I can't believe it has been around 4 months since my trip to Tanzania, Africa for the Grace Ormonde - Thirst Relief Benefit Shoot.  The image I am posting today is taken of three of my fellow photographers who were on the trip.  We were working at the Thirst Relief workshop where the bio-sand filters are built.  Here is a picture of (in order of left to right) Shane Melenbacker, Luke Edmonson, and Laura Parker in one of the steps necessary to get the sand ready for the filter.  The group interest, concern, and effort that was put in by everyone was truly something to witness.  I think I can safely speak for everyone that went by saying that we were all touched beyond words. 

So I have been a terrible blogger lately and need to start getting back on the horse.  Something that has been bringing me down lately is that I still haven't put up that many images from my Tanzania trip.  I have been working with some incredible local partners about hopefully further publicizing this trip that I took with a group of other very talented wedding photographers.  We went to Tanzania to document and publicize Thirst Relief and the efforts they are taking to bring clean water to underdeveloped countries in the world.  I encourage everyone to check out the blog that was created for our trip.  It has been a bit static lately because we can't show the fashion images that were taken for the Grace Ormonde Wedding Style feature until the magazine is released in January. 

I have decided that at least for a period of time leading up to some more exciting news on the trip, I am going to try and blog at least one image from my experience every Tuesday or Thursday.  In addition, I'll try to give the story behind the image. 

As I was recently looking through some of the images, this was one that really stuck out to me.  We were visiting a church and a pastor who helps build the bio-sand filters that are used by Thirst Relief to supply clean water.  We went to his place, as he has the first well to supply clean water that was supported by Thirst Relief in Tanzania.  While viewing the Church we had some visitors (the kids would love to see what was going on when they saw the cameras) who seemed to be enjoying our company.  I was wanting to get a shot of this bike and the gridded window but it ended up becoming a very impromptu portrait that I have grown in love with.  Without further adieu, here it is.

 

Dar Es Salaam, Tanzania - All I can say is WOW!  This had to be about the biggest culture shock that I have come across.  After leaving the opulence of Dubai, I think we were all a little shocked when we arrived at the airport in Tanzania.  Let's just say the two airports could not be much more polar from one another.  When we went into what felt like a basement to get our Visas and clear customs, I knew we were no longer home. 

We all made our way to our bus and boarded for what was no doubt a life changing trip.  I literally sat on the bus for the whole ride to Kunduchi Beach just amazed at the sites.  I don't think I will ever forget that bus ride just taking everything in.  With that in mind, here are a few of the images that I shot through the window on our way to our first stop

What a trip so far!  The day started by heading into NYC on Monday and walked around the big apple for a while.  From JFK, myself and four of my fellow trip-mates boarded for the first leg to Dubai.  After arriving to some pretty intense heat and glass fogging humidity, we went out on a little photo safari for a few hours.  The air was so thick and had a haze which made for some difficult shooting, but it was an experience.

After enjoying the business lounge for Emirates Air (which is great by the way), we boarded for the second leg and daycare air.  I have never seen so many kids on a flight, who all thought it was recess!  Sleep was not an option.

Reality hit the moment we landed.  We were no longer in Kansas (and definitely not Dubai).  I think we all looked out the bus on the way to our hotel in utter amazement.  I can safely say that we will all probably leave different people.  In closing, I am here with some pretty amazing people and am truly looking forward to getting to know everyone more!

P.S.  Here is a sample of some of my pics from NYC and Dubai.