Here is a selection of my recent Kenya images, now available as wide format, fine art prints. Sizes are 13×19, 24×36 and 40×60 inches. (33×48, 61×91 and 101×152 cm respectively). All prints are made using the finest acid-free fine art papers and the very latest Canon pigment ink technology. I personally handle the printing, packing and shipping of all orders.
Until the end of July 2010, all Fine Art print orders are 15% off. Please use the following code upon checkout to save: 0710KSI
The EOS-1D Mark IV is the latest incarnation of Canon’s EOS-1 series of digital SLRs, used by legions of professional photographers worldwide. This new camera incorporates HD video-recording and an incredible 50 to 102400 ISO range. Both superb additions. But it’s the Mark IV’s fully redesigned auto focus system which was the most highly anticipated feature, for Canon has a lot riding on it: it had to solve serious technical issues which plagued the 1D-Mark III and prompted so many professionals to switch to Nikon. Read my Canon EOS-1D Mark IV review in New Zealand’s D-Photo magazine here.
My two-month photographic exploration of eastern and western Africa has come to an end. As I reminisce and browse the many images, the feeling of incompleteness is great. Not so much because of a lack of worthy images but more with the realization that a proper exploration could take a lifetime, even when narrowing down one’s photographic interests in the continent. I am well aware how naive this may sound, so I better show some images!
While researching Rwanda – my first african stop – it was hard to escape the historical and sociological aspects of the 1994 genocide. And one wouldn’t want to avoid this either, as reading about Rwanda’s recent past will help gain a better understanding about the country’s path to becoming an african model of political stability and economic growth.
Roughly the size of Belgium, Rwanda’s population density is the highest in Africa. Aptly named “land of a thousand hills”, Rwanda is carved by endless lush ridges and valleys. With a million inhabitants, Kigali is a capital sprawling on four hills. Even with its lights, traffic, numerous modern buildings and markets, Kigali still feels like a village, never too far from the countryside. A trip to Rwanda would be incomplete without a visit to the Genocide Memorial Centre. The very detailed historical account and audiovisual displays are a deeply moving reminder – and warning – of the darker side of humanity. In the course of a hundred days, an organized campaign of terror exterminated more than 800,000 people in the most brutal way. The colorful and meticulously tended gardens of the memorial are interspersed with large slabs of concrete covering mass graves containing over a quarter of a million victims. An even more heartbreaking part of the memorial is a section recounting the fate of children. On display are a number of pictures with names, ages, favorite food and a note detailing the way they were killed.
Rwanda is now on a fast track to growth. Its government’s focus on national unity and economic development are a world away from the atrocities of half a generation ago. Rwanda attracts a rapidly growing number of visitors and many rwandese living abroad return home to participate in their country’s development. It’s easy to see why: economic policies implemented with environmental protection at their core, a focus on tackling corruption, a very palpable sense of social unity and wealth of stunning nature destinations and activities.
Rwanda’s ecotourism jewels are undoubtedly Nyungwe National Park, and Parc National Des Volcans. The extremely bio-diverse Nyungwe forest is also one of the richest areas in terms of endemic species in all of Africa. I hired Claver Ntoyinkima, a vastly experience bird tracker to help with the identification the forest’s numerous bird species.
Home to the famous yet endangered mountain gorillas, Parc National Des Volcans is a must-do. An encounter with some of our closest relatives will leave indelible memories. With just over 700 left, the heavily protected mountain gorillas invite so much interest that only 50 visitors a day are issued trekking permits to see them. Permits cost USD $500 per person and each group’s visit, under the supervision of armed rangers, lasts no longer than one hour.
Here is an early selection of images, below. More to come. Click on images for bigger versions.
A bellbird (Anthornis melanura) sits on top of a broken tree, in the Rimutaka forest near Upper Hutt, New Zealand. The bellbird is endemic to New Zealand and belongs to the honeyeaters family. Its song resembles that of the tui (Prosthemadera novaeseelandiae), another endemic bird of New Zealand.
A pied stilt (Himantopus himantopus) dunks its head into the water, at the Pauatahanui Wildlife Reserve near Wellington, New Zealand. The conservation area is home to a variety of birds such as royal spoonbills, bar-tailed godwits, New Zealand shovelers, paradise shelducks, pukekos, black shags and white-faced herons.
For prints and licensing of this pied stilt image click here.
The widespread devastation and loss of life caused by yesterday’s earthquake and tsunami will have long-lasting consequences for the people of Samoa.
You can help, by lifting a finger. Literally.
By purchasing one or several large format prints of a small selection of photographs I took in Samoa, you will contribute to the relief effort and to the rebuilding of Samoa.
100% of prints sale proceeds will be transfered to the New Zealand Red Cross.
With 90% of the island’s housing destroyed and heavy loss of life, the consequences of the September 30 earthquake and tsunami will be long-lasting for the people of Samoa.
By clicking on any image in the slideshow below, you’ll be able to order large format prints from a small selection of photographs taken in Samoa. In doing so, you will be helping samoans and contribute to the rebuilding of their beautiful island nation. 100% of prints sale proceeds will be transfered to the New Zealand Red Cross, spearheading the relief effort.
Please link to this post or embed the gallery below in your blog (grab the code from the triangle in the lower right corner of the slideshow window), or share this post on Facebook.
A tui hangs on the branch of a kowhai tree, Wellington, New Zealand. As some of New Zealand's most territorial native birds, tuis (Prosthemadera novaeseelandiae) are easily recognizable by their white throat tufts and a distinctive white feathers collar.
To purchase a print of this Tui bird image or to license it, click here.
