Life Along the Nile: Views from the River

As mentioned in earlier posts, the Nile is the beating green heart of Egypt. As one cruises up and down the river, cities and life is visible right from the ship. As the river has become more predictable in its water volume since the introduction of dams, people will live closer to the water.

Here’s a view from board…

Among the palm trees houses have been built to enjoy the river’s proximity. Note the rebar sticking up from one of the houses. This was a practice under earlier tax laws, as one would not have to pay property taxes until the building was finished. This loophole has now been closed, but the rebar sticking up from buildings is still rather commonplace.

And another view…

Kids wave as we pass by. I can imagine that they are waiting for their parents to take them for a bit of boating themselves!

Of course there are risks associated with living right next to the river…

River banks do shift over time, as they meander. It would appear that this was a little too close for comfort! Although, I still wonder if this was meant to be a pleasure boat.

Author: jansenphoto

A Fresh Perspective Photography is more than just a vehicle for capturing the world around me; it provides me with a palette and a set of brushes, with which I paint not only what I see, but also look to express the emotions that are evoked by the scene in front of me in that moment. Growing up in the Netherlands exposed me to a wide cross-section of visual arts that laid the foundation of my photographic view of all that surrounds me. Early influences were the Dutch Masters of the 17th century, to whom I was introduced by my grandfather during museum explorations; favorites among them are the scenes of quotidian life depicted by Jan Steen and Frans Hals and the vivid landscapes of Jacob van Ruisdael. My classical high school education was supplemented by the Boijmans Van Beuningen museum, where I spent many a lunch hour exploring its great collection. Here I was introduced to surrealism with a particular love for the approach taken by Salvador Dali; Dali also rekindled my appreciation for the work of Hieronymus Bosch, who often showed the folly of us mortals. Universal Connections My approach to any photographic subject is to look for understanding first; in this I look to establish either a connection between the viewer and the subject or capture the connection of the subject with its surroundings. The captured image then aims to portray this connection from a perspective that is part of my personal interpretation. This interpretation is often a form of externalized introspection, which may alternately display the connection of isolated beings and items with their environment or highlight the whimsy of the profound world, in which we find ourselves. The universe is full of connections, many of which are waiting to be discovered; part of my journey as a photographer is to document these connections. Any assignment, be it an event, a product shoot or a portrait session is always approached through communication with the client; this is where the first connection is established. Ideas are exchanged and a collaborative plan of action forms, ultimately resulting in a set of images that aim to exceed the expectations of each client. And, lest we forget, it is important to have fun while practicing the serious business of photography! View all posts by jansenphoto