Getting ready to capture Egypt’s landscapes and culture always is filled with more last minute items than I had planned
It is a bit of a crazy week, as I’m getting ready for my trip to Egypt, which will be a wonderful return to this great and ancient country. Even though I think of myself as a somewhat seasoned traveler, there are always many last-minute items to take care of, and they take more time than I budgeted for them. It’s easy to underestimate the little things that can add up and create a sense of urgency before departure.
Amazingly, one aspect of my packing that has turned into a series of multiple repacks revolves around my camera gear. Photography is a passion of mine, and when traveling, I want to capture the stunning landscapes, rich history, and vibrant culture that Egypt has to offer. For this trip, I made the decision about what equipment to take with me pretty early on. This includes my Fuji X-H2 camera, a Canon 5D MkIII for infrared photography, a variety of lenses, and extra batteries. However, as I’m guilty of owning a number of camera bags, the real challenge has been deciding on the perfect bag to accompany me on this journey.
The art of packing light seems to be a paradox in travel; the more I try to minimize my load, the more items seem to find their way back in. This balancing act is all part of the pre-trip excitement, creating anticipation for the incredible experiences that await me in Egypt.
After I get on the plane, I will be looking forward to connecting with this interesting pharaoh once again…
Akhenaton
So, stay tuned over the next set of posts for lots more from Egypt, where I will explore the rich history, stunning landscapes, and vibrant culture of this incredible country. In addition to captivating travel tales, I will also share insights into local traditions, culinary delights, and hidden gems as I come across them.
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!
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