In August 2024, after beginning my photography journey in January 2023, I found myself on my first expedition to Africa, eager to capture a defining image. Initially, the gorillas remained hidden within the shadowy depths of the jungle. However, moments before I had to leave the site, a pivotal event occurred: a silverback gorilla snapped a branch, puncturing the overhead canopy.
In that fleeting moment, as he lifted the branch before his face, I seized the opportunity to capture this image with a beam of directed light shining through.
This photograph represents not only months of learning and practice but also my hope for the survival of the mountain gorillas and my aspirations to one day become a documentary photographer and filmmaker