanjaro. The park's name comes from the Masai word “Empusel,” meaning “salty, dusty place.” Despite its dry appearance, Amboseli is teeming with life thanks to underground water from Kilimanjaro's melting snow, which feeds into swamps and provides life-giving water for the park’s inhabitants.

Our journey lasted ten days, with two safaris a day photographing the abundant wildlife. Lions, cheetahs, giraffes, elephants, rhinos, and countless bird species made every trip an adrenaline rush. Getting up close to these magnificent creatures, living as nature intended, was an experience that words can barely capture.

On the second safari of the second to last day, we were parked watching a family of cheetahs. There was a mother and five cubs, plus two males that our guide told us were brothers. They were just walking through the grass and low underbrush. The weather was the usual equatorial afternoon heat but still comfortable. A gentle breeze blew through the grasslands. Time seemed to stand still as I shot shot after shot. They would walk a bit then stop. These two stopped and seemed to need to feel close. It's amazing how such a deadly creature can seem so much like a common house cat.

Cheetahs are the fastest land animals, capable of reaching speeds of up to 70 miles per hour in short bursts. Yet, they are surprisingly fragile in the wild, relying more on their speed and stealth than strength. Watching them in their natural habitat, I could see their playful side as one of the brothers batted a rock between his paws — a simple, instinctual behavior that reminded me of a kitten chasing a ball of yarn. They crossed the road in front of us and attempted to run down a gazelle but missed. As they turned and walked the other way, their grace and beauty were undeniable.

The whole time, I shot shot after shot, capturing the magic of the moment. Then I sat back and let the marvel of being there wash over me — a veteran from the Hudson Valley, thousands of miles from home, finding solace behind the lens once again.

My name is Alec Halstead. I'm a local Hudson Valley photographer and a veteran. Over the years, I’ve exhibited my work in galleries, been published in newspapers and magazines, and sold prints. A portion of every sale goes to veterans' organizations — my way of giving back to those who’ve walked a similar path. Photography has not only given me a new purpose but also a way to share the beauty of the world while supporting those who’ve served.

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