The Delaney Journal
Black & White Wildlife Photography from the Heart of Africa
Wild Animal Art | Black and White Wildlife Prints
Explore stunning black and white wildlife art prints, featuring majestic animals like lions, elephants, giraffes, and more. Perfect for home or office, our fine art animal prints bring the untamed beauty of Africa’s wilderness into your space. Transform your walls with captivating art that tells a story of nature’s raw power and elegance.
Discover the power and presence of Africa through our collection of wild animal art and black and white wildlife prints. Each photograph is carefully crafted to reveal raw emotion, texture, and character, from the quiet strength of elephants to the watchful gaze of lions and the sculptural elegance of giraffes. These fine art African wildlife prints are more than wall décor, they are intimate encounters with the wild. Whether you are collecting fine art animal prints or selecting timeless artwork for your home or office, each piece invites Africa’s untamed spirit into your space.
Elephant Ridge | Grey Ghosts Of Etosha
Transform Your Home with the Power and Grace of Africa’s Elephants
Unframed prints: 7-10 days | Ready-to-hang acrylic & canvas: 10-12 days | Free worldwide shipping
Eye to Eye
A Stare That Commands the Wild
Unframed prints: 7-10 days | Ready-to-hang acrylic & canvas: 10-12 days | Free worldwide shipping
Lions – Icons of Power and Presence
Our black and white lion prints celebrate the lion as an enduring symbol of strength, authority, and quiet confidence. Stripped of colour, the focus shifts to expression, scarred faces, flowing manes, and piercing eyes that speak of survival and leadership. These fine art lion photographs bring a commanding presence to any interior, perfect for collectors drawn to powerful wildlife art with emotional depth.
Bonds Of Love
Embrace the Bonds of Love – Elephant Families Captured in Stunning Detail
Unframed prints: 7-10 days | Ready-to-hang acrylic & canvas: 10-12 days | Free worldwide shipping
Elephants – Wisdom, Family, and Legacy
Elephants embody memory, connection, and resilience. Our black and white elephant prints explore these themes through intimate portraits and family scenes, highlighting textured skin, gentle interactions, and immense presence. Captured in Africa’s wild landscapes, each image reflects the emotional intelligence and quiet dignity of these giants, making elephant artwork a deeply meaningful choice for fine art collectors and wildlife lovers alike.
Contemplation | Award Winning Artwork
Where Elegance Meets the Untamed – Wildlife Photography that Speaks to the Soul
Unframed prints: 7-10 days | Ready-to-hang acrylic & canvas: 10-12 days | Free worldwide shipping
Contemplation | Winner Wildlife Photographer of the Year
A chimpanzee pauses in quiet contemplation, his gaze turned inward as if weighing the world around him. This intimate black and white portrait reveals the depth, intelligence, and emotional complexity of one of Africa’s most remarkable primates. Every line, texture, and expression is heightened through monochrome, drawing the viewer into a moment of stillness and connection. This chimpanzee fine art print is an invitation to slow down, to reflect, and to experience wild animal art that speaks not only to the eye, but to the mind and soul.
Unframed prints: 7-10 days | Ready-to-hang acrylic & canvas: 10-12 days | Free worldwide shipping
Camelopard | Giraffe | Closer Look
A Quiet Majesty — Maasai Giraffe in Focus
Unframed prints: 7-10 days | Ready-to-hang acrylic & canvas: 10-12 days | Free worldwide shipping
Giraffes – Grace in the Wild
With their towering forms and calm composure, giraffes bring a sense of elegance and rhythm to the African landscape. Our black and white giraffe prints focus on line, contrast, and form, transforming these animals into sculptural works of art. The absence of colour allows their patterns, posture, and expressions to take centre stage, creating refined wildlife artwork that suits both modern and classic interiors.
Fever Tree Leopard | Limited Edition Black and White Leopard Print
A leopard emerges from the fever tree forest, her form softened by dappled light and shadow. In this quiet moment, strength meets stillness, instinct balanced by awareness. Fever Tree Leopard is a limited edition black and white wildlife print that captures the elusive nature of one of Africa’s most iconic predators, revealed rather than pursued.
Photographed in Lake Nakuru’s fever tree forest, the image draws the viewer into a layered world of texture, contrast, and atmosphere. The monochrome treatment removes distraction, allowing the eye to rest on the leopard’s gaze, the curve of her body, and the rhythm of branches that frame her presence. It is a study in patience, camouflage, and quiet authority.
Printed as a limited edition of 11 hand-signed prints worldwide this artwork is created on archival Hahnemühle Photo Rag, 100% cotton, museum-grade matte fine art paper.
Each limited edition print includes a hand-signed Certificate of Authenticity and a Collector’s Story, signed by Peter Delaney.
Buffalo – Strength Forged in Unity
Buffalo | Widowmakers
Widowmakers’ Chorus – The Deadly Unity of the Herd
Unframed prints: 7-10 days | Ready-to-hang acrylic & canvas: 10-12 days | Free worldwide shipping.
Experience the depth and presence of African wildlife photography through our curated collection of wild animal art and black and white wildlife prints. From the commanding gaze of lions to the quiet grace of giraffes, each image reveals a distinct moment from the wild heart of Africa. Whether you are drawn to elephant art, buffalo, rhinos, or the striking stillness of zebra portraits, these fine art wildlife prints bring authenticity, emotion, and atmosphere into your space. Created for collectors and refined interiors alike, each artwork invites you to live with the enduring beauty and spirit of the African wilderness.
In 2026, Live With the Wild.
Collect the Wild, Not Just Art.
Elevate your space in 2026 with a glimpse of the wild. Each black-and-white print carries the soul of Africa, turning walls into stories and rooms into experiences. Choose from archival Hahnemühle loose prints, sleek acrylics, or canvas with floating frames—museum-grade quality that lasts a lifetime.
"Worldwide Shipping: Safe, Secure, and Delivered with Care to Your Doorstep"
Unframed prints: 7-10 days | Ready-to-hang acrylic & canvas: 10-12 days | Free worldwide shipping.
A Rare Encounter: Celebrating the Fever Tree Leopard’s Sony World Photography Awards Shortlist
Award-winning photographer Peter Delaney shares the story behind his Sony World Photography Awards shortlisted image, "Fever Tree Leopard," and the magical moment it was captured in Lake Nakuru.
I’m thrilled to share that my image, “Fever Tree Leopard,” has been shortlisted for the Sony World Photography Awards 2025! With over 419,000 images submitted globally, this recognition is a dream come true. This image represents a fleeting moment of connection with the wild that I’ll carry with me forever.
To celebrate, I’m offering "Fever Tree Leopard" as an exclusive limited edition fine art print, with only 11 copies available worldwide.
“I’m thrilled to share that my Sony Awards shortlist has been featured on RTÉ, Ireland’s national TV station!
Read the full article here
The Prelude: A Lion's Piercing Gaze
Before the leopard, there was the lion. As the sunset faded over Lake Nakuru, a pride rested near a dirt road. A young male rose and locked eyes with my lens—a moment of raw power and connection captured in my image, "The Stare." It was a powerful prelude, but the fever tree forest held a greater surprise.
From Still Image to Living Moment: Watch the tension build as the young lion rises, his intense gaze foreshadowing the magic to come.
The Setting: A Magical Afternoon in the Fever Tree Forest
Lake Nakuru’s Fever Tree Forest is a place of otherworldly beauty. I was on safari with a client, and my goal was to help her feel Africa, not just photograph it. We turned off the engine, listened to the birdsong, and soaked in the tranquillity. We even paused for a coffee break, simply to "be" in the heart of the forest. It was a magical, sensory experience.
“From the Intensity of ‘The Stare’ to the Grace of the Fever Tree Leopard—Experience the Untamed Beauty of Lake Nakuru. Little did I know, the fever tree forest held an even greater surprise in store.”
The Encounter: A Leopard Revealed
As we finished our refreshments, our guide spotted her: a young female leopard, resting on a distant branch. We held our breath. She moved, disappeared into the vegetation, and we repositioned, hoping to predict her path. Our patience was rewarded when she reappeared, climbing onto the massive bough of a towering fever tree. The scene was perfect.
As I moved quietly through the forest, my guide signaled me to stop. There, high on the bough of a towering fever tree, was a female leopard. Her sleek coat glistened in the dappled light filtering through the canopy. She was the epitome of grace—resting, then rising, her movements fluid and unhurried. In that moment, I knew I was witnessing something extraordinary.
The Shot: Capturing a Fleeting Moment
For a while, she rested. Then, as if attuned to my hopes, she stood up. She turned, walked down the trunk, and in a perfect, fleeting moment, she paused, flicked her tail, and glanced back. I pressed the shutter. I had captured the photograph of a lifetime.
The Art: Why Black and White
When editing this image, I knew it had to be black and white. Stripping away colour heightens the contrasts and textures—the intricate bark of the fever tree, the leopard’s sleek coat, and the delicate interplay of light and shadow. The result is a portrait that feels both intimate and timeless, a true celebration of nature’s quiet majesty.
Own a Piece of This Story: The Limited Edition Print
This image is more than a photograph; it’s a story of patience, magic, and a deep connection with the wild. To celebrate this milestone, I’m offering "Fever Tree Leopard" as a limited edition fine art print.
Each of the 11 available prints is:
Hand-signed and numbered by me.
A museum-quality, archival print.
Accompanied by a Certificate of Authenticity.
Includes the full "Story Behind the Print."
Visualise the Art: The Leopard in Your Space
Imagine this stunning portrait as the centrepiece of your home. It transforms a room, adding a touch of sophistication and a constant connection to the wild.
Explore the Full Collection
While the "Fever Tree Leopard" is a special piece, it is part of a larger collection of moments I've been fortunate to capture from the wild.
A Global Honour
Being shortlisted for the Sony World Photography Awards is an incredible honour. This image—born from patience, passion, and serendipity—now stands among the best in the world. It is a reminder that the wild has stories to tell, and I am privileged to be a storyteller through my lens.
Thank you for sharing this journey with me.
Peter Delaney
The Grey Ghosts of Etosha: Sculpted by Dust, Etched by Time
In Etosha’s blinding salt pans, Africa’s tallest elephants roam like ghosts. Follow Peter Delaney’s intimate encounter with these silent giants of dust and time.
There is a place where giants walk among ghosts—Etosha, a land of shimmering mirages, salt-laden winds, and time-weathered elephants. These are not just any elephants. They are the tallest in Africa, sculpted by scarcity, survival, and the whispers of the past. I had the privilege of walking in their footsteps, witnessing the resilience of one old bull who carried the weight of the desert upon his back.
Grey Ghosts Of Etosha Trek Across the vast expanse of Etosha Pan in seach of food and water
Tracking the Giants
The day had begun in the golden hush of dawn, when the desert light paints the world in hues of fire and shadow. Seven bulls had crossed my path, moving with a slow, deliberate grace that defied their immense size. I followed, keeping my distance, drawn by the quiet rhythm of their journey. In Etosha, water is the pulse of life, and these seasoned travelers knew where to find it.
Hour by hour, they led me deeper into the vast, open expanse until we reached the edge of the Etosha Pan—a blinding white void that stretched beyond the horizon. Here, where the earth cracks like old parchment and the sky swallows sound, ancient springs still bubbled beneath the surface. The bulls knew this well. Without hesitation, they approached, extending their trunks to drink from the life-giving source hidden beneath the salt.
March of The Grey Ghosts | Bull Elephants
"When the wild speaks in black and white... are you listening?"
The Giant’s March by
Then, they appeared from the haze of heat and dust—seven bull elephants in single file, ghostlike in their silence. Towering, timeworn giants, each one carved by decades of desert life. Their hides were landscapes of cracked earth and old battles, tusks mismatched and weathered by use. They moved with a quiet, deliberate grace, conserving every ounce of energy under the unrelenting sun. No trumpeting, no chaos—just the steady, rhythmic march of survivors across the great salt pan. As they drew near, the air seemed to hold its breath. I sat motionless, heart pounding, witnessing a moment so rare and profound that it felt like the desert had offered me a gift.
Grey Ghost | Old Bull Elephant
"Not just a photograph. A moment. A masterpiece. A memory of the wild—etched in black & white."
The Ritual of Dust and Time
After quenching their thirst, the bulls engaged in a ritual as old as their lineage. With practiced precision, they gathered the thick, alkaline mud and coated themselves, transforming into living statues of dust and stone. The Etosha Pan’s white clay served as both armor and identity, shielding them from the relentless sun and parasites. As it dried, it gave them their ghostly hue—a spectral presence in an already dreamlike world.
This old bull stood apart, his gaze lingering upon the horizon. Perhaps he had seen too many seasons, lost too many kin to time and hardship. Or perhaps he was merely content, knowing he had mastered this unforgiving land. As he moved past me, his vast frame eclipsed the dying sun, and for a fleeting moment, he was neither beast nor legend but something more—an echo of Africa’s untamed soul.
Grey Ghost | Hole In Ear | Bull Elephant
"An elephant never forgets. Neither will you."
Why Etosha’s Elephants Matter
Etosha’s elephants are not just survivors; they are sculptors of the land, shaping waterholes with their tusks, dispersing seeds that grow into sheltering trees, and carrying the wisdom of generations. But they are also vulnerable. Their tusks, often brittle from mineral deficiencies, remind us that even giants have weaknesses. Their migration routes, once endless, are now hemmed in by human expansion.
As photographers and storytellers, we must do more than capture their beauty—we must honor their story. Etosha’s elephants are more than just subjects for a lens; they are testaments to endurance, resilience, and the fragile balance between survival and loss.
And so, I leave you with this: If you ever find yourself on the edge of the Etosha Pan, where the land meets the sky and time stands still, watch closely. You may glimpse the Grey Ghosts—moving, vanishing, enduring. Just as they always have.
Grey Ghost | Young Bull Elephant
“For those who see beauty in simplicity, and strength in stillness.”
To witness Etosha’s giants through my lens, browse my collection of black-and-white fine art prints. Each piece tells a story of Africa’s untamed wilderness, capturing moments that stand outside of time.
The Timeless Appeal of Black and White Wildlife Photography
"Discover the timeless beauty of black and white wildlife photography through the lens of Peter Delaney. Explore award-winning prints like Heart of Darkness and Big Foot, and learn the stories behind the art. From the chilling gaze of a Kalahari lion to the intricate details of an elephant’s foot, these images capture the raw emotion and power of the natural world."
The Essence of Black and White Photography
Black and white photography has a timeless quality that transcends trends and technological advancements. In the world of wildlife photography, removing color strips an image down to its essence, revealing the raw beauty, emotion, and power of nature in its purest form. From the intricate wrinkles of an elephant’s skin to the piercing gaze of a lion, monochrome photography allows us to focus on what truly matters—the subject, its emotion, and its story.
Take, for example, my black-and-white fine art print "Heart of Darkness"—a chilling portrait of a Kalahari black-maned lion on the hunt. His predatory gaze captures the raw intensity of nature, evoking the primal fear our ancestors once felt in the presence of these majestic creatures. Or consider "Big Foot," an award-winning close-up of an elephant’s foot that celebrates the overlooked details of the wild. These images, and others like them, are more than photographs; they are windows into the soul of the natural world.
"Heart of Darkness" – A chilling portrait of a Kalahari black-maned lion on the hunt.
"Heart of Darkness,"
My black-and-white fine-art print captures a moment with a Kalahari black-maned lion that will leave you feeling both exhilarated and unnerved. This lion has murder on his mind as he hunts a female and cubs from another pride. Just a few minutes before, I watched an anxious mother and cubs run towards me and pass me, not realizing the danger they were in. It wasn't until the male lion came into view that I understood why they were in such a hurry. I followed as far as I could, photographing him as he walked after the lioness and cubs.
As you gaze upon the lion's intense eyes in this print, you'll feel the fear that our forefathers once experienced in the presence of these majestic creatures. The lion's predatory gaze is a chilling reminder of the danger that once threatened their families and livestock. Hang "Heart of Darkness" on your wall and feel the connection between man and beast, a reminder of the fragility and strength of our world.
"Big Foot" – An award-winning close-up of an elephant’s foot, celebrating the overlooked details of the wild.
Let me introduce you to "Big Foot", one of my most cherished black-and-white fine art prints. This close-up of an elephant’s foot captured at Mapungubwe Game Reserve earned the Wildlife Photographer of the Year 2011 award in the Nature in Black and White category.
The story behind this image is one of serendipity and creativity. 🐘 It was a cold morning in the hide—no coffee, no short lens, just a 600mm telephoto in hand. When a herd of elephants came within 20 meters, I embraced the challenge. Instead of wide shots, I zoomed in on the details: the tusks, the eyes, the tail... and then, this striking foot. Sometimes, limitations inspire the most remarkable creations.
This print has become a symbol of patience, adaptability, and the beauty of focusing on the overlooked. It’s available as a fine art black-and-white print, perfect for collectors and nature enthusiasts.
A Personal Journey:
From the Trading Floor to the Darkroom
My journey into black and white photography began in an unexpected place—the heart of London’s financial district. As a money broker for 14 years, I lived in a fast-paced world of numbers, deals, and high-pressure decisions. But amidst the chaos, I found solace in the quiet moments spent in bookshops, poring over the works of legendary photographers. One image in particular—a haunting black-and-white portrait by Don McCullin—stirred something deep within me. As an Irish immigrant, I saw reflections of my own journey in that photograph, sparking an unshakable curiosity for the art of storytelling through imagery.
Determined to explore this passion, I enrolled in night classes and immersed myself in the world of film photography. I spent countless hours in the darkroom, learning the nuances of light, shadow, and composition. Even as digital technology revolutionized the field, my foundation in traditional black and white printing remained the backbone of my artistic vision. Today, this journey has come full circle, as I dedicate my life to capturing Africa’s wildlife through the lens of monochrome photography.
🐆 Fever Tree Leopard – A Rare Encounter in the Wild 🖤
Deep within the Fever Tree Forest of Lake Nakuru, this limited edition black-and-white fine art print captures a graceful female leopard resting on the bough of a towering fever tree. Bathed in dappled light, she embodies the quiet majesty of Africa’s untamed wilderness.
Only 11 prints available worldwide – each hand-signed, numbered, and accompanied by a Certificate of Authenticity
The Emotional Impact of Black and White Photography
One of the most compelling aspects of black and white wildlife photography is its ability to evoke emotion. Without the distraction of color, viewers are drawn into the composition, focusing on texture, contrast, and form. The interplay between light and shadow creates drama and depth, enhancing the emotional weight of the image.
For me, monochrome is more than just a stylistic choice—it’s a way of seeing. It allows me to strip away distractions and create imagery that speaks to the heart of my audience.
“Weathering the Tempest,” this black-and-white portrait of a lion and lioness
in the Masai Mara reveals a quiet power, capturing a fleeting moment against a dramatic African sky. Framed by brooding storm clouds and a lone tree in the vast savannah, this image conveys not just a scene but a story of resilience and connection.
The lion, poised and looking beyond the frame, suggests an unseen tension, while the lioness, lying down after a brief moment of intimacy, meets the viewer’s gaze directly. Together, they hold an intensity that speaks to their shared strength in the face of nature’s looming tempest.
“By using a wide lens, I included the vastness of the Mara and the dramatic sky, giving the image a sense of place and scale. In the digital darkroom, I translated the scene into monochrome, using light and shadow to guide the viewer’s eye through the image. The result was a black-and-white print that not only documented the moment but also told a story of strength, connection, and the raw beauty of the wild”
A Moment of Contemplation:
The Story Behind My Award-Winning Chimpanzee Portrait
Some of my most memorable experiences in the wild have been through my camera lens—watching elephants interact in a way that mirrors human relationships or witnessing a predator in deep contemplation before the hunt. But one encounter stands out above the rest: my time with the chimpanzees of Kibale National Park in Uganda.
Trekking through the ancient rainforests of Kibale was no simple task. Hours of slow-paced trekking yielded only brief, elusive glimpses of great apes high in the canopy. Time was running out, and I was anxious about the lack of sightings.
Then, it happened. A chimpanzee descended from the trees, followed by a flurry of them, like paratroopers. Watching them engage in what seemed like a hunt was heart-pounding. It ended as swiftly as it began, leaving behind an eerie silence. Taking a chance, I sought permission to venture off on my own. Resting on a fallen log, I sensed a presence. There he was—Totti, an alpha male chimpanzee, with penetrating hazel eyes, fixated on a female high above. His desire and dejection were palpable.
Unexpectedly, Totti lay on his back, a posture of resignation and longing. My instincts as a photographer kicked in, and I captured a moment of profound contemplation. This image, Contemplation, became a black-and-white fine art print and later won the Animal Portraits category at Wildlife Photographer of the Year 2017.
Dreaming in the Forest | Contemplative Chimpanzee Art
“a chimpanzee contemplates the world around him with deep thought and introspection. This intimate portrait captures the thoughtful gaze of one of Africa’s most intelligent creatures. If you're looking for wild animal art that adds a sense of wonder to your home, this chimpanzee fine art print invites you to pause, reflect, and admire the contemplative nature of the wild. The black and white photography creates a striking contrast that enhances the soulful gaze of the chimpanzee”
Crafting a Black and White Masterpiece
Achieving a striking black and white wildlife photograph requires a thoughtful approach to lighting, composition, and post-processing. Here are some key techniques I use in my work:
Lighting: Strong directional light enhances contrast and texture, making black and white images more dynamic. Early morning or late afternoon light creates beautiful shadows and highlights.
Composition: Framing and perspective are crucial. Leading lines, negative space, texture, shape and form all help create balanced and impactful compositions.
Post-Processing: Converting an image to black and white is more than desaturating colors. Adjusting tonal contrast, deepening shadows, and enhancing highlights in the digital darkroom helps bring out the drama and mood of the image.
Each of my black and white images undergoes a meticulous editing process. While technical precision is essential, I place equal emphasis on the emotional connection between the viewer and the subject. This connection is what elevates a good photograph to a great one.
My goal is to ensure that every print conveys the emotion I felt in the moment of capture—transforming it from a mere image into an experience frozen in time.
Bonds of Love | Elephant Herd Protecting Baby in Addo
A powerful image of an elephant herd surrounding a baby, providing shelter and comfort in a moment of distress. Captured in Addo National Park, this black-and-white portrait speaks to the deep familial bonds that exist in the animal kingdom.
Transform your space into a tranquil oasis with photographs that celebrate the profound beauty of Africa. Observing elephants is a deeply moving experience that resonates with the soul, showcasing their ability to form unbreakable bonds and express a spectrum of emotions, from tender affection to fierce protectiveness.
Featured Black and White Wildlife Prints
Buffalos | Masai Mara, Kenya | Black Death
A herd of Cape buffalo moves through the Mara Conservancy, their curved horns silhouetted against the dramatic African sky. This black-and-white image captures the power and majesty of one of Africa’s most iconic and dangerous animals.
Leopard on the Prowl | Fine Art Prints
A leopard stealthily moves along a tree branch, its sleek body blending into the surroundings. Captured in black and white, this photograph evokes the elegance and stealth of one of Africa’s most elusive predators.
Synchronicity | White Rhinos in Ol Pejeta Conservancy
Two white rhinos graze in harmony at Ol Pejeta Conservancy, their movements perfectly synchronized. This black-and-white photograph reflects the balance and serenity of Africa’s wildlife, reminding us of the beauty of peaceful coexistence.
Queen of the Mara – a powerful black-and-white portrait
This exquisite piece fills the frame with the graceful yet imposing presence of a female elephant, whose strikingly long tusks and extended trunk touch the earth, embodying her enduring strength and legacy. With ears flared and head turned toward the viewer, she commands attention against a backdrop of soft Mara clouds, creating a timeless, ethereal composition.
Photographed in the Mara North Conservancy, this regal matriarch has since passed away of natural causes, leaving behind an impressive lineage. Her legacy lives on in her daughter, whose portrait, The Matriarch, complements this piece beautifully.
Norman the Kalahari black maned Lion | Majestic African Lion in Black and White
Norman, the renowned Kalahari lion, stands tall in the misty landscapes of Addo National Park, South Africa. This powerful black-and-white portrait captures the regal presence of one of Africa’s most revered lions, showcasing his strength and noble spirit.
Bring the Wild Into Your Home
Black and white wildlife photography is more than just an art form—it’s an invitation to connect with nature on a deeper level. These timeless pieces make a striking statement in any home or office, offering both aesthetic beauty and emotional depth.