Africa Trip Quick Pics

Going to Africa is a photographer's dream, so naturally, the last two weeks have been a lot of fun for me. It was our second trip to Tanzania, but the first since I got back into photography in a serious way.

I will get into some travel tips and stories later, but here are some of my initial favorites from the trip to get the blogging ball rolling again.

People...

The people of Tanzania are amazing, and it is quite an honor to bring their stories and needs back to the U.S., and hopefully to help bring meaningful and sustainable aid to them in the future.

First, my favorite shot of the trip. This widow sat by a window with great light. I shot about a dozen pictures of her waiting for an expression like this. She is a very strong woman who has lived a very hard life, losing her husband in the late '80s and raising 9 children. One of her children died.

I spent a little bit of time with the ladies who cooked for our team and a whole group of local pastors who were in town for a conference.


One of the group's projects involved working with orphans from the local churches.


I have never been as scared about losing a camera as during the evening out on small boats with local fisherman on Lake Tanganyika, but I really liked some of the photos.


Albino children are very much at risk in many parts of Africa. Our team did some work in a facility for leprosy victims, which is where several albinos lived for protection.


The children and orphans in a leper colony will absolutely break your heart. They are among the neediest people on the planet, yet they have joy, spark, and creativity that make you realize just how spoiled and jaded western kids can be.

I think our church needs more chickens running around...

Nature

The trip ended with a three-day adventure through the Serengeti National Park and Ngorongoro Crater conservation area. We did not get to see elephants and Rhinos as we did in 2004, but the lions and a hungry leopard made up for it.











Mrs. Easttexasphoto gets photo credit for this one...










No doubt what this guy thinks about tourists romping through his territory...

More to come. And if you get a chance to go, GO!

Don J.

Lots of stuff. And lightning.

Fall is coming quickly and sports, school, a trip and some big projects are all happening at once. Fun times. And did I mention my wife is expecting our first baby!? Exciting times in the Easttexasphoto household.

A system of storms moved through the area this evening and I could not resist stopping beside the road for some lightning photo attempts. Got lucky on this one too, with lots of bolts at once...


With all of the water around, lights and signs take on new life in the evenings. Even the grocery store gets more interesting to look at...

Football has started, and Terrell won their first matchup against Kaufman Friday night. It was tough to shoot 'for' Terrell after two years of shooting 'for' Kaufman. Got some shots I liked too...
The light at the beginning of the game was excellent and made fun shadows.

Full sets of photos can be seen (and bought) for Terrell here and Kaufman here.

Sportsshooter monthly contest winners are always good... this month seems exceptionally so.

Have a great rest 0' the week everyone.

It is more Friday night lights for Terrell vs. Greenville this week.... should be fun.

Don J.