Busy in early December? Come join us in Moab!

Busy in early December? I have 2 openings in my Arches and Canyonlands National Parks landscape and digital printing workshop. Due to two cancellations, I have two openings available. For more information:

December 4 - 8 Arches and Canyonlands workshop

Back Home from Tanzania

I am back home after a 21-day safari in Tanzania. I was on two different safaris; the first safari was a combination wildlife scouting and cultural safari to the Serengeti and Loliondo with some friends of mine, and the second safari was a trip more associated with my 'day job' of leading safaris for photographers. I have much to write about and share. Both of these safaris had some components that were completely new to me, and for good purpose. Here are a few items to take note of.

Safari #1

The purpose of the trip was to scout a new area in the Loliondo game controlled area, as well as go on safari with a few friends of mine. Relaxing, focused, and we had hoped to see and experience some new sights on this trip. It did not disappoint. We were able to get some amazing elephant photographs up close, as well as visit a Maasai manyatta that had over 100 huts. Roughly 500 people were living in this not-often-occurring location. This was certainly my most real and unique cultural experience with the Maasai to date.

Safari #2

The purpose of this trip, other than leading and teaching 14 talented photographers to Tanzania, was to the push the envelope with regards to technology. This was the first safari where I had a digital projector with me out in the bush. We always have a generator handy, but now I was able to increase my teaching opportunities by running slideshows before or after dinner. This is definitely the direction I am heading in at the moment. The other technology change for me was the lack of a laptop. Normally I always have a fully configured Apple Macbook (now Macbook Pro) with me for storing and reviewing images. I took along an Epson P5000 (80GB) and a P2000 (100GB) instead. I will write up a more lengthy report on my experience in the coming days. I also photographed with Nikon gear. Gasp! I used a D2x and 200-400mm f/4 as my primary long lens setup. There is a long story in why this came to be! I am not switching to Nikon, but I did find it to be a rewarding experience to see how Nikon equipment works out in the field. And finally, I used a Garmin GPS unit to record all of my tracks, along with waypoints. Some lessons learned along the way.

I have over 55GB of images to catalog and process. I am not exactly sure what I have, since I did not spend much time looking or reviewing my images while in Africa.

Wonpro universal detachable power strips

I have found a wonderful product for photographers that travel overseas. I reviewed the Road Warrior adaptor last year, and while a wonderful product, one still needs some sort of surge protection for all of your devices that you are plugging in. On my last safari, I took along a Wonpro power strip with 5 outlets. What makes this power strip different from all others? Check this out:

• The system is modular: you select the number of outlets, and also the type and length of power cord. I chose a 5-outlet model and a 6.5-foot cord with a UK plug on the end. You can purchase additional power cords to suit the location you are going to. Need European? US? Just take off one cord and replace it with something else.

• The outlets are universal. You can plug anything into the power strip. UK? US? European? Japan? You bet. All on the same strip.

• The outlets are 2 inches apart. This allows you some additional room for those huge bricks that some camera chargers have.

Plus

Or

Or

Or

You get the drift. Many combinations, depending on the country you are in. And they come in different lengths, as well.

Why is this a cool product? Instead of taking along a US power strip that is rated for 110v, I now have a power strip that is rated for 240V, accepts any plug type, can be ordered with 3, 5 or 6 outlets, has room for large bricks, and has detachable cords on the end. So I can have a UK cord when I am in Tanzania, a US cord when I am at home, and some other cord when I need it.

Highly recommended. If I had to purchase another one, I would go ahead and get the 6-outlet version, as there is only 2 ounces of weight difference between the 5-outlet and 6-outlet.

Wonpro Power Strips

Having fun along the Kenya/Tanzania border

If I have the time, I enjoy stopping along the border that separates Kenya and Tanzania. These simple pylons are all that separates Tanzania from Kenya, and also from the Serengeti National Park and the Masai Mara (will somebody please correct the spelling to Maasai?!?) Game Reserve. Ironically, all of the GPS devices that I have seen all have the border about 1km away from where these pylons actually stand.

 

Eric Cheng and his pointing finger

Canon 1DsMkII, 15mm fisheye

 

Da Border

Canon 1DsMkII, 15mm fisheye

The Gang of Five
Andy, Trevor, Kelly, Pat and Eric