Mike Kirkland & Dave Haworth - Mohamed Amin

Car 22 Mike Kirkland & Dave Haworth Datsun Violet 710 CS21 along Kabarnet-Kipkorian road in Kenya. Kenya’s renowned photojournalist Mohamed Amin, one of his favourite jobs, was the East African Safari Rally. During the five-day, 3,500-mile event, Mo (also known as ‘Six Camera Mo’) and his Camerapix crew would work flat out to deliver on time. Often they slept out in their battered Land Cruiser, miles from the beaten track, in order to claim the best position for filming. Mo covered this gruelling test of endurance for more than 25 years, and his film reports of the rally achieved legendary status. Sometimes in his desire to get as close as possible to the action, he made the news himself. In March 1978 he parked his vehicle next to a flooded track and, together with his new partner, Duncan Willetts, set up his tripod and camera on the roof to capture the cars as they sped past at 80 mph, spewing sheets of water on either side. For Willetts it was a dramatic introduction to his first Safari Rally. Suddenly Japanese driver Yoshio Iwashita arrived on the scene and broadsided out of control. The careering car hurtled off the road, rammed into the Land Cruiser, and pitched Mo and Willetts into a mud-filled ditch. The incident left Mo with a broken wrist, but typically he kept his cameras running throughout to provide the evening television bulletins with some spectacular footage. His professionalism led to Iwashita receiving an anxious phone call from his wife in Tokyo. Not wanting to worry his wife Iwashha had not told her about the crash, but thanks to Mo and Visnews film of the incident had been screened in Japan. Sometimes in his enthusiasm to be first or to get a saleable shot, Mo would stretch the rules.

• Subject Matter: The image encapsulates the exhilarating spirit of motorsport—specifically, the East African Safari Rally—focusing on the triumphant moment of victory for Mike Kirkland and Dave Haworth after completing the race. Alongside them is the backdrop of a bustling Kenyan landscape, punctuated by signage indicating the event’s location (Omega, Kenya Airways), and dominated by the imposing Kenyatta International Conference Centre (KICC).
• Composition: The photograph employs a dynamic compositional strategy, placing Kirkland and Haworth prominently atop their vehicle as the focal point. Strategic diagonal lines created by the car's hood and signage contribute to movement, while rectangular shapes define buildings and signs, grounding the scene in its context. Depth is achieved through perspective, showcasing smaller elements in the background relative to those in the foreground.
• Color Palette: Presented in black and white photography, the palette utilizes a rich tonal range—ranging from deep blacks to brilliant whites—to maximize contrast and highlight key visual details. This deliberate choice emphasizes texture and mood, mirroring the ruggedness of the Safari Rally environment.
• Technique & Materials: Captured using traditional film techniques, the photograph leverages exposure adjustments to ensure optimal detail capture in both highlights and shadows. The photographer’s meticulous attention to framing and composition underscores the artistry inherent in documentary filmmaking.

Historical Context: This photograph commemorates a pivotal moment in Kenyan history—the East African Safari Rally of 1978–79, an event that cemented Mohamed Amin's legacy as one of Africa’s foremost photojournalists. Mo’s unwavering dedication to documenting the rally spanned over two decades, resulting in film reports that achieved unparalleled renown and profoundly impacted public perception of the region. The incident involving Yoshio Iwashita serves as a testament to Amin’s relentless pursuit of compelling visuals—even at considerable personal risk—demonstrating his commitment to journalistic integrity. Symbolic Significance: Beyond its depiction of motorsport achievement, the image embodies themes of perseverance and camaraderie. Kirkland and Haworth's position atop their vehicle symbolizes triumph over adversity, while the crowded landscape reflects the collective excitement surrounding the Safari Rally’s spectacle. The photograph captures a frozen moment in time—a celebration of accomplishment amidst the challenges faced by those involved in pushing boundaries and capturing extraordinary experiences.

• Emotional Impact: The photograph evokes feelings of exhilaration, pride, and nostalgia—transporting viewers back to the energy and passion of the Safari Rally era. It serves as a reminder of Amin’s pioneering role in African photojournalism and his unwavering commitment to documenting significant events with unflinching honesty.
• Style & Medium: The photograph adheres to documentary style, prioritizing authenticity and capturing reality without embellishment. Its medium—black and white film photography—contributes to its timeless aesthetic and enhances the visual impact of its tonal range and textural qualities.

Artist Information: Mohamed Amin (1943 – 1996) stands as a monumental figure in photojournalism, renowned for his meticulous documentation of African history and humanitarian crises. His early life was shaped by Kenyan Punjab heritage, fostering an innate fascination with visual storytelling that propelled him to international acclaim. He established Camerapix Company in 1963, prioritizing journalistic integrity and artistic vision. Amin’s enduring contribution to the field solidified his place as one of Africa's most respected voices—a legacy preserved through his extensive archive and celebrated by institutions like the Mohamed Amin Foundation.