A HUGE THANK YOU - To all the collectors of my work and fellow photographers who helped me to select “Chilled Out” from my portfolio for entry into the 2007 RPS Members’ Exhibition. The image was accepted and the exhibition tours the UK until April 2008. Click here for the schedule.

MASAI MARA - In the gallery you will see images from Africa which were taken using new gear. Collectors of my work will see a selection of landscapes added to the portfolio and in response to requests, I have also included several of my wildlife shots.

INDIA - In February, I toured the “Golden Traingle” - Delhi, Agra, Jaipur then back to Delhi via Samode.

 

Nothing can adequately describe the complete contrasts of wealth in India. You have to see it to believe it. It seems a great pity that, despite a flourishing economy, the caste system seems to inhibit the distribution of wealth to all who

need it.

We were assured that that’s how they want it - fair enough, it’s their Country, but you begin to wonder when you look into the eyes of the needy.

 

India is a great Country and my finger pressed the shutter release over 1,000 times. Just a few shots are now in the Gallery.

VENICE - Wedding Anniversary in the Capital of Romance so the temptation to grab a few shots was too high to resist. Most of them were personal but a selection can be seen in the Gallery.

There is a superb exhibition of Canaletto's Twelve Ducal Festivities - as engraved on copper plates by Brustolon - at Ca Rezzonico. Thie exhibition is all the more interesting as Canaletto's original camera obscura is on display.

 

Recommendation - We stayed at La Calcina - excellent accommodation, views, food, service but not expensive for Venice!!

The guys at Olympus have come up with some outstanding lenses for their E-System range. Some of those I use are listed in the Equipment section of the new website but I must single one out in particular - the Zuiko 7-14 mm Ultra-Wide Zoom.

 

This lens answers dreams. It enables the type of image that we all search for - a subject close up and imposing against a broad vista in the background. Huge depth of field, perfect exposure to all corners and minimal distortion. Take a look at the skull shot and those of the Masai warriors to see what I mean.

 

Most folk know that I use Olympus cameras and their Zuiko lenses but they might not know why. I look for quality of build and performance, leading edge technology with ease of use, value for money and I like to travel light.

 

Olympus have met my criteria ever since my first OM1 SLR in 1976. I must tell you that it made me smile to watch the N & C users weighed down by their heavy gear as we followed the trails of the wildlife in the Masai Mara.

 

Along with many other new bits of kit, this lens demonstrates that Olympus is unquestionably back as a leader in the professional market.

ON SAFARI - Whilst making recommendations, if you have never been to Governors’ Camp in the Masai Mara - consider it. The setting, the food, the proximity of the wildlife (we were awakened at 3am by a herd of 8 wild elephants surrounding the tent), the luxurious accommodation and, most important of all, the staff. The management is efficient without being imposing and we were made to feel welcome, comfortable and safe by all.

 

The knowledge and experience of the guides is second to none. This was my third safari in Kenya and these guides left the rest standing. We would have missed the cheetah which was two miles away on the horizon were it not for Ngei. How he was able to get us to within a few metres before the animal detected us is beyond me.

 

A picnic breakfast on the open plain on our last morning - what a memory!

WILDLIFE IN NEED - When is it ever not? Television programmes, wildlife magazines - they all raise awareness but few are able to help directly. Having seen the effect that the Palm Oil industry is having on wildlife in the Far East myself, I can personally vouch for the urgency of the latest RSPB appeal. Click here for more information.