Africa Trip Post 1

Since I got back from Tanzania, I have been wanting to write blog posts, but honestly, have no idea where to start sharing this amazing adventure. I don't want to write it all at once, too long of a story, and I am still digesting all the information and working on all the images from the experience. Luckily I did write a journal every night so I would not forget.  I guess I will start at the beginning, or at least when we touched down on African soil. Some names have been changed for the privacy of the people that welcomed me into their culture.

　

Arrival at the airport went so smooth it was unreal.  I now officially have a real foreign stamp in 　my passport. ALL six bags arrived in tact with nothing missing except one trunk had lost on clamp.  Dena was waiting for us just out side the door with hugs and instruction on changing money. I handed over my American dollars and got back a whole stack of red bills with elephants on them. 　



Street vendors on a main street in the largest city in Tanzania

The ride through Dar Es Salaam was crazy. There is no place in the US with that sort of driving - I hope to appreciate the OCCASIONAL cut off from now on... I tried to hold in gasps and grips of the seat as Dena made her way through people walking out in front of her, motorcycle taxis (peeki peeki) went between lanes of traffic, bicycles carrying everything - lumber, chickens, apples, etc. 　Daladalas (buses) filled with people edged their way in front of us. On the streets, people walked in between cars, in the side, and up and down the medians. Some women carried stuff on their heads, some had very heavy stuff.

One the long ride back, we passed through villages on the paved road from Dar to Morogoro. Talia tried to fight sleep but ended up sleeping most of the way home. We we're stopped three times at check points, racial profiling feels a little different when you are on the other side you are used to being on. We stopped for a soda, and a bathroom break - I had a regular toilet, Talia got the stall with the "squatty potty" trench. Then we were onward to Morogoro.

The Arc

We decided to eat first at the Arc Hotel  restaraunt. Good fried rice. Then on to Dena's home. We pulled up to the gate, and Seth opened with a big smile, introductions were made, and I learned to say "Habari yako" and response "Nzuri". And to shake hands with the right hand only. (first social faux pas)

Frank came a little while later with our first African gift of Sugar Bananas , which were the sweetest and best I have ever eaten. The peels were very thin, from lack of pesticides and being able to ripen naturally. I immediately smelled of them with a big wiff that filled my nose with the wonderful scent of fresh bananas (second social faux pas).  Frank's gift was very generous, and were straight off the tree at his home. His English was good, but I wished I was more familiar with Swahili.



A small load for this bicycle cart, some of the produce had probably already been delivered.

More to come, but I had to start somewhere.

Awards from Capture 2012

Each year, the Professional Photographers Association of Arkansas holds a print competition and continued education convention for all it's members. A lot of work goes into organizing, advertising, and just doing what all it takes to make sure it is beneficial to the members, and in the end to the clients that choose APPA members. I have been a part of APPA since before I became a photographer for the public. Mark had joined years before, and the people were so nice and caring, of course it was only natural for me to be a part of it.

Earlier this week, I was honored to have 3 prints deserve a merit. I had the highest individual score ever for me, and also the highest average for me too. I was thrilled with that as my own personal accomplishment, but when my name was announced for "First Place Portrait" in my division, I was shocked and very excited. Most of the work I do is portraits - not candids, weddings, or commercial work - but beautifully lit portraits. It was nice to get a first place and affirmation of skills.

After I sat down and started on my coffee, my name was called again. This one was even more special - the Delores Schrader award for the best Black and White image in competition. This award was set up in memory of Mrs. Delores Schrader by her husband, G.J. "Buddy" Schrader who was an APPA president from 1948-1949. There are so many photographers that have gone before us that were dedicated to education in this industry. Thank You to all of them.

My model for the winning image is Mr. Robert Larsen. I met Robert at church and not by his looks, but my our discussions of life, I knew he would be great for this project I already had in my mind. One of the print judges comment was "You can just see that he is honestly in prayer". The judges discussed and discussed it, gave it a score, and then called it back up to discuss again and raised the score again.  My chest was pounding and I could not stay seated. I thought I was going to have to leave the room. I plan to send this, and the other prints on to national competition, with the hopes of them doing as well there as they did at Capture 2012.