Jambo , which means hello in Swahili.
In February of 1998, I spent 17 days in Tanzania leading a Photo Safari for
Unique Adventures. Wow, what a great adventure! I do not know how many of you
have ever been to Africa, but I'd heartily recommend it to those who haven't
yet had the chance.
I left Rochester, NY at 12 noon, and landed in Kilimanjaro airport in Tanzania
28 hours later. The jet lag was very rough, but the excitement of being half
way around the world was enough to keep me going. The very first thing that
struck me was the density of the flying insects around the airport lights. In
Rochester we have white outs from snowstorms, but the density of the flying
insects equaled or exceeded a snowstorm around the night-lights on the tarmac.
I knew from that moment the trip was going to be incredible. We got to our hotel
around 11:30pm local time and we were welcomed by the hotel staff. Very warm
people. We all quickly retired and got organized for our 7:30 AM departure on
safari. The trip was one day in Lake Manyara, three days in the Ngorongoro Crater,
one day at the Oldivai Gorge, eight days in the Serengeti, and one day at the
Arusha National Park. Tanzania is a very beautiful and for the most part flat.
It is a very poor country with very few paved roads and so the Safari industry
is for now the leading economic force there. There are over 1000 safari drivers
who survive by driving for these companies. Without a doubt, the drivers can
make your trip. We were incredibly fortunate to have the drivers we did. The
drive from the city to Manyara was our first experience with Tanzania's unpaved
red clay roads. Very bouncy to say the least. It was imperative that you hang
on at all times for fear of being launched into another seat, the roof, or your
car mates. The Maasi Bomas(villages) in the country side with their cattle and
goats, the smells, the dust clouds from the vehicles, and so much more. As we
approached Lake Manyara, which is in the Rift Valley, the travel bogged down.
Busses and trucks were stuck in the mud all over the place.
Everything you've seen on the Discovery channel really happens. I could write
for pages as I did in a journal, but space will not permit,
so I will be brief. Africa is very different than anything I could imagine.
The people are very proud and industrious with very few resources. The animals
that I saw are increasing in numbers, which was gratifying to know as may, such
as the leopard and rhino, have been poached nearly to extinction. In fact there
are only 17 rhinos in Tanzania. While there, I saw lion, elephant, zebra, wildebeest,
impala, gazelle, hippo, rhino, vulture, eagle, dik-dik, hyena, rabbit, fox,
cheetah, baboons, monkey, crocodile and much more. I would speculate that I
saw over one million animals in the14 day trip.
The Ngorongoro Crater, a dormant volcano, defies description. I was impressed
by the light, the altitude, the temperatures and the animals. The Serengeti
is the size of Connecticut and in eight days we probably saw five percent at
most. For different reasons, it too defies description. Being where the first
fossils of man were discovered was quite remarkable as well. Each stop was equally
impressive. I fully appreciate the very special trip I was able to make. Tanzania
will never be the western world, nor should it be forced to be. Africa is unique
and such a trip as I made helped me understand many things about myself and
the large differences between the western world and Africa. Because of the lack
of pollution I saw more stars than I ever have. The electrical storms were spectacular.
Should you have the chance to visit Africa, go for it. You'll never regret it.
In my preparation for Africa, I share some of the advice notes I gave to my
safari travelers.
Let me briefly introduce myself to you in preparation for our trip together
so that our time will be most exciting and productive when in Tanzania. My name
is Michael Peres and I am the Chairman of the Biomedical Photographic Communications
department located at the Rochester Institute of Technology. I am privileged
to be your photo safari guide in February. This will be my first experience
to Africa, however I bring a rich history of teaching photography at the University
level. I have been busy reading anything I can get my hands on in anticipation
of working with you. I hope that you have had a chance to carefully read over
the material sent to you by Tiffany Di Blasi from UniqueAdventures. There are
many issues of travel independent of photographic concerns that also will need
your attention. The imagination is very powerful and as I write this piece,
I am creating all kinds of mental images of what to expect while in Tanzania.
The sounds, sights, and smells of this magical and unique place in our world
today are coming to mind as a result of reading and watching videos from the
library. Making photographs in Tanzania seems like an incredible opportunity
and I am sure you are as excited as I am, so let me pass along my thoughts and
recommendations of photo equipment, film and the like for our photo safari to
East Africa.
Film quantity
This is a once in a life time photographic opportunity as I am sure you agree.
As I prepare to pack the camera bag, I am estimating on shooting 8 -10 36 exposure
rolls per day. At a minimum, I would suggest you bring 5 rolls per day. It will
be very easy to shoot film while purchasing additional film at our various stops
might be more difficult. In reviewing our itinerary provided from UniqueAdventures,
we will be leaving in our vehicles to tour the Lake Manyara National Park on
day three. Our travels will bring us in contact with hippos in water pools,
baboon troops, elephants, monkeys and giraffes all in their natural ecosystem.
With each day as rich in potential as this, you can begin to sense why shooting
a lot of film will be easy. Based upon this I would suggest a minimum of 75
rolls for the trip, while I will be bringing approximately 150 rolls. I have
been told that finding film in Tanzania will be expensive should we be lucky
enough to locate any outside of Arusha during our stay.
Film type
What type of film to bring provokes some interesting considerations. The first
consideration needs to be whether you want to end up with slides or prints after
the trip and so you must consider how you will show your pictures later. It
is easy to make prints from either; however going from slides to prints is more
challenging than going from a color negatives to prints. Also color negative
films will be much cheaper than color slide films to purchase initially. Additionally
though, processing color negative film into prints upon your return will be
more expensive than processing slides. I will be bringing both negative and
slide film on the trip as I use both types often. The color negative film I
really like for outdoors work is Kodak Pro 400MC. This is a very fine grain
film that will enlarge very nicely to 11 x14 from the 35mm format I use. This
is one of the new T grain emulsion films and the grain is very fine. For amateur
films, an effective ISO would be 200. I really like the Kodak Gold Max 200.
Having the film speed will prove useful to you in the many lighting situations
we encounter. In the bright sun, you will have excellent choices for shutter
speeds, while in low light situations; you will have the additional speed.The
color response of these films will be very satisfactory and can usually be purchased
in quantity lots from professional photography suppliers in your town. It is
also wise to consider who will be involved with the photofinishing. The lab
will prove as important as the film. If you are inclined to shoot slides, there
are also many choices on the market. In that we will be shooting in a variety
of lighting situations and brightness, shooting slides can be a bit more challenging
than print film. As a consequence, I would recommend 100 and 400 speed films
so that you are prepared for either adequate light or low light situations.
I have the most familiarity with Ektachrome 100S. This is also a T grain film
as was the 400MC negative film, so its sharpness and color response will be
excellent. There are many other emulsions on the market and I am sure you have
used others. Fuji sells a very nice line of color negative and transparency
films. My recommendations are based upon personal experience with the above
listed films. My recommendations should be considered useful for their perspective,
but not absolutes. More importantly, consider the film's speed, grain pattern,
color saturation and response, as well as many other subtle but important considerations.
Any of your local suppliers(professional will gladly assist you in making good
choices.( For technical issues, please refer to the end of this
and read, Film Considerations, a function of film and process.)
In conclusion, I would suggest more lower ISO film than the 400 but please consider
both. I am sure that we will be shooting in low light situations without tripods,
so having the added two stops of sensitivity will help
get those great shots. As far as B & W films, use your discretion. I will
be bringing some B & W film for personal reasons. I already produce quite
a bit of B & W work so it is natural for me. If you are not producing any
B &W work, it is probably not the place to learn.
Film testing
I recommend strongly that before you leave, you test whatever film you will
be using. There is nothing worse than getting poor photos as a result of having
had no experience with a new film. Returning home from the processing lab with
poor results would be most disappointing for anyone. Making a simple test using
your camera and film is a quick reference evaluating how everything will function
while in Tanzania. As a suggestion for this test, load one roll of the film
in the camera/lens that you will be using most often. Shoot in a variety of
situations that are easily accessible and that have different types of light(brightness).
In your scene, include several brightly colored objects(shirts, fruit, colored
paper) as well as some neutral things such as white T shirts and something that
is close to black. With these references in the frame, shoot in the shade as
well as in the bright light. Here in Rochester, that can be hard to find, but
nonetheless this process will give you the best indicator of what the film will
look like after processing. This test will also demonstrate how that emulsion
should be exposed to get the best exposure on the film. Complete the test by
following the additional steps below. Film bracketing and ISO As a second objective
of the color film testing, you will also need to learn how to bracket exposures
and analyze the film's response using your light meter. Bracketing exposures
means that the aperture on the lens or the shutter speed will be changed to
achieve a change in exposure to the film. This change is often desirable for
color saturation/response. For your tests I would suggest using a tripod if
you own one, and then perform the following series of exposures on the same
roll of film used for the color response test. Rate the film based on the manufacturers
suggestions. For example, if you were using Ektachrome 100S, rate that film
at 100. Take a meter reading using whatever methods you will work with, and
make the proper exposure on the film. Then, make a series of additional exposures
that range from -1/3, -2/3, -1, -1 1/3, -1 2/3, and -2 stops. This test can
be performed most effectively in flat or shade type light. Next perform the
same series of exposures, except rather than reducing exposure, increase the
exposure time by the same factors. In this fashion, you will execute a series
of exposures that are under, correct, and over. The film should be processed
shortly after the test. Critically evaluate your processed film to determine
which exposure was correct. Also evaluate how the colors were reproduced as
well as the tones of the black and white regions.
Cameras and other accessories
Bring whatever cameras and lenses you own. I am absolutely planning on bringing
a second camera body.
All cameras will work just fine but should be tested before the trip. If you
have purchased a new camera, please run film through the camera to get a sense
of its operation. If you have manuals for your cameras and have questions about
any of their features, please bring them along. I would be happy to answer any
technical questions you might have. Having several camera bodies will save you
time also while on the day trips. Each camera could be equipped with different
focal length lenses or different films. If you have a motor drive for your camera,
please make sure everything is working as well. Batteries because we are going
to be along way from any local suppliers, you should load fresh batteries in
all your equipment before you leave. I would also recommend replacement batteries
for all systems. For this type of trip, I will probably bring a double set of
back-up batteries. It is hard to always know when "weird things will go
wrong" Murphy's law is an expression that I often cite when preparing for
a shoot like this. It goes like this, "If it can go wrong, it will ".
So be prepared for anything.
Lenses & Teleconverters
Although there is the natural tendency to presume that only telephoto lenses
will be used, I would suggest you bring all your lenses. I own a 28mm, 50mm,
105, 180mm and 180-300mm Zoom and I am planning on bringing all them. Hopefully
between now and February I will be able to locate a high quality 2x converter
so that I will be able to access an even wider range of focal lengths. While
in the field, we will be able to get very close to many species of animals.
Prides of lions will allow vehicles to drive actually quite close, and so a
100mm will actually prove very effective in these situations, while other animals
will be quite nervous when approached. Longer lenses in these situations will
prove effective. Also, I will not ask our drivers to get too close to animals
that are stalking for food. We do not want to put stress on animals while in
a hunt, as I am sure you would agree. Please do not interpret this to say that
you won't be photographing exciting things, but rather we will not get in the
way of the life of our subjects. On each excursion, many different things will
take place, none of which are choreographed, so let's hope for a bit of luck
in getting incredible shots while not harassing our subjects.
Camera Supports
In most cases, we will not have opportunities to use tripods in the field. Traveling
in the vehicles will
prevent the use of tripods and we cannot leave the vehicle except in camp. Consequently,
unless opportunities present themselves in camp, I would not recommend a large
tripod. If you have a small portable type, this will be more than adequate.
A beanbag however is essential as a means for stabilizing your camera. This
bag, which we will fill on our first morning there, should be made of durable
material as it will take a REAL BEATING during this trip. It will be dropped
in the dirt, snagged on edges of the cars and experience everything in between,.
So please get durable fabric for this. Be sure that it is large enough to get
the job done well. From a variety of sources, a good dimension seems to be 12
inches(300mm) long, 9 inches (225mm) wide and approximately 4-5(100-125mm) inches
thick in the middle when filled. If you are making your own, leave an opening
that can be closed by using a zipper or Velcro tabs or by sewing with a needle
and thread there. This method of stabilizing your camera is so effective, that
you will be able to shoot at quite long exposure times.
Flash
Once again it impossible to predict all that will happen during our stay. It
is for this reason that I will also be bring a small but powerful flash(GN100
or so) to use when situations present themselves that require supplemental light.
As with all battery driven equipment, please plan accordingly. Based on the
whether flashes will be used on full power or a host of other factors, the battery
drain will vary. If your flash requires using a synch cord, please test it's
operation as well. I ALWAYS bring back up synch cords. If you have minimal experience
with flash, I would be happy to talk to you about how to execute fill flash
as well as other interesting techniques that can make a difference in outdoor
photography.
Equipment Maintenance
Because of the environment we will be in for two weeks, extra precautions should
be considered so as not to put too
much strain on your equipment. There will be few paved roads, and so dust and
dirt will be a constant problem. I would suggest several lens brushes(lipstick
or similar) be brought along to keep all glass surfaces clean. You should plan
on incorporating some type of schedule to insure your equipment is always ready
and cleaned. Also, I would suggest that lenses and accessory items be stored
in "Zip-Lock" type plastic bags. In this fashion, your equipment's
exposure to dust can be minimized when not in use. Also, lens tissue and cleaner
is an absolute. I will be bringing many of these products and if you are interested,
I can talk about how to care for and clean lenses.
Traveling with Photography Equipment & Film
There is nothing glamorous about traveling, but rather the destination is the
goal. Consequently traveling can be disruptive and good planning needs to be
done to minimize the ups and downs. I will recommend that you bring all your
camera equipment on board as your carry on piece. Being the most fragile and
also of the greatest value, keeping the equipment with you at all times makes
sense to me. If you have hard cases and send your equipment along with the luggage,
do not under any circumstances, pack(even in lead bags) film in your luggage.
The x-ray machines that will image your luggage are far more powerful than the
cumulative doses of radiation your hand checked items will receive during the
entire trip. Having your film x-rayed by the powerful equipment used for luggage
could result in pre-exposed film and deliver less than ideal photos. Dealing
with airport security will also be a reality. At airports around the world,
people must honor requests for inspection. Make this experience as simple as
possible for yourself. I recently taught a photography through the microscope
workshop in Stockholm and had no problems as long as I respected the job that
needed to be done by the customs agents/security. Here are some simple suggestions.
- Have all films already unpacked and out of the cardboard boxes - Pack all
film cassettes in one common zip lock bag and save the plastic containers for
on site re-use later. It has been cited that some airport customs inspectors
will inspect each roll of film. When we arrive on site, you can consider reloading
the films into the plastic cassettes if you wish. Fuji often packs its film
in clear plastic containers. These are ideal for travel and will not require
the above procedure. If you can secure these type of containers from your local
processing labs, this will save you possible hassles and dirt problems later.
- You should save the plastic containers and repack film on site, should you
wish to minimize exposure to dirt. - Do not load your cameras until through
with all inspection stations - Pack everything in one bag if possible. Having
two carry-ons is becoming more restricted by some carriers - Be prepared to
have your camera bag x-rayed while requesting film to be given a hand inspection.
Your camera will experience no problems while the film will be quite sensitive
to cumulative x-ray exposure. As I mentioned, I have traveled abroad and I have
not experienced any problems, nor have any of my friends and colleagues. If
a hand inspection is denied, do not become upset as your film will be x-rayed.
The radiographic exposure will be quite low and should not cause the film to
experience problems. The goal of your travel should be to minimize the number
of times your film will need to be x-rayed at the various airports. A number
of technical articles on the subject do exist if you really want to do further
research. I would speculate that if the film were x rayed at each airport, you
might be hard pressed to observe any visible changes in your results, however
caution should be taken. Remember, you will need to
repeat this process on your return home as well.
A few other thoughts
The most important thing to realize is that each of us will bring a certain
amount of natural excitement to this trip and it will be contagious. As we work
through getting acclimated to the incredible scenes before us and specifically
while in the vehicles, please move slowly as your movements will rock the vehicles.
The slight vibration in moving from the back of the vehicle to another vantage
point could negatively impact other's results. Also, please do not ask your
driver to leave a site until everyone has completed his or her work. A strategy
that other tours use is a method for rotating in the vehicles. In this fashion,
everyone gets access to the various roof hatch views. For your safety, plan
on holding onto something when moving to new sites. The plains and other areas
are actually quite bumpy and will rock the vehicles without notice. You will
also be required to stay in the vehicles at all times while on safari. Great
photographs will abound while on safari so one caution I would advise would
be to be patient. Making incredible photographs will require some good luck,
some good skills, but more importantly planning and patience. Consequently early
on during our trip, we will determine what to take advantage of while on safari.
We will forge important relationships with each other as well as with the very
important tour guide from UniqueAdventures. One of your greatest assets while
on this trip will be your patience to get what you want as photos, and not just
snapshots of what is out there in front of your lens. Learning to work slowly,
waiting and watching will be vital to your success. A certain familiarity with
the area before you arrive will also greatly benefit your work. Get to know
as much about Tanzania as you can. Read about the behavior as well as habits
of the East African wildlife so you make photographs that are, to say the least,
awesome. Journals. At many times in my life, I have kept journals while making
pictures. Photography is but one language and so through the additional use
of words, you might further your results. The journal can be both technical
as well as personal and I usually find the outcome of this process to be very
positive. As it relates to this experience, please consider this suggestion
as another way to keep the photographs and experiences of this incredible trip
alive.
Bring slides or prints for evening discussions/critiques There are locations
in which we will have a chance to look at work and talk about what makes a picture
successful. In some cases, we might have access to a slide projector, but this
may be problematic because of the obvious reasons. As a suggestion, you might
bring small prints for discussions. Please bring no more than 20 pieces. If
you are more of risk taker, bring a few slides as well. Maybe we'll get lucky
as a projector has been requested. The slides will look quite a bit better/different
than prints as slide films have twice the dye content as do print films. Consequently,
slides will always have more saturation than prints. These evening discussions
are designed to improve your composition as well as knowledge about what constitutes
effective photographs. some thoughts on defining
Effective Photographs
- utilize Light with character backlight, unusual color of, storms avoid shooting
at high noon or in very contrasty light
- include Dramatic subjects and location - use Strong Composition and Framing
- Photographs that evoke emotion
- effective Use of Color
- effective Use of Patterns
- effective Use of foreground/background treatment
- effective Use of Appropriate Aperture & Shutter Speeds evening discussion
groups
If you have questions, please feel free to
call me directly at RIT at 585-475-2775, or at home at 585-473-4413 or by e-mail
at MRPPPH@RIT.EDU.
I look forward to the opportunity of meeting and working with you.Sincerely
Michael Peres