See Thomas Knoll Dance

My friends Ruth and Thomas Knoll joined me in Tanzania last July, and Ruth has put together a quick post over on photoshopnews.com. Check out the funny animated image.

http://photoshopnews.com/2006/05/25/see-tom-dance

Off for Tanzania

I am headed back to Tanzania for 2 safaris, back-to-back. This will be a very unique trip for me, as I will be shooting for a much different style than in past safaris. In the past I have photographed primarily for stock photos and for fine art color print sales. Sure, I have taken my fair share of black and white photographs, but the lions' share (pun intended) have been for building up my stock library and for material for a future book. Almost entirely color work.

Now, I am headed in a more creative direction. For the remainder of 2006 (4 safaris), I will be primarily shooting for black and white, and with a more edgy and creative look. I will be shooting with a smaller, lighter setup, and a new addition to my gear with be tilt/shift lenses. Here is what I will be taking with me:

• Canon 5D


• Canon 20D


• 24-105mm f/4 L IS


• 70-200mm f/2.8 L IS


• 400mm f/4 DO IS


• 1.4x and 2x teleconverters

I will also be taking my 500mm f/4 lens for a customer of mine, so I will be weighed down considerably en route.

My goal was to start shooting again with a 4x5" large format camera out on safari, but the specific camera I want to use is not available yet. My desire is to have quite large B&W toned prints of African wildlife in their environment, and a 4x5" negative helps me get to that end goal. Using normal or moderately wide angle lenses, it is easy to frame and capture elephants, giraffe, zebra, buffalo and wildebeest in the landscape. I expect to adopt a 4x5 camera into my safari gear for my September safaris.

 

Looking for a new Satellite phone

Well, after renting satellite phones for the past few years, I have decided I should look at purchasing my own satellite phone and voice plan. Since I spend about 9 weeks out on safari each year, I figure it is time for me to purchase my own phone.

I have used the Motorola Iridium phones in the past, but I understand there are more options out there. I do travel to locations other than Africa, such as the Galapagos and remote locations in the American West. I do understand that you can now purchase satellite phones with GPS already integrated into the handset. Thuraya comes to mind.
If you have any information on satellite phones, feel free to comment on this thread. Hmmm. I wonder if I should get system where I can update my blog from the middle of the Serengeti? A wifi hotspot in camp?

:-)