Brazil Investigative Journalist needed

Wed, 19 Jun 2013 03:45:49 +0000

Just heard a great story involving a friend, and someone very famous, that needs some investigation for a possible expose-style documentary film. Anyone? Tobie Openshaw

Need Fixer in Sarajevo

Tue, 18 Jun 2013 21:37:26 +0000

I'm looking for a fixer in Sarajevo 7 July - 19 July. You can also e-mail me @ perburns@yahoo.com. Thank you, in advance, for any info. or leads.

URGENT- Quetta bombing Pakistan

Tue, 18 Jun 2013 15:02:13 +0000

Any stringers or Photojournalists working on the above story. I am looking for file photos of the bombing with minimal graphic content. Also looking for a survivor first person piece and shoot. I need to turn this around by wednesday 3pm GMT. Competative day rate. Please email tomasina_brittain@ipcmedia.com, out of hours please text 0044 7788105208 with your details and i will return call.

Problem Downloading from Card

Wed, 19 Jun 2013 07:09:50 +0000

I'm having a bit of a problem downloading from a card. If anybody has any ideas, I'd love to have them. I have a SanDisk 32G SDHC card in my D800 camera. I filled the card shooting the interview of Josef Koudelka at LOOK3. I reloaded the camera and put the full card in my card case. When later I tried to download the card into Bridge's Photodownloader via the built-in card reader in my MBP Retina, the only thing it would show was a DCIM folder. I can put the card in question back into the camera and it will read the images onto the camera screen without problem. So I think this shows that the files are not themselves corrupted. Has anyone experienced this or have any ideas how to overcome this problem before I bring in the big guns?

New online photographer service - www.lightrocket.com

Mon, 17 Jun 2013 10:54:51 +0000

Launched at the beginning of this month - LightRocket (www.lightrocket.com) is a new online service founded and created by photographers for photographers. LightRocket offers secure backup, customisable websites, archive management, marketing tools, privacy filters and an online archive that is marketed to thousands of picture buyers around the world. Memberships come with 20GB of expandable storage and premium members can apply to become Getty contributors via LightRocket. Trials are free for 30 days and the first year is US$ 39 per year for Standard membership and US$ 49 per year for premium members (who are listed in our contributor directory and can publish galleries and portfolios on the main LightRocket site). Feel free to in touch if you'd like to know more info@lightrocket.com

New online photographer service - www.lightrocket.com

Mon, 17 Jun 2013 10:54:38 +0000

Facebook ISO photographers' strategic partnerships leader

Sun, 16 Jun 2013 20:52:41 +0000

https://www.facebook.com/careers/department?dept=grad&req=a0IA0000006cmqPMAQ Facebook is seeking an experienced strategic partnerships leader to manage partnerships and programs with photographers. This role will serve as Facebook’s lead liaison to the photographer community, and work on strategic partnerships focused on connecting photographers to their fans in innovative ways. The Partnerships team is the external arm of Facebook and works with the world’s largest and most exciting organizations and public figures on high profile projects. This position is based in New York. Responsibilities Manage strategy, implementation and optimization of Facebook’s partnerships and programs with photographers Identify and document best practices for photographers Be an internal advocate within Facebook for photographers, including with product teams Work with relevant internal teams to ensure that Facebook is taking partner input into account in relevant product and policy decisions Track, analyze and communicate quantitative metrics and trends as they relate to photographers Requirements BA/BS degree with outstanding academic performance 8+ years experience in the photography industry/or partner management, with focus on photography Excellent project management experience, with the ability to lead and handle multiple time-sensitive, cross-functional projects on deadline Exceptional communication and presentation skills, and the ability to serve as a spokesperson for Facebook Demonstrated ability to think strategically about complex issues, leading to thoughtful recommendations and action plans Ability to work effectively and cross-functionally with all levels of management, both internally and externally Rapid learner who thrives in a fast-paced environment

I want a program or a database

Sun, 16 Jun 2013 20:49:46 +0000

I want a program or a database, how never left the project a picture of short stories, from choosing the place and security expenses, time, and more than that

Geo-Cultural Magazines

Sun, 16 Jun 2013 20:49:42 +0000

Dear friends, I worked on a cultural story on indigenous Tamangs from Nepal, talking on the challenge of modernity for indigenous cultures. Does anybody knows sort of Geo magazines which could be interesting in publishing cultural stories of this kind. Beside NG and GEO I don't know much.. IN case let me know and thanks a lot.

Available for reportage from Nepal [ Mustang ] in August and North India in September

Sun, 16 Jun 2013 20:49:40 +0000

Hello LS people! I'm available for reportage and photography from Nepal, especially on the Mustang Lo Manthang - the lost kingdom of Nepal in August 2013 and North India in September 2013 covering Tibetans in exile, Himalayas and social issues in and around the region. I can be reached at saranshsehgal@gmail.com Thanks.

Fine Fixer/Simultaneous Interpreter for Bangladesh!

Sun, 16 Jun 2013 20:49:37 +0000

I work as a professional Fixer/Stringer for foreign journalists, photographers, documentary film makers & TV producers with a journalism background. Contact me if you are planning for any assignment in Bangladesh. My email: roni_law.du@hotmail.com —Thanks

15" Macbook Pro - w/ 8GB memory in Kampala, UG

Sun, 16 Jun 2013 20:49:35 +0000

Fifteen inch Apple Macbook Pro laptop. Looks like new, excellent condition and running the latest OS: 10.8 Mountain Lion. 2.66 Ghz Intel Core i7 processor, 8GB Memory, 500GB hard drive storage. Still under worldwide Applecare warranty until December 2013. $1150 or 3,000,000 Uganda shillings - fixed, firm price. I'm in Kampala, Uganda for the next several weeks. jake@jakelyell.com +256787256853

URGENT: Photographer in Trivandrum

Sun, 16 Jun 2013 20:49:30 +0000

Anyone know of a photographer to do a shoot in Trivandrum in the next few days? Please let me know. THANKS!

Looking for Fixer in Singapore

Sun, 16 Jun 2013 20:49:29 +0000

I’m looking for a local fixer in Singapore who speaks English fluently as well as local dialects. We are launching into a major global project to create a documentary style video about the way that people consume/watch TV now that the internet has changed access to video content. We are looking for a Fixer who can connect us with 3-4 local people for interviews, help translate when needed, and act as a guide for the 1-2 days we are in town conducting interviews. If this is something you can help with, please respond with contact information (email) and I can follow-up directly for cost estimates. Thanks!

Looking for a fixer in Europe

Tue, 18 Jun 2013 21:55:40 +0000

I'm looking for a fixer in the UK, Germany, Spain, France, Netherlands, and Poland who speaks the local language as well as English fluently. We are launching into a major project to create a documentary style video about the way that people consume/watch TV now that the internet has changed access to video content. We are looking for a Fixer who can connect us with 3-4 local people for interviews, help translate when needed, and act as a guide for the 1-2 days we are in town conducting interviews. If this is something you can help with, please respond with contact information (email) and I can follow-up directly for cost estimates. Thanks!

Available for assignments in Istanbul, Turkey

Thu, 13 Jun 2013 05:26:35 +0000

I'm currently in Istanbul covering the protests / Pro-Government Rally this weekend. mail@danvanmoll.com www.danvanmoll.com +49 172 2494123 Photo/Videojournalist Departure June 16th

Canon 24/1.4L

Wed, 12 Jun 2013 15:57:07 +0000

Hi, selling my Canon 24/1.4L lens. Original version, not the II. Works great as a bright 35mm equivalent on 1.6x cameras (Canon 60D etc). $950 or best offer. It's in great condition, and has a b+w UV filter.

List of editor's contact details ?

Fri, 14 Jun 2013 06:51:40 +0000

Last year I think, there was a post consisting a list of editor's emails /phone numbers? As far as i remember that was a UK based editors list only. I could not find it so maybe anybody remember it ? Anybody knows where to get such a compilation (UK & worldwide)? Many thanks, P.

What's the best hardware for DSLR video? Experiences?

Tue, 11 Jun 2013 16:30:49 +0000

Does anybody have a favorite video shooting DSLR? Pros/cons of Canons, especially, including the 5D series, 6D, 7D, etc. Good or bad experiences with these bodies? Hardware/software issues, mechanical durability, any other issues you've had with this hardware. All advice appreciated.

Fine Fixer in Cairo and Sinai

Tue, 11 Jun 2013 01:30:27 +0000

Fine Fixer/Simultaneous Translator and Freelance Journalist in Cairo, Sinai, Tanta, Alexandria, Aswan, Luxor, Port Said and Egypt http://www.facebook.com/CairoFixer Arabic <> English There is a highly recommended fixer/translator in Cairo, Egypt call: 0100-67-68-2-69 or email: ahmed.seddik@gmail.com -—————— Ahmed Seddik has worked with BBC, CNN, CBS, FT, Time Magazine, France 2… ——————————————— Testimonials: I have hired Mr Seddik on two occasions – once in Egypt and once in Libya. On both occasions he was working as a translator and fixer for the BBC team. We were working in a high pressured environment, doing very long hours and I was extremely impressed with him. He has excellent English – better than any other translator I have worked with so far in the region. He is confident in dealing with journalists and communicated with the people we interviewed in a respectful and friendly manner. He has a vast knowledge of politics and current affairs as well as the history of Egypt and the wider Middle East. This was invaluable both for interviews and in general conversation. He is also particularly good at turning dry facts into fascinating anecdotes and was often able to entertain and educate us with interesting stories about Egypt’s history. He is obviously passionate about the country, its history and culture. What most impressed me about Mr Seddik however is his energy and enthusiasm, even after working for extremely long hours. Many other translators I have worked with have been irritable after working for very long hours, but Mr Seddik remained alert, cheerful and hardworking no matter how many hours he had done. He was always punctual, courteous and is good at taking the initiative when needed. Helena Merriman Broadcast Journalist BBC World Service -————————— I am a producer for The CBS Evening News, a national nightly newsprogram in the United States. In early February, Correspondent Terry McCarthy and I were sent to Egypt to cover the events of Tahrir Square, and we hired Ahmed as our interpreter, our guide, and what we in the news business call a “fixer” – that is, someone who can arrange the interviews we need, sort through the facts we want, and generally make our lives easier in a foreign country. Ahmed was amazing. He helped us navigate through Cairo at a very difficult time with a combination of street smarts, great attitude, and an uncanny command of the English language. Also, there is no higher-pressure environment than television journalism, and we had Ahmed working for us about 20 hours a day for 3 weeks; he never failed to jump at the assignment and he never complained. In Ahmed we found not only an amazing producer, but a great resource for all things Egypt. His offhand knowledge of Egyptian history, of pharaohs and antiquities, of hieroglyphics and pyramids is astounding. He can quote ancient Egyptian texts from memory. In many ways he was our tour guide and history professor on top of everything else. Sincerely, Erin Lyall George Producer The CBS Evening News -—————————————— COPPER POT PICTURES hired Ahmed Seddik to be our fixer when we traveled to Egypt in June 2012 to film WE MUST GO, our documentary about the Egyptian Football team. Though we had tried to sort out various rights and permissions prior to traveling to Egypt, it wasn’t until Ahmed came on board that we started to see results. From permissions with the various football associations to permits from the Egyptian government to our daily transportation, Ahmed arranged everything. It was unbelievable. He is a motivated and capable fixer who assured that everything was taken care of prior to our arrival. Ahmed paved the way for a smooth shoot; we didn’t have to worry about anything except doing our jobs. He met each new challenge and wrinkle to the shoot with a positive attitude and a willingness to see that our wishes were carried out. His services were invaluable. We have shot documentaries around the world and much of the success (or failure) for our projects depend on the talents of our local fixers: I am pleased to say that Ahmed is the best we’ve worked with and I look forward to a continued partnership on WE MUST GO and future Copper Pot projects shot throughout Egypt and the Middle East. My only hesitation in writing this glowing review is that I want to make sure no one else hires him when we need him! — Dave LaMattina Producer/Director | COPPER POT PICTURES ———————————————— I am a correspondent with BBC News, based in London. I worked alongside Mr Seddik for almost 2 weeks earlier this year when I was on assignment in Egypt. During that time I found him to be an outstanding individual who would be an excellent asset to any organization. Specifically he has an acute awareness of how the media works, the demands that the modern media operates under, and the need to handle such demands with clarity, consistency and integrity. His language skills, especially his knowledge of English, are absolutely first class and he has an ability to express himself in a manner that many native English speakers would find difficult to improve upon. I have absolutely no hesitation in recommending Ahmed Seddik. Yours sincerely, Michael Buchanan Correspondent BBC News -————————————— BBC TV’s ‘Newsnight’ programme employed Ahmed Seddik as a translator, researcher, fixer and guide for two weeks in Cairo in November 2011 and found him to be a resourceful, highly-informed, hard-working and invariably good-humoured colleague. Ahmed has a vast store of knowledge about Egypt and its history, as well as a valuable network of well-placed contacts in many walks of life. He is a constantly engaging and informative companion and is able to work calmly and effectively in highly pressured circumstances. Ahmed was unfailingly cheerful and cooperative when required to work the extremely long hours often required by TV crews. He is not only an excellent interpreter/translator with an astonishingly rich and accurate knowledge of English, but also a fixer with the imagination and resourcefulness to contribute his own ideas. Tim Whewell Correspondent BBC Newsnight ———————— TIME Magazine’s Cairo Bureau has periodically employed Mr. Ahmed Seddik for translating assignments since 2004. He has performed all his tasks with a high degree of expertise and professionalism. Mr. Seddik is also extremely well educated and informed about all aspects of Egyptian life, including politics, culture and society. In every way, he has greatly assisted TIME correspondents in their work. I wholeheartedly recommend Mr. Seddik’s services, and would be delighted to receive any requests for further elaboration on my recommendation. Scott MacLeod TIME Middle East Correspondent(since 1995) -————————————— I had the opportunity to work with Ahmed Seddik last summer in Cairo, where I was temporarily based as a correspondent for Time Magazine. Though he clearly was far too qualified for the task, he cheerfully served as my translator for a couple of stories. I found him to be a precise interpreter, providing me with excellent translations of what was said in interviews, often a rarity where the need for speed overrides the desire for colorful, exact phrasing. He also demonstrated a willingness to work long hours, and at the last minute. If I have the opportunity to return to Cairo, I will be sure to use his translation services once again. Regards, Aryn Baker, Associate Editor, Time Magazine Asia Siamo stati al Cairo per un weekend lungo, purtroppo durante i disordini di piazza di novembre, che ci hanno impedito di visitare il museo egizio a Piazza Tahrir. Ma anche senza il museo, il viaggio è stato straordinario. Meravigliose le piramidi e il plateau di Giza, bellissima la visita alle moschee e alle strade del cairo islamico, entrambi posti che abbiamo visitato con la nostra guida Ahmed Seddik, la cui mail era indicata sulla Lonely Planet e che abbiamo contattato dall’Italia subito prima di partire. Ahmed ha fatto una grande differenza: è affidabile, preparato, pieno di entusiasmo, appassionato di storia, archeologia, letteratura, geroglifici e conosce i luoghi come le sue tasche. Alle piramidi ci ha fatto vedere tombe delle quali non avremmo mai capito neanche la presenza, ci ha portato a vedere un panorama strepitoso da un posto un pò più lontano ma senza turisti, e ci ha pagato addirittura lui il ritorno con il cammello come “regalo” di benvenuto. Con lui ci siamo avventurati in posti dove non saremmo andati da soli, abbiamo capito tanto della storia dell’egitto e delle piramidi e anche dell’orgoglio degli egiziani di oggi. Insomma, posti meravigliosi, clima perfetto.. speriamo che la situazione politica si tranquillizzi presto, perchè non vediamo l’ora di tornarci e di portarci anche i nostri figli! Silvia Cavallo “You are a student of the finer point of the English language.” Hugh Sykes, BBC, the World at One -———————————————— I have the privilege to recommend to you Ahmed Seddik as an excellent guide and efficient informant. I am fortunate both to have known Ahmed as a fellow student at the American University in Cairo and to have seen how he developed his college interests into his current profession. Although he makes guiding and lecturing his profession, Ahmed is a veritable renaissance man due to his passion for learning. He delights in learning various subjects and can claim expertise in many. Ahmed has a talent for drawing diverse connections from his numerous interests into any talk or tour. In addition to his tours, Ahmed makes good use of his talent in his frequent lectures on diverse topics at the Sawy Culture Wheel, a famous cultural center and academic forum in Zamalek, and elsewhere. In the tours I have attended, Ahmed was lively, engaging, and spontaneous. Both the tour to the City of the Dead and Islamic Cairo were chock‐full of information, partly due to Ahmed’s vast memory for fact and stories. On his tours each monument has a story and every side street is another step back in time. The tours I attended lasted about five hours each, although he has told me they can stretch longer or take less time depending on the audience. When I took the Islamic Cairo tour, we went the full length of the Fatimid city from gate to gate in four hours. His tour of Islamic Cairo is especially nice because it takes place in the wee hours of the morning. The streets of the Khan el‐Khalili are amazingly serene at that time, which makes for a stark contrast with the market’s usual chaos. If you should take the tour make sure to see the inside of the mosque and madrasa of Barquq; Sultan Plum had an eye for beauty. On these tours, Ahmed is always thinking about ways to improve and innovate. For example, while leading us through the streets of Islamic Cairo, Ahmed thanked the street cleaners and pondered organizing them to keep the roads cleaner. Ahmed says he has never given the same tour twice. I believe it. Ahmed’s style of guiding and touring is not like that found on any other tour. It has more artistry in it than the others. But the faint of heart beware, he is more than half a poet. Emblazoned on his business card is the Arabic palindrome malik kalim, meaning “king of words.” And certifiably, he can claim to rule his words. Ahmed is a possessor of a veritable treasury of terms and an arsenal of anecdotes. Don’t think it tedious if he recites a list of synonyms or lines of poetry. Listen attentively. It is all part of the tour. Bryan Kraemer PhD. Candidate Egyptology University of Chicago TO WHOM IT MAY CONCERN I am very pleased to recommend Mr. Ahmed Seddik of Ahmed Seddik Tours in his pursuit as an expert guide for ancient and medieval sites in Egypt. Not only does he have an outstanding knowledge of Egyptology and ancient Egyptian monuments (including ongoing excavations), he is similarly conversant in Islamic history, as shown in several tours of Islamic Cairo that we have conducted together. This is also clear in his very numerous, well-researched public lectures in Egypt on a wide range of topics within it—literary, historical and linguistic—many of which I have shared in personally. (An Arabist, my 2008 doctoral dissertation at the University of Pennsylvania, on fiction set in ancient Egypt by the late Nobel laureate in literature, Naguib Mahfouz, made broad, closely supervised use of Egyptological sources, and I have also extensively studied Islamic history, both at the University of Michigan and U-Penn.) His considerable acumen and insight extend far beyond these fields to also embrace Arabic literature, science and mathematics too. His masterful familiarity with the vast and intricate oeuvre of Ahmad Shawqi, “the Prince of Poets,” is a great achievement in itself, and could only have been attained with his extremely erudite knowledge of Arabic grammar, syntax and vocabulary. Moreover, he is highly trained in English literature, grammar and lexicography, a most rare combination with such a background in Arabic, let alone Egyptology. Indeed, Ahmed is a genuine polymath in the truest sense of the word, and has educated himself far beyond what his formal studies at the American University in Cairo have taught him. As to his character, Ahmed—a natural showman, with a distinct (and very Egyptian) love of attention—is also extremely thoughtful and helpful to others. Our experience together, in which we have shared in delivering lectures (mainly on Mahfouz)—and even co-produced and performed in short plays (e.g., on the discovery of Tutankhamun’s tomb)—has been an extremely rich and happy one. I’m quite sure that yours, with this uniquely gifted human being, will be as well. Sincerely, Raymond Stock, Ph.D. Assistant Professor of Arabic and Middle East Studies Drew University “Egyptology runs in his veins” Dr. Zahi Hawass My aim was to take a break with a cultural and historic character. And having Egyptologist and tour guide Ahmed Seddik as my companion made my adventure unforgettable. Amira El-Naqeeb, Travel Writer ——————————————— A former Egyptology student at the American University in Cairo, the indefatigable and eloquent Ahmed Seddik makes even the history of bilharzia seem fun. Frequently booked as a translator/fixer by foreign correspondents, the 31-year-old freelance guide is also popular with expats and Egyptian parents who love his child-friendly tours of the Pyramids by camel. In addition to walking tours in the Egyptian Museum and Islamic Cairo, Seddik also does a tour of political Cairo, revisiting scenes from the revolution in Tahrir Square SUSAN HACK Condé Nast Traveler Senior Correspondent -———————————— I think many here know Ahmed Seddik. He is a brilliant Egyptologist, an accomplished translator, and a masterfully gifted tour guide who leads tours year-round throughout Egypt in both English and Arabic. Omid Ghaemmaghami I went with a group to the Ramsees Wisawasef textile museum near Saqqara. Ahmed Seddik gave our group a short lecture on the meaning of “naseej” in Arabic. He spoke of theology, poetry and history. He impressed us with his knowledge of the Arabic poetic tradition. He knew scores of lines by Ahmed Shawqi. He certainly charmed me and my group. He quoted from dozens of poems that touch on the meaning of “thread” in Arabic literature. Ahmed was a wonderful guide whose love of puns, sharp wit and impressive memory were all qualities which made his lecture unforgettable. Niko Banac If you are wishing to source an Egyptologist, we would have no hesitation in recommending Ahmed. Our attention was kept by Ahmed the whole day, including our twelve year old! Ahmed is extremely professional, his knowledge and stories are outstanding and entertaining. Carolanne Reissiger Rate Revenue Manager My guide for the day Ahmed Seddik is quite an original. A very slight, 30 something young Egyptologist who exudes brainy precociousness with a certain crazy charisma and a passion for alliteration and using pretentious vocabulary (though in a good humoured and fun way). He is a student and big fan of the famous Zahi Hawass – and has a personality and exuberance almost as big. He even dons a Zahi-like hat. Evidently he has been a journalist who has covered the revolution, an Egypt commentator called upon by BBC, CBS – and a translator of impressive works. Zahi II met me with three intelligent older Germans, two of whom were there from the German embassy. They were all sophisticated and bright and a pleasure to tour with. Ahmed gave us a fabulously in-depth experience that lasted ALL DAY, 10:30 to 5 – and no-one even thought about lunch or a coffee break. We made a rare stop en route at the Unas’s valley temple, king of the 5th dynasty, strewn with interesting remains of pillars and stone and the last strip of his long causeway.Few stop there… Laura Ranieri The world knows Cairo for its pyramids. But in my opinion Cairo’s biggest jewels are its Islamic buildings. Historic, or Islamic Cairo, contains one of the most important collections of Medieval Islamic architecture in the world and is on UNESCO’s World Heritage list. In a way it makes Cairo the Rome of the Middle East. Most of the monuments are mosques, palaces, mausolea, madrasas and private houses. Since this neighborhood can be trick to navigate, with its winding and un-marked streets we decided to go with a guide—Ahmed Seddik—who would become our friend by the end of our stay in Cairo. His tour would take us from the Al Azhar mosque in the south to the Bab al-Futuh or northern gate of the original Fatimid walls. The Al Azhar mosque is a quiet refuge from the traffic and horns of the busy neighborhood it sits in. We enter Al Azhar mosque through the Bab al-Muzayyin (Gate of the Barbers) where students came to have their heads shaved, between the truly giant minarets. Built in 970 at the height of the Fatimid period, it has been added on to over the years. The mosque the site of Al Azhar University, probably one of the oldest in the world, which is still in operation today. The inner courtyard is a quiet refuge from the traffic and noise outside. I find visiting mosques in the Middle East to be relaxing and enjoyable. Unlike Western churches which I can find to be sterile and austere—mosques I find to be a place for quiet reflection as well as a gathering place for the community. We tuck into the Khan al-Khalili market, which sells all kinds of things, from tourist trinket to antiques. “How can we take your money?” ask the rather aggressive merchants. With tourism down in Egypt generally, the already pushy vendors are even keener on making a sale. We ignore them and move right to tea Fishawi’s—a coffee shop/shisha (water pipe) establishment that was frequented by Cairo’s literati, most notable Naguib Mafouz, Egypt’s late Nobel Laureate. This was Mafouz’s neighborhood which he immortalized in his books. It is still a local hangout, only there are more tourists these days. We are lucky because it was a stormy day in Cairo. This doesn’t mean it was rainy, only that the wind was gusty and blew the dust around. Cairo, despite being on the Nile is a desert city, lest we forget. This meant that what would ordinarily be a neighborhood packed with shoppers was relatively quiet. Many shops were closed. We make our way to Sharia Muiz, or the Palace Walk (also a Mahfouz novel), which will take us between some of the great mosques and palaces of the Fatimid period, eventually delivering us to our final destination—Bab al-Futuh. Sharia Muiz is kind of magical street. Neighborhood life bubbles all around us. Monuments rise and fall on either side of us. If you use your imagination you can picture yourself in a Mafouz novel. Ahmed tells us about the buildings, architecture and history that we are seeing on either side, but it all begins to blend together into a wonderful tapestry of sights and sounds. The evening call to prayer begins and Ahmed sits us down to listen and experience the moment. I have always found the call to prayer to be beautiful musically—Allah Akbar (god is great) called out from the muezzin—trying to convince believers to drop what they are doing and come to the mosque to pray. In Cairo I experienced some of the most beautiful calls to prayer as any other Muslim city I’ve been, and this call was particularly beautiful… MARK T. LAMMERS -—————————————————— “Micky and Mark have been the primary organizers for this trip and they found a wonderful tour guide for our time in Cairo. His name is Ahmed Seddik and he is the most delightful, smart and funny person you can imagine. He loves languages and speaks incredible English. He talked continuously without notes of any kind during our tours of the temples at Saqqara, the Pyramids and tombs in Giza, Islamic Cairo, and the City of the Dead—not just providing fascinating and encyclopedic information, both historic and modern, but peppering his monologue with puns and alliteration. The Giza tour culminated with camel rides from the pyramids to the Sphinx at sunset.” Caroline Moore “Ahmed’s pedagogical skills and talents are superb. His sharp wit and warm humor, coupled with his linguistic brilliance, inspire and promote vast learning to take place in a short time. He seems to carry in his head all 18 volumes of the Oxford English Dictionary and the meaning and derivation of a vast corpus of Arabic vocabulary. His facility with language, coupled with his powerful oration while lecturing, make him a superior teacher.” Bill Barazzuol “Ahmed’s expertise in Arabic in particular could be described as nothing short of masterful. He has committed to memory volumes upon volumes of the great Arabic grammarians such as Ibn Malik and his work of one thousand lines “The Alfia”. What’s more, Ahmed is able to distill these complicated rules of grammar into a clear, logical, and easily understood system of mnemonics, enabling any non-native speaker to acquire this difficult language in the shortest time possible." John Solomon -—————————————————— “Ahmed Seddik is the brightest Egyptian I have met since I came to Egypt. I have found his Egyptological knowledge prodigious.” Professor Jerry Leach

Looking to buy a dark room set up ...

Tue, 11 Jun 2013 01:30:25 +0000

Anyone in NYC or east coast of US setting their dark room? Cheers.

Fixer/driver Mexico

Tue, 11 Jun 2013 01:30:30 +0000

I'm planning a 4 day reporting trip to Chetumal during the second half of next month. The trip is to report/take fresh photos for a book. The digital edition comes out in Sept. I'm looking for someone who knows the area and would be able to drive to scheduled interviews, and the occasional unscheduled interview if it comes up. Happy to discuss rates and details about the project via email.

Angola

Tue, 11 Jun 2013 01:30:32 +0000

Freelancer travelling to Angola, for about 3 months.

Looking for a Fixer in South Sudan

Tue, 11 Jun 2013 01:30:33 +0000

I am going to be traveling to South Sudan in early 2014 and I need a fixer. Looking to take pictures and write a story on the displaced people of the region. Any advice or assistance would be much appreciated.

Life Framer Award and Exhibition - "A Journey" - Judged by Nirrimi Firebrace

Tue, 11 Jun 2013 01:30:37 +0000

Life Framer – Monthly Photography Award & Curated Exhibition Your work reviewed by an acclaimed international photographer and exposed in a modern London gallery, cash prizes and online exposure Enter Online: www.life-framer.com Eligibility: Worldwide, 18+, both amateur and professional photographers Copyright: Entrants retains full copyright of their photograph

2nd hand camera in New Delhi

Sun, 16 Jun 2013 17:10:59 +0000

Dear colleagues, My camera just got stolen, I am not far from Delhi, do u know if I can get something 2nd hand there. or is there any photographer selling something. 5d mark II would be ideal best nicola

Fixer in Croatia?

Tue, 11 Jun 2013 01:30:54 +0000

Hi, I am looking for a fixer in Croatia, preferably well connected and with some experience. For a visit 21 -28 June. Please e-mail me directly: gorm@eup-berlin.com Thanks, Gorm

Fixer in Istanbul, Turkey

Fri, 14 Jun 2013 16:46:29 +0000

Looking for a fixer in Istanbul, Turkey from June 12-19. Thank you so much for any leads/contacts! Tucker http://www.tuckerwalsh.com/

Frontline Freelance Register

Tue, 11 Jun 2013 01:30:38 +0000

We are very excited to let you all know about the Frontline Freelance Register (FFR) which has launched today. The FFR is a representative body for freelancers who work in foreign or conflict journalism. It is created and run by freelancers. The FFR’s core objective is to support the physical and mental well-being of freelance journalists. In a world where staff jobs and fully paid foreign assignments are increasingly scarce, foreign and war reporting is dominated by freelancers, many of whom are deeply committed professionals doing outstanding work. At the same time, many of these freelancers lack the institutional support and the financial means to adequately manage the challenges of operating in dangerous environments in the long term. They also lack organised representation, often leaving them at the mercy of powerful media groups. FFR aims to help freelancers by providing them with a forum, a representative body and a critical mass to face some of these challenges. You can find out more or apply on our website. We have launch events in London and Istanbul tomorrow night, PM or comment for more information. We're on twitter @ffregister and on FB. For press packs and interview opportunities email: press@frontlinefreelance.org. We look forward to working with you! You can find us: On the web - http://frontlinefreelance.org On Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/frontlinefreelanceregister?fref=ts On Twitter - @ffregister #FFR

Fixer / Contact in Kabul

Tue, 11 Jun 2013 01:30:59 +0000

Hello I am organizing a short trip to Kabul to photograph a story there. I will be there for a week, between the 15th to the 26th. I need a fixer there, preferably a woman, as I will be photographing women. Please advise on your fee. If you are in Kabul and are not a fixer but know your way around a little, please pm me. best, pietro

Need Fixer in Brazil

Tue, 11 Jun 2013 01:30:58 +0000

Hello - Working on a project about female futebol players in Brazil and will need a fixer for Oct/Nov/Dec of 2013. Please message me with details. Thanks!

ISO Documentary editor

Tue, 11 Jun 2013 01:31:02 +0000

Looking for California based Doc editor for film on Zimbabwean kids who fled to South Africa to go to school

Shanghai Fixer

Tue, 11 Jun 2013 23:55:44 +0000

I am looking for an energetic fixer in Shanghai. Any ideas? Thanks

Perpignan --- house, anyone?

Tue, 11 Jun 2013 01:31:07 +0000

Hey everyone! I'm going to Perpignan, me and my friend are looking for a couch or a little space in a shared apt during the professional week. anyone? :)

Chicago Sun-Times Lays Off Its Photographers - for the iPhone?

Thu, 13 Jun 2013 10:31:32 +0000

It is old news now, but the entire Chicago Sun-Times’ photography staff was fired (including John H. White)claiming readers are clamoring for more video news coverage, so they are training their (non-photo) journalist/writers to use the iPhone for photo & video. Hmmm seems very short sighted... Local Chicago staff photographer, Scott Strazzante (at the competing Chicago Tribune) writes this excellent commentary: http://newsblogs.chicagotribune.com/shooting-from-the-hip/2013/05/are-you-just-the-photographer.html "Now its reporters will start receiving “iPhone photography basics” training to start producing their own photos and videos." http://www.cultofmac.com/229512/chicago-sun-times-lays-off-entire-photo-staff-will-give-reporters-iphoneography-training/#EOYKuw76PhxyhvP7.99 http://www.nytimes.com/2013/06/01/business/media/chicago-sun-times-lays-off-all-its-full-time-photographers.html?_r=0

FUND RAISING BOOK ABOUT CYCLISTS IN WARSAW

Tue, 11 Jun 2013 01:31:09 +0000

Dear friends, ten days left to reach the budget to pay the costs of printing the book My, rowerzyści z Warszawy (We, the cyclists of Warsaw), written by Magdalena Stopa and illustrated with my photographs. We already received 52 donations, for a total of the 40% of the budget (we received 4000 zloty and we need 6000 more). To all those that already sent money: please let me know your names, because the system shows me only the donors from Poland. I want to thank a lot all those who already sent their contributions and would also remind the others that you can choose different options, starting from a minimum amount of 10 zloty (2.5 Euro). With 40 zloty + 20 zloty for the shipping outside Poland, you will get one copy of the book. (total 15 Euro) This is the page where we present the project and try to raise funds: http://wspieramkulture.pl/projekt/271-My-rowerzysci-z-Warszawy If you cannot understand how to pay, please let me know, so I will email you a simple step by step guide in English. Thanks again for helping us to reach the budget, hugs Federico

WSJ hiring a photo editor (must be capable of forming a coherent email)

Mon, 10 Jun 2013 01:03:13 +0000

RT@erinsiegal Ha, the WSJ is hiring a photo editor: "You must be easy to talk with and able to form a coherent email." http://bit.ly/15zIK6O

Looking for a fixer in ASEAN countries

Mon, 10 Jun 2013 20:42:48 +0000

I work for an English language channel in Thailand and I'm looking for a fixer in Indonesia, Malaysia, Brunei and the Philippines to help out with the filming of a program. We'll be filming in each country for about 3 days. If you are interested or know someone who may be interested, please email me at chadaporn_lin@yahoo.com. Thank you!

Tawana Brawley Documentary

Tue, 04 Jun 2013 12:18:32 +0000

Posting this for those interested. It is a short documentary that I produced looking back at the Tawana Brawley case. It includes several interviews, including one we recently conducted with Al Sharpton. Link to the video: The Tawana Brawley Story In 1988, the nation learned the truth about the alleged crimes against Tawana Brawley, but the shocking story was far from over. In the late 1980s, Tawana Brawley became a household name as her horrifying story spread across the country, igniting outrage and setting off a fierce debate about race in America. Brawley, after all, was a 15-year old African American teenager, who had been allegedly assaulted by six white men — including a police officer — from her upstate New York community. But as her tale played out on the nightly news, another story unfolded, one that raised serious questions about Brawley’s claims and her advisers, including the Rev. Al Sharpton. In the end, the Brawley case ensnared the innocent, damaged reputations and ruined lives. And as Retro Report found, through interviews with state investigator John Ryan, journalist Wayne Barrett and Rev. Sharpton, the Tawana Brawley story has come to define a particular moment in New York history ripe for just such a deception and, twenty-five years later, continues to leave its stamp on how we think about race in America. Our Facebook page at http://facebook.com/RetroReport Follow us on Twitter at http://twitter.com/retroreport Sign up for email alerts at http://retroreport.org

Freelancers in or Near Turkey

Tue, 18 Jun 2013 23:17:15 +0000

I hope all the freelancers in or near Turkey are getting in position if you aren't already, media is going to need photos---stay safe and remember no photo is worth your life. ###

Looking for a Fixer in Poland next August 2013

Tue, 04 Jun 2013 14:42:33 +0000

I am looking for a Fixer ( polish and english speaker ) for the next August 2013. It's only for 7 days. Please contact me if you are interested and I give you more information and details. thank you very much!

Fixer In Cairo

Wed, 05 Jun 2013 14:58:47 +0000

Hello everyone! I am hoping someone can point me in the direction of a fixer in Cairo. I am planning to travel to Egypt in mid-July (for a week or so), and am hoping I can find someone to show me around, and introduce me to subjects. I have a two-fold plan, environmental portraits of everyday workers, and street photography. If anyone thinks they may be able to help, I'd love to hear from you. Thank you in advance, and have a great night (day-depending where in the world you are)! All the best.

Fine Fixer/Simultaneous Translator for Cairo and Egypt

Mon, 03 Jun 2013 19:06:56 +0000

Fine Fixer/Simultaneous Translator and Freelance Journalist in Cairo, Tanta, Alexandria, Aswan, Luxor, Port Said and Egypt http://www.facebook.com/CairoFixer Arabic <> English There is a highly recommended fixer/translator in Cairo, Egypt call: 0100-67-68-2-69 or email: ahmed.seddik@gmail.com -—————— Ahmed Seddik has worked with BBC, CNN, CBS, FT, Time Magazine, France 2… ——————————————— Testimonials: I have hired Mr Seddik on two occasions – once in Egypt and once in Libya. On both occasions he was working as a translator and fixer for the BBC team. We were working in a high pressured environment, doing very long hours and I was extremely impressed with him. He has excellent English – better than any other translator I have worked with so far in the region. He is confident in dealing with journalists and communicated with the people we interviewed in a respectful and friendly manner. He has a vast knowledge of politics and current affairs as well as the history of Egypt and the wider Middle East. This was invaluable both for interviews and in general conversation. He is also particularly good at turning dry facts into fascinating anecdotes and was often able to entertain and educate us with interesting stories about Egypt’s history. He is obviously passionate about the country, its history and culture. What most impressed me about Mr Seddik however is his energy and enthusiasm, even after working for extremely long hours. Many other translators I have worked with have been irritable after working for very long hours, but Mr Seddik remained alert, cheerful and hardworking no matter how many hours he had done. He was always punctual, courteous and is good at taking the initiative when needed. Helena Merriman Broadcast Journalist BBC World Service -————————— I am a producer for The CBS Evening News, a national nightly newsprogram in the United States. In early February, Correspondent Terry McCarthy and I were sent to Egypt to cover the events of Tahrir Square, and we hired Ahmed as our interpreter, our guide, and what we in the news business call a “fixer” – that is, someone who can arrange the interviews we need, sort through the facts we want, and generally make our lives easier in a foreign country. Ahmed was amazing. He helped us navigate through Cairo at a very difficult time with a combination of street smarts, great attitude, and an uncanny command of the English language. Also, there is no higher-pressure environment than television journalism, and we had Ahmed working for us about 20 hours a day for 3 weeks; he never failed to jump at the assignment and he never complained. In Ahmed we found not only an amazing producer, but a great resource for all things Egypt. His offhand knowledge of Egyptian history, of pharaohs and antiquities, of hieroglyphics and pyramids is astounding. He can quote ancient Egyptian texts from memory. In many ways he was our tour guide and history professor on top of everything else. Sincerely, Erin Lyall George Producer The CBS Evening News -—————————————— COPPER POT PICTURES hired Ahmed Seddik to be our fixer when we traveled to Egypt in June 2012 to film WE MUST GO, our documentary about the Egyptian Football team. Though we had tried to sort out various rights and permissions prior to traveling to Egypt, it wasn’t until Ahmed came on board that we started to see results. From permissions with the various football associations to permits from the Egyptian government to our daily transportation, Ahmed arranged everything. It was unbelievable. He is a motivated and capable fixer who assured that everything was taken care of prior to our arrival. Ahmed paved the way for a smooth shoot; we didn’t have to worry about anything except doing our jobs. He met each new challenge and wrinkle to the shoot with a positive attitude and a willingness to see that our wishes were carried out. His services were invaluable. We have shot documentaries around the world and much of the success (or failure) for our projects depend on the talents of our local fixers: I am pleased to say that Ahmed is the best we’ve worked with and I look forward to a continued partnership on WE MUST GO and future Copper Pot projects shot throughout Egypt and the Middle East. My only hesitation in writing this glowing review is that I want to make sure no one else hires him when we need him! — Dave LaMattina Producer/Director | COPPER POT PICTURES ———————————————— I am a correspondent with BBC News, based in London. I worked alongside Mr Seddik for almost 2 weeks earlier this year when I was on assignment in Egypt. During that time I found him to be an outstanding individual who would be an excellent asset to any organization. Specifically he has an acute awareness of how the media works, the demands that the modern media operates under, and the need to handle such demands with clarity, consistency and integrity. His language skills, especially his knowledge of English, are absolutely first class and he has an ability to express himself in a manner that many native English speakers would find difficult to improve upon. I have absolutely no hesitation in recommending Ahmed Seddik. Yours sincerely, Michael Buchanan Correspondent BBC News -————————————— BBC TV’s ‘Newsnight’ programme employed Ahmed Seddik as a translator, researcher, fixer and guide for two weeks in Cairo in November 2011 and found him to be a resourceful, highly-informed, hard-working and invariably good-humoured colleague. Ahmed has a vast store of knowledge about Egypt and its history, as well as a valuable network of well-placed contacts in many walks of life. He is a constantly engaging and informative companion and is able to work calmly and effectively in highly pressured circumstances. Ahmed was unfailingly cheerful and cooperative when required to work the extremely long hours often required by TV crews. He is not only an excellent interpreter/translator with an astonishingly rich and accurate knowledge of English, but also a fixer with the imagination and resourcefulness to contribute his own ideas. Tim Whewell Correspondent BBC Newsnight ———————— TIME Magazine’s Cairo Bureau has periodically employed Mr. Ahmed Seddik for translating assignments since 2004. He has performed all his tasks with a high degree of expertise and professionalism. Mr. Seddik is also extremely well educated and informed about all aspects of Egyptian life, including politics, culture and society. In every way, he has greatly assisted TIME correspondents in their work. I wholeheartedly recommend Mr. Seddik’s services, and would be delighted to receive any requests for further elaboration on my recommendation. Scott MacLeod TIME Middle East Correspondent(since 1995) -————————————— I had the opportunity to work with Ahmed Seddik last summer in Cairo, where I was temporarily based as a correspondent for Time Magazine. Though he clearly was far too qualified for the task, he cheerfully served as my translator for a couple of stories. I found him to be a precise interpreter, providing me with excellent translations of what was said in interviews, often a rarity where the need for speed overrides the desire for colorful, exact phrasing. He also demonstrated a willingness to work long hours, and at the last minute. If I have the opportunity to return to Cairo, I will be sure to use his translation services once again. Regards, Aryn Baker, Associate Editor, Time Magazine Asia Siamo stati al Cairo per un weekend lungo, purtroppo durante i disordini di piazza di novembre, che ci hanno impedito di visitare il museo egizio a Piazza Tahrir. Ma anche senza il museo, il viaggio è stato straordinario. Meravigliose le piramidi e il plateau di Giza, bellissima la visita alle moschee e alle strade del cairo islamico, entrambi posti che abbiamo visitato con la nostra guida Ahmed Seddik, la cui mail era indicata sulla Lonely Planet e che abbiamo contattato dall’Italia subito prima di partire. Ahmed ha fatto una grande differenza: è affidabile, preparato, pieno di entusiasmo, appassionato di storia, archeologia, letteratura, geroglifici e conosce i luoghi come le sue tasche. Alle piramidi ci ha fatto vedere tombe delle quali non avremmo mai capito neanche la presenza, ci ha portato a vedere un panorama strepitoso da un posto un pò più lontano ma senza turisti, e ci ha pagato addirittura lui il ritorno con il cammello come “regalo” di benvenuto. Con lui ci siamo avventurati in posti dove non saremmo andati da soli, abbiamo capito tanto della storia dell’egitto e delle piramidi e anche dell’orgoglio degli egiziani di oggi. Insomma, posti meravigliosi, clima perfetto.. speriamo che la situazione politica si tranquillizzi presto, perchè non vediamo l’ora di tornarci e di portarci anche i nostri figli! Silvia Cavallo “You are a student of the finer point of the English language.” Hugh Sykes, BBC, the World at One -———————————————— I have the privilege to recommend to you Ahmed Seddik as an excellent guide and efficient informant. I am fortunate both to have known Ahmed as a fellow student at the American University in Cairo and to have seen how he developed his college interests into his current profession. Although he makes guiding and lecturing his profession, Ahmed is a veritable renaissance man due to his passion for learning. He delights in learning various subjects and can claim expertise in many. Ahmed has a talent for drawing diverse connections from his numerous interests into any talk or tour. In addition to his tours, Ahmed makes good use of his talent in his frequent lectures on diverse topics at the Sawy Culture Wheel, a famous cultural center and academic forum in Zamalek, and elsewhere. In the tours I have attended, Ahmed was lively, engaging, and spontaneous. Both the tour to the City of the Dead and Islamic Cairo were chock‐full of information, partly due to Ahmed’s vast memory for fact and stories. On his tours each monument has a story and every side street is another step back in time. The tours I attended lasted about five hours each, although he has told me they can stretch longer or take less time depending on the audience. When I took the Islamic Cairo tour, we went the full length of the Fatimid city from gate to gate in four hours. His tour of Islamic Cairo is especially nice because it takes place in the wee hours of the morning. The streets of the Khan el‐Khalili are amazingly serene at that time, which makes for a stark contrast with the market’s usual chaos. If you should take the tour make sure to see the inside of the mosque and madrasa of Barquq; Sultan Plum had an eye for beauty. On these tours, Ahmed is always thinking about ways to improve and innovate. For example, while leading us through the streets of Islamic Cairo, Ahmed thanked the street cleaners and pondered organizing them to keep the roads cleaner. Ahmed says he has never given the same tour twice. I believe it. Ahmed’s style of guiding and touring is not like that found on any other tour. It has more artistry in it than the others. But the faint of heart beware, he is more than half a poet. Emblazoned on his business card is the Arabic palindrome malik kalim, meaning “king of words.” And certifiably, he can claim to rule his words. Ahmed is a possessor of a veritable treasury of terms and an arsenal of anecdotes. Don’t think it tedious if he recites a list of synonyms or lines of poetry. Listen attentively. It is all part of the tour. Bryan Kraemer PhD. Candidate Egyptology University of Chicago TO WHOM IT MAY CONCERN I am very pleased to recommend Mr. Ahmed Seddik of Ahmed Seddik Tours in his pursuit as an expert guide for ancient and medieval sites in Egypt. Not only does he have an outstanding knowledge of Egyptology and ancient Egyptian monuments (including ongoing excavations), he is similarly conversant in Islamic history, as shown in several tours of Islamic Cairo that we have conducted together. This is also clear in his very numerous, well-researched public lectures in Egypt on a wide range of topics within it—literary, historical and linguistic—many of which I have shared in personally. (An Arabist, my 2008 doctoral dissertation at the University of Pennsylvania, on fiction set in ancient Egypt by the late Nobel laureate in literature, Naguib Mahfouz, made broad, closely supervised use of Egyptological sources, and I have also extensively studied Islamic history, both at the University of Michigan and U-Penn.) His considerable acumen and insight extend far beyond these fields to also embrace Arabic literature, science and mathematics too. His masterful familiarity with the vast and intricate oeuvre of Ahmad Shawqi, “the Prince of Poets,” is a great achievement in itself, and could only have been attained with his extremely erudite knowledge of Arabic grammar, syntax and vocabulary. Moreover, he is highly trained in English literature, grammar and lexicography, a most rare combination with such a background in Arabic, let alone Egyptology. Indeed, Ahmed is a genuine polymath in the truest sense of the word, and has educated himself far beyond what his formal studies at the American University in Cairo have taught him. As to his character, Ahmed—a natural showman, with a distinct (and very Egyptian) love of attention—is also extremely thoughtful and helpful to others. Our experience together, in which we have shared in delivering lectures (mainly on Mahfouz)—and even co-produced and performed in short plays (e.g., on the discovery of Tutankhamun’s tomb)—has been an extremely rich and happy one. I’m quite sure that yours, with this uniquely gifted human being, will be as well. Sincerely, Raymond Stock, Ph.D. Assistant Professor of Arabic and Middle East Studies Drew University “Egyptology runs in his veins” Dr. Zahi Hawass My aim was to take a break with a cultural and historic character. And having Egyptologist and tour guide Ahmed Seddik as my companion made my adventure unforgettable. Amira El-Naqeeb, Travel Writer ——————————————— A former Egyptology student at the American University in Cairo, the indefatigable and eloquent Ahmed Seddik makes even the history of bilharzia seem fun. Frequently booked as a translator/fixer by foreign correspondents, the 31-year-old freelance guide is also popular with expats and Egyptian parents who love his child-friendly tours of the Pyramids by camel. In addition to walking tours in the Egyptian Museum and Islamic Cairo, Seddik also does a tour of political Cairo, revisiting scenes from the revolution in Tahrir Square SUSAN HACK Condé Nast Traveler Senior Correspondent -———————————— I think many here know Ahmed Seddik. He is a brilliant Egyptologist, an accomplished translator, and a masterfully gifted tour guide who leads tours year-round throughout Egypt in both English and Arabic. Omid Ghaemmaghami I went with a group to the Ramsees Wisawasef textile museum near Saqqara. Ahmed Seddik gave our group a short lecture on the meaning of “naseej” in Arabic. He spoke of theology, poetry and history. He impressed us with his knowledge of the Arabic poetic tradition. He knew scores of lines by Ahmed Shawqi. He certainly charmed me and my group. He quoted from dozens of poems that touch on the meaning of “thread” in Arabic literature. Ahmed was a wonderful guide whose love of puns, sharp wit and impressive memory were all qualities which made his lecture unforgettable. Niko Banac If you are wishing to source an Egyptologist, we would have no hesitation in recommending Ahmed. Our attention was kept by Ahmed the whole day, including our twelve year old! Ahmed is extremely professional, his knowledge and stories are outstanding and entertaining. Carolanne Reissiger Rate Revenue Manager My guide for the day Ahmed Seddik is quite an original. A very slight, 30 something young Egyptologist who exudes brainy precociousness with a certain crazy charisma and a passion for alliteration and using pretentious vocabulary (though in a good humoured and fun way). He is a student and big fan of the famous Zahi Hawass – and has a personality and exuberance almost as big. He even dons a Zahi-like hat. Evidently he has been a journalist who has covered the revolution, an Egypt commentator called upon by BBC, CBS – and a translator of impressive works. Zahi II met me with three intelligent older Germans, two of whom were there from the German embassy. They were all sophisticated and bright and a pleasure to tour with. Ahmed gave us a fabulously in-depth experience that lasted ALL DAY, 10:30 to 5 – and no-one even thought about lunch or a coffee break. We made a rare stop en route at the Unas’s valley temple, king of the 5th dynasty, strewn with interesting remains of pillars and stone and the last strip of his long causeway.Few stop there… Laura Ranieri The world knows Cairo for its pyramids. But in my opinion Cairo’s biggest jewels are its Islamic buildings. Historic, or Islamic Cairo, contains one of the most important collections of Medieval Islamic architecture in the world and is on UNESCO’s World Heritage list. In a way it makes Cairo the Rome of the Middle East. Most of the monuments are mosques, palaces, mausolea, madrasas and private houses. Since this neighborhood can be trick to navigate, with its winding and un-marked streets we decided to go with a guide—Ahmed Seddik—who would become our friend by the end of our stay in Cairo. His tour would take us from the Al Azhar mosque in the south to the Bab al-Futuh or northern gate of the original Fatimid walls. The Al Azhar mosque is a quiet refuge from the traffic and horns of the busy neighborhood it sits in. We enter Al Azhar mosque through the Bab al-Muzayyin (Gate of the Barbers) where students came to have their heads shaved, between the truly giant minarets. Built in 970 at the height of the Fatimid period, it has been added on to over the years. The mosque the site of Al Azhar University, probably one of the oldest in the world, which is still in operation today. The inner courtyard is a quiet refuge from the traffic and noise outside. I find visiting mosques in the Middle East to be relaxing and enjoyable. Unlike Western churches which I can find to be sterile and austere—mosques I find to be a place for quiet reflection as well as a gathering place for the community. We tuck into the Khan al-Khalili market, which sells all kinds of things, from tourist trinket to antiques. “How can we take your money?” ask the rather aggressive merchants. With tourism down in Egypt generally, the already pushy vendors are even keener on making a sale. We ignore them and move right to tea Fishawi’s—a coffee shop/shisha (water pipe) establishment that was frequented by Cairo’s literati, most notable Naguib Mafouz, Egypt’s late Nobel Laureate. This was Mafouz’s neighborhood which he immortalized in his books. It is still a local hangout, only there are more tourists these days. We are lucky because it was a stormy day in Cairo. This doesn’t mean it was rainy, only that the wind was gusty and blew the dust around. Cairo, despite being on the Nile is a desert city, lest we forget. This meant that what would ordinarily be a neighborhood packed with shoppers was relatively quiet. Many shops were closed. We make our way to Sharia Muiz, or the Palace Walk (also a Mahfouz novel), which will take us between some of the great mosques and palaces of the Fatimid period, eventually delivering us to our final destination—Bab al-Futuh. Sharia Muiz is kind of magical street. Neighborhood life bubbles all around us. Monuments rise and fall on either side of us. If you use your imagination you can picture yourself in a Mafouz novel. Ahmed tells us about the buildings, architecture and history that we are seeing on either side, but it all begins to blend together into a wonderful tapestry of sights and sounds. The evening call to prayer begins and Ahmed sits us down to listen and experience the moment. I have always found the call to prayer to be beautiful musically—Allah Akbar (god is great) called out from the muezzin—trying to convince believers to drop what they are doing and come to the mosque to pray. In Cairo I experienced some of the most beautiful calls to prayer as any other Muslim city I’ve been, and this call was particularly beautiful… MARK T. LAMMERS -—————————————————— “Micky and Mark have been the primary organizers for this trip and they found a wonderful tour guide for our time in Cairo. His name is Ahmed Seddik and he is the most delightful, smart and funny person you can imagine. He loves languages and speaks incredible English. He talked continuously without notes of any kind during our tours of the temples at Saqqara, the Pyramids and tombs in Giza, Islamic Cairo, and the City of the Dead—not just providing fascinating and encyclopedic information, both historic and modern, but peppering his monologue with puns and alliteration. The Giza tour culminated with camel rides from the pyramids to the Sphinx at sunset.” Caroline Moore “Ahmed’s pedagogical skills and talents are superb. His sharp wit and warm humor, coupled with his linguistic brilliance, inspire and promote vast learning to take place in a short time. He seems to carry in his head all 18 volumes of the Oxford English Dictionary and the meaning and derivation of a vast corpus of Arabic vocabulary. His facility with language, coupled with his powerful oration while lecturing, make him a superior teacher.” Bill Barazzuol “Ahmed’s expertise in Arabic in particular could be described as nothing short of masterful. He has committed to memory volumes upon volumes of the great Arabic grammarians such as Ibn Malik and his work of one thousand lines “The Alfia”. What’s more, Ahmed is able to distill these complicated rules of grammar into a clear, logical, and easily understood system of mnemonics, enabling any non-native speaker to acquire this difficult language in the shortest time possible." John Solomon -—————————————————— “Ahmed Seddik is the brightest Egyptian I have met since I came to Egypt. I have found his Egyptological knowledge prodigious.” Professor Jerry Leach

Stolen gear in Kenya / Coast Province

Thu, 13 Jun 2013 14:44:33 +0000

Hi, today a group of armed robbers attacked my friend in rented house in Diani Beach / Ukunda in Kenya and took lots of things for long term development cooperation project and gear to make documentary about it. Among 4 HP ProBooks and Benq projector were also 4 cameras: Leica M6 black + 28/2.8, 35/2 and 50/1 lenses Fujifilm X100 silver Panasonic GH1 black + 14-42 G X zoom lens Xacti HD1010 Manfrotto tripod and videohead I'd like to buy them back if they are offered for sale somewhere (I guess in Mombasa).

Cairo

Mon, 03 Jun 2013 19:06:53 +0000

I am a pragmatic and responsible Egyptian man seeking to bridge East and Western understanding through the channels of journalism and mass media. Since last year’s historical uprising, I have been given the opportunity to materialize my aspirations by assisting renowned Western journalists with arranging interviews with key local figures, translating Arabic into the English and Italian language, finding unique and original stories, and providing general guidance into the culture and politics of Egyptian society.

Polarizing sunglasses

Mon, 03 Jun 2013 19:06:57 +0000

Has anyone experienced difficulty seeing the frame lines in the Fuji X Pro 1 OVF when using polarizing sunglasses? Non polarizing sunglasses do not seem to cause such a problem.

Looking for a room in Stockholm For at least two weeks

Sun, 02 Jun 2013 13:39:00 +0000

Looking for a room to rent for two to four weeks starting June 17th. If you know of one send me a PM or email at damasoreyes AT gmail.com Thanks in advance!

The 2nd International “Rojane” Photography Festival

Fri, 31 May 2013 17:56:14 +0000

The International “Rojane Photography Festival” is an independent movement with the ultimate aim of providing an artistic infrastructure for visualizing subjective concepts. Each year, RPHF attempts to select a subject that can be approached from various aspects and make it in front of photographers to make it visualized through the lens of their cameras. Photographers are emancipated from all the limitations and are invited to set free their innovative imaginations in approaching the subject of the festival, encouraged to utilize whatever genre and techniques they wish. “Water” has been selected as the subject of the second round of this International Festival. RPHF 2013 Divisions General Division: “Water” “Water”, the essence of life, the most profound material on the earth, and the essential composer of the living creatures covers almost 70% of the Earth surface. Without any further explanation to distort the idea of participants, RPHF Jury awaits your personal visualized narrations of “Water” or “Waters” that you see. Special Division: “Water Management” As the title implies, the only images accepted will be those about pumping, controlling, boosting… water in household, industrial, agricultural and purification usage. RPHF Rules Everyone is welcome to participate in this Competition. Selection of photography style/ equipment/ system and genre is selective and up to photographers. Each participant is authorized to submit up to 10 photos in the general division and 5 photos for the special division, to the festival secretariat. Competition subscription is not formally finalized until individuals have completed the subscription form, submitted it to the internet site (www.rojanephf.com), uploaded their photos with the maximum resolution of 500 Kb to the internet site and received the participation code from the system administration. Festival administration reserves all the rights to re-use the submitted photos, preserving the patent regulations and referencing the name of initial photographer. Submission of photos to the secretariat office is legally equal to acceptance of RPHF rules. RPHF has got serious respect for observing the “Intellectual Property Patent” rules. All the responsibilities and legal consequences of submitting someone else’s photo as one’s own is pertained to the participant. For this reason, all submitted photos must be original work photographed by the entrant, and for which the entrant holds the copyright. Rojane Group of Companies reserves all the rights to decide about the unforeseen conditions and instances associated with the administration of RPHF-2013. General Division Rewards In this division, each of the top 8 elected photographers will receive: RPHF Award, Festival Trophy, and Euro 500. Special Division Reward Each of the top 3 elected contestants receives: RPHF Award, Festival Trophy, and Euro 500. Privileges of the elected participants The elected photos are to be printed in the official book of RPHF 2013, as well as exhibited in the RPHF-2013 by the name of their photographers. Elected photographers will be granted the “Participation Award” and RPHF-2013 book. A fee of Euro 25 will be paid in exchange of display and print of each elected photo during the various stages of RPHF 2013. RPHF-2013 Schedule 06 July 2013: Final date of photo subscription July 2013: Judgment and election of the top photos 23 August 2013: RPHF-2013Exhibition Opening 23-30 August 2013: RPHF-2013 Exhibition, public access RPHF-2013 Exhibition Venue Contact Information of RPHF-2013 Rojane Group of Companies No. 148, Motahari Avenue, Tehran, Iran Tel: (98) (21) 88307133- 88318625- 88318626- 88318627 Fax: (98) (21) 88323653 www.rojanephf.com

Need Fixer in Delhi in October Photo related

Fri, 31 May 2013 17:56:12 +0000

Greetings- Will be in Delhi in late October. Looking for someone with contacts for location shooting in Delhi. Possible model MUA contacts. Thanks- Mike mwcpentrex@gmail.com

Usa trip

Tue, 04 Jun 2013 16:24:51 +0000

Valeri Nistratov, internationally recognized documentary photographer and educator from Russia www.valerinistratov.com, is looking for partner/intern to go for a trip NY – Pennsylvania – Ohio-Indiana?-Tennessee-Alabama?-Florida in July of 2013. He plans to work on his new series about the USA. He is willing to share his experience as a photographer and educator with a student/ young photographer, who would not mind to drive and share gas and accommodation expenses. If a student/photographer has own idea for a project in the same area, he would me more than happy to help with shaping idea, photographic style, etc. The road trip would be fun. Valeri speaks English. Valeriy Nistratov is the author of 4 books (one of them in collaboration with Jason Eskenazi), his photographs were exhibited in Russia, France, the Netherlands, Switzerland, the USA, Mexico, South Africa, Japan, China and other countries. Valeri Nistratov has been teaching documentary photography course in the Rodchenko School of Photography and Multimedia.

Anyone need an assistant in NYC this summer?

Mon, 03 Jun 2013 03:14:52 +0000

I just got an unpaid internship at ICP… if I can fund expenses for the summer. So I was wondering if anyone has any paid work in NYC, or if they perhaps know of anyone who needs an assistant of some kind? Little bit about me: I currently go to Bard College, where I study Human Rights. I want to be a documentary photographer/photojournalist. My post-college plan is to get some kind of job, save up money, and try to fund a project of some kind (I have a multimedia project I've been cooking up about drone strikes in Yemen and Pakistan… but it's too dangerous and I'm too green and inexperienced). Ideally I want to spend a lot of time with a people or community, like months or years, and tell their story. Maybe a dying town along the Salton Sea. Maybe a border-town in Israel/Palestine. Maybe an enclave of entrepreneurs in Nigeria. But, now is my time to learn and gain experience and work my ass off before I get the chance to do those things. Here is some of my work: http://www.flickr.com/photos/autumnjazz/sets/72157633465111250/

Peru fixer

Sat, 01 Jun 2013 18:30:14 +0000

Hello, I'm travelling to Lima and Cajamarca and am looking for a fixer... Any one have a contact? Thanks so much.

Good place for photo & video gear in South Africa?

Sat, 08 Jun 2013 07:00:41 +0000

I need to shop for some photo and video gear while in South Africa. Does anyone know the best place to buy photo and / or video equipment either in Jo'berg or Cape Town? I'm essentially looking for the B&H of South Africa. Any info would be so helpful and if you're looking in Uganda some day I can return the favour. jake

help in Brussels

Thu, 30 May 2013 14:43:15 +0000

I am going to be taking down a show in Brussels on Monday, June 3, 2013. Need help for about 2 hours - anyone in town who can lend a hand for a minimal fee? email at adam@adamnadel.net

Brilliant Fixer in Kiev?

Thu, 30 May 2013 15:49:37 +0000

Hey, I am looking for a reliable and resourceful fixer in Kiev. Anyone? Thanks!

Fixer/Translator/Guide for Tokyo

Fri, 31 May 2013 00:24:39 +0000

Hello all, I am looking for someone to help navigate/translate in Tokyo between July 13 to July 24, 2013. Doing research on food studies and culture and would like the help of someone who has insight on the food system in Japan (specifically Tokyo). I need someone that can navigate around the city who can help set up interviews with people working in food. please respond to post or email me at marceloflores@utexas.edu Thanks!

Fixer needed, Thailand, Muay Thai

Thu, 30 May 2013 14:43:22 +0000

Hello, Magazine journalist here. I'm looking for a fixer in Thailand who knows the world of Muay Thai intimately. Anyone know anyone good? Any tips are greatly appreciated. Thanks! Bryan

For Sale: Tenba AirCase for Apple 23 inch display

Thu, 30 May 2013 14:43:08 +0000

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=221233455903

Fixer in Paris who knows the food system pretty well

Thu, 30 May 2013 14:43:07 +0000

Hello all, I am looking for someone to help navigate/translate in Paris, France. Doing research on food studies and culture and would like the help of someone who has some insight/connections to the food system. please respond to post or email me at marceloflores@utexas.edu

Steidl book / wallonwall.org a show on the Berlin wall / kickstarter

Tue, 28 May 2013 12:21:09 +0000

Hello all togehter, I´m just about to finished up my new book CONFRONTIER about about 8 borderwalls worldwide which is will be published by Steidl very soon. I will show the panoramics in 3x9m on 364m of the Berlin Wall www.wallonwall.org Please support the project in this kickstarter: http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/701554058/wallonwall-a-photo-exhibition-on-the-berlin-wall All the best from Berlin Kai

The Full Frame DSLR Camera vs The Analogue 35 mm Rangefinder Camera

Tue, 18 Jun 2013 17:52:03 +0000

Dear All Out There, This is an invitation for any photographers on lightstalkers.org to participate in an academic online ethnographic questionnaire. I will need about 12 photographers to participate and answer a short online e mail questionnaire by the end of June 2013 You will need to sign a standard academic consent letter and answer about nine questions on a questionnaire that I will e mail directly to you. If you are willing to participate in this project, you can indicate this in a reply to this post with your name and e mail contact details. My BA Honours degree is in Media and Cultural Studies at The University of KwaZulu Natal. To complete my studies, I have to do a research project, and the title of this research project is: "The Full Frame DSLR Camera vs The Analogue 35 mm Rangefinder Camera: investigating professional photographer's use of and attitudes to these two cameras" The motivation and and background to the project is try to contextualise, understand and interpret the impact that these two types of cameras have on the outworking of photography. JR

A charge to the future of journalism...

Mon, 27 May 2013 20:54:16 +0000

A Manifesto. http://vcorrespondent.wordpress.com/2013/04/30/a-charge-to-the-future-of-journalism/

Photographer needed in Burma / Myanmar

Mon, 27 May 2013 20:54:12 +0000

I'm looking for a photographer in Burma / Myanmar to shoot a portrait on Wednesday May 29, 2013, in Rangoon. It takes a few days to get a visa so if you are there or nearby and already have one, and will incur minimal travel time and expenses. This is of course an editorial paying job, with standard editorial rates plus expenses. Please send me your website/portfolio, plus estimated travel costs. thanks Ronit

"Died of Magnum"

Mon, 27 May 2013 17:38:21 +0000

Anybody noticed the Alert above? I see that Wayne Miller "died of Magnum". Really? I had no idea it was so dangerous.

Freelance photographer

Mon, 27 May 2013 20:54:09 +0000

Hi there, I’m a freelance photographer based in Italy. See more on my website: www.lucafabbozzo.com Contact me for further details. Best, Luca Fabbozzo

Freelance photographer

Mon, 27 May 2013 20:54:03 +0000

Hi there, I’m a freelance photographer based in Italy. See more on my website: www.lucafabbozzo.com Contact me for further details. Best, Luca Fabbozzo

Biennale Art in Venice

Mon, 27 May 2013 20:53:38 +0000

I'll be at Biennale Art, 29-31. Anyone is interested ?

Fixer needed for Bangladesh

Tue, 28 May 2013 05:38:25 +0000

Is anyone available as a fixer in Bangladesh in the next month? Please get back to me and I will give more details!

Need Help

Tue, 28 May 2013 12:20:22 +0000

Hey all I need some help, I want to start documenting war ... ask people who are already doing this to help me ... what are the legal requirements and how I could be attached to a military unit? I will be grateful to everyone for any advice in this area. Thanks :)

Fixer Dhaka, Bangladesh

Tue, 28 May 2013 05:51:18 +0000

Hi All, Does anyone know a fixer/translator/friend? in Dhaka please? it would be extremely helpful. Thank you.

Cairo Courses and Tours

Mon, 27 May 2013 20:54:35 +0000

Advanced Arabic Grammar Course by Ahmed Seddik This course walks you through the City of Arabic Grammar and tells the story of every edifice. You will be able to identify the colossal monuments of Arabic grammar and analyse the functions of the builders and the inhabitants i.e. gain unsurpassed access to the morphology and syntax of this magnificent language. Course is taught in Arabic. English will be confined to the more subtle points of grammar. Seddik technique is unique. Duration: the month of June 2013. For reservation: call: 0100-67-68-2-69 or email: ahmed.seddik@gmail.com --------------------------------------------------------------------- Sunrise Walking Tour of Islamic Cairo Gates of Glory and Façades of Fame Friday, May 24, 4:30 am www.AhmedSeddik.com For reservation: call: 0100-67-68-2-69 or email: ahmed.seddik@gmail.com In this beautiful tour of words and deeds, history and architecture are elegantly braided together. Travel back in time to the splendid scents, sights and sounds of historic Cairo, the fabled bridge between ancient Egypt and modern Egypt. This is the story of the rise and fall of the Islamic Empire. In this tour, I shall prove that there exists an architectural historian technique whereby history can be interpreted through architecture. Behold! Seddik technique is unique. "Travel. Set out and head for pastures new. Life tastes richer when you've rode warm feet. No water that stagnates is fit to drink, for only that which flows is truly sweet ...." - Ibn Battuta "behind gates of glory and façades of fame lie unique stories of rise and fall that teach us to never give in, in nothing great or small, in the march of history against the juggernaut of time. When domes dominate a relief of belief reveals the architecture of history in the history of architecture through abodes beyond the boundaries of death. The minarets dot the I's and cross the T's of architecture, furnishing a Rosetta Stone to untangle the web of history. The palaces of startling elegance provide visual biographies highlighting the salience of sailing in the sea of history and granting us a passport to the past. List of what we might or might not see during our tour: Al Sioufiyya Al Khiyamiyya The Mosque of Salih Tala'i Ahmed Maher El-Darb El-Gadid Bab Zeweila Mosque of Almuayyad Sheikh Wekalat Nafisa Albayda Haret Al-Zahabi Haret Al-Roum Haret Al-Aqqadeya Mosque of Alfakahany Al-Kahkiyeen Funerary Complex of Sultan Qansuh al-Ghuri (a glimpse) Al-Azhar Mosque The Mosque of Muhammed Bek Abu El-Dahab Al-Hussein Mosque Khan Jarkas el-Khalili Haret Al Sanadyqyah (Boxmakers) Alhamzawi Al-Saghir Sultan al-Ashraf Barsbay Complex Jawhar Al-Qaid (Commander of the Army) Bayn al-Qasrayn (Palace Walk of Naguib Mahfouz) Mosque and Sabil-Kuttab of Shaykh 'Ali al- Mutahhar Al Maqases Sekket Al-Badistan Al Westani Al Bab Al Thaleth Haret Al Saleheya Madrasa and Mausoleum of al-Malik al-Salih Najm al-Din Ayyub Al-Zahir Beibars The Qalawun complex Bait El Kadi (House of the Judge) Sultan al-Nasir Muhammad ibn Qala'un Madrasa and Mausoleum Sabil-Kuttab Mohamed Ali Sultan al-Zahir Barquq Funerary Complex Egyptian Textile Museum (just make a brief mention of) Darb Kormoz Al Khoronfesh Al Qasabi Sabil-Kuttab of Abdel-Rahman Katkhuda (Ottoman) The Mosque of al-Aqmar Haret Al Sananeeri Haret Al-Darb al-Asfar Bayt Al-Suhaymi in Al-Darb al-Asfar Mosque-Sabil of Suleiman Agha el-Silahdar Haret Bergewan Amir Al Gyosh Al Goani Al Dabeeba Darb Al Waraka Bayn Al-Sayareg Haret Al-Morakeshi Al-Hakim Bi-Amr-Allah Mosque Sour Misr Al Qadima Bab Al Fotouh (Gate of Conquests) Albanhawy Bab Al Nasr (Gate of Victory) Gamaliyya Wekalat Qaitbey Haret Alotoof El-Jashankir Mosque Kasr Alshok Al Mashhad Al Husseini *A digital version of this tour by Ahmed Seddik is available as a 'PocketGuide' with voice, downloadable from Apple Store. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Walk and Let the Walls Talk: Graffiti Tour of Cairo [50% discount for AUC students] Friday, May 24, 9:00 am Post-Revolution Cairo is rife with graffiti gracing its walls to extoll and reflect on the potent political events that are shaping Egypt and the region. Explore, interpret and photograph the graceful, gargantuan graffiti in Cairo! Seddik reveals the revolution through her art. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Making El Fayoum Bloom Tour of El Fayoum, the Garden of Egypt Saturday, May 25, 2013 at 8:00 am www.AhmedSeddik.com The sites that we are planning to explore: The Graeco-Roman City of Karanis (Kom Oshim) Quick visit of Fayoum Museum (most likely closed) The Village of Tunis, the St Ives of Egypt Medinet El-Fayoum, the Venice of Egypt Lake Qarun (the Birka) The Water Wheels (Al-Sawaqi) For reservation: call: 0100-67-68-2-69 or email: ahmed.seddik@gmail.com ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- The Nile at Your Leisure for Pleasure beyond Measure Tour of the Roda Island and the Aqueduct Sunday, May 26, 2013 at 8:00 am www.AhmedSeddik.com For reservation: call: 0100-67-68-2-69 or email: ahmed.seddik@gmail.com Al Saraya Al-Manial Palace Al-Malik Al-Muzaffar Al-Mamalik Al-Bahriyya The Nilometer (Miqyas al-Nil) The Manasterly Palace The Om Kolthoum Museum The Old Aqueduct, Magra Al-Oyoun --------------------- Walking Tour of Cairo's Caravansaries The Malls of the Middle Ages By Ahmed Seddik Monday, May 27, at 5:00 am For reservation: call: 0100-67-68-2-69 or email: ahmed.seddik@gmail.com Explore the commercial architecture of Cairo; caravansaries, khans, souqs, wekalas, and markets. Khan Jarkas el-Khalili Caravanserai of Al-Ghuri Caravanserai of Bazaraa Caravanserai of Nafisa al-Bayda Caravanserai of Qaitbey Al Sioufiyya Al Khiyamiyya --------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Tour of Saqqara Pyramids, Temples and Tombs Friday, May 31, at 8:00 am For reservation: call: 0100-67-68-2-69 or email: ahmed.seddik@gmail.com We try to see: Tomb of Horemheb, Generalissimo of the Egyptian Army Tomb of the Manicurists and Pedicurists of the King Tomb of the Prime Minister of Egypt Mereruka The Valley Temple of King Unas The Step Pyramid Complex The Oldest Museum Label Ancient Egyptian Graffiti The Philosophers’ Circle The Museum of Imhotep The Pyramid of Userkaf Tomb of Princess Idut Tomb of Maya & Merit Tomb of Kagemni Pyramid of Unas The Serapeum Pyramid of Teti Tomb of Ti ---------------------- Walking Tour of the City of Alexandria In the Footsteps of the Pharaohs of Pharos Saturday, June 1, 2013 at 8:00 am For reservation: call: 0100-67-68-2-69 or email: ahmed.seddik@gmail.com We will be visiting: The Ancient Daughter Library at the so-called Pompey's Pillar The Fort of the Mamluk Sultan Al Ashraf Seif El Deen Qaitbey The Catacombs of Kom el Shoqafa The Royal Palace of Al-Montazah The Bibliotheca Alexandrina The Odeon at Kom el-Dikka The Eastern Harbor Ras el–Tin Palace Ramleh Square For reservation: call: 0100-67-68-2-69 or email: ahmed.seddik@gmail.com ----------------------------------------- Tour like an Egyptian Walking Tour of a Community Sunday, June 2, at 8:00 a.m. For reservation: call: 0100-67-68-2-69 or email: ahmed.seddik@gmail.com ----------------------------------------- Tour of Coptic Cairo, the Babylon of Egypt A Tale of Two Caves Tuesday, June 4, 8:00 am For reservation: call: 0100-67-68-2-69 or email: ahmed.seddik@gmail.com We try to explore: The Hanging Church (Al-Muallaka) The Church of Saints Sergius and Bacchus (Abu Sarga) (The Church of the Cave) The Church of Saint Barbara The Church of Saint Mercurius (Abu Sayfayn) Sleeping Mary Greek Orthodox Church (Church of the Dormition) The Greek Orthodox Church of Saint George The Ben Ezra Synagogue The Coptic Cemetery The Coptic Museum The Tomb of Ibrahim and Girgis al-Guhari The Mosque of Amr Ibn El-As ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Shine from the Shrine: Walking Tour of the City of the Dead Friday, June 14, 9:00 am For reservation: call: 0100-67-68-2-69 or email: ahmed.seddik@gmail.com The scintillating City of the Dead, anecdotally known as Al-Qarafa, is so full of life and amenities that if you sum, you realize it is more town than slum. We will be able to label the fabled vast necropolis and feast our eyes on monuments glorious from the City Victorious. The lively City of the Dead is a treasure trove of masterspieces from almost all eras of Egyptian history. Walking there gives you an encyclopedic tour of Egyptian history. True to the vision of some of its founders, the City of the Dead has the power to entertain the mind and retain the body. Around 100,000 Cairenes live here amongst the dead. At the pinnacle of Islamic art, the monuments are architected to articulate the vision of the stellar dweller. Picnic among the graves in the City Beyond the Walls! It is a kaleidoscope of culture. We attempt to see: Mausoleum of Ibrahim Pahsa Halim Tomb of Al-Torjoman Mamelukes St. Sultan Ahmed St. Mausoleum of Sir Ahmed Hassanein Pasha, Author of the Lost Oases Tomb of Narriman Sadek, Cinderella of the Nile, the Last Queen of Egypt War Martyrs Tombs Tomb of the First President of Egypt Amir Kabir Qurqumas Complex The Religious and Funerary Complex of Sultan al-Ashraf Inal Mausoleum of Princess Shwikar Mausoleum of Muhammed Talaat Harb, Egypt's Leading Economist Tomb of Omar Makram, Revolutionist Tomb of Noubar, First Prime Minister of Egypt Mosque and Mausoleum of Sultan Faraj ibn Barquq Mausoleum of Al-Ashraf Barsbay Tomb of René Jean Marie Joseph Guénon, French Author and Intellectual Mausoleum of Khedive Muhammed Tewfik Pasha Tomb of Professor Ali Moustafa Mosharafa Pasha, Egyptian Theoretical Physicist Compound of Sultan Al-Ashraf Sayf al-Din Qa'it Bay Tomb of Emir Tashtimur Chinese Tomb ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Walking Tour of Heliopolis, the City of the Sun Saturday, June 15, 8:00 am For reservation: call: 0100-67-68-2-69 or email: ahmed.seddik@gmail.com "I want to build a city here, it will be called Heliopolis, the city of the sun, and first of all I will build a palace...a huge one. I want it to be magnificent. Furthermore, I want the architecture to conform to this country's traditions. I need a specialist in Arab art...You love mosques, you are an architect, can you give me a proposal?" Edouard Empain. -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Testimonials: On ABC News: http://abcnews.go.com/International/video/back-beginning-christiane-amanpour-moses-pharaoh-pharaoh-exodus-18086799 ----------------------------------------- Witty and enthusiastic. Arguto e pieno d'entusiasmo. Lonely Planet ----------------------------------------- In Ahmed we found not only an amazing producer, but a great resource for all things Egypt. His offhand knowledge of Egyptian history, of pharaohs and antiquities, of hieroglyphics and pyramids is astounding. He can quote ancient Egyptian texts from memory. In many ways he was our tour guide and history professor on top of everything else. Sincerely, Erin Lyall George Producer The CBS Evening News -------------------------- He is also particularly good at turning dry facts into fascinating anecdotes and was often able to entertain and educate us with interesting stories about Egypt’s history. He is obviously passionate about the country, its history and culture. Helena Merriman Broadcast Journalist BBC World Service -------------------------- His language skills, especially his knowledge of English, are absolutely first class and he has an ability to express himself in a manner that many native English speakers would find difficult to improve upon. Yours sincerely, Michael Buchanan Correspondent BBC News -------------------------- “You are a student of the finer point of the English language.” Hugh Sykes, BBC, the World at One -------------------------- My aim was to take a break with a cultural and historic character. And having Egyptologist and tour guide Ahmed Seddik as my companion made my adventure unforgettable. Amira El-Naqeeb, Travel Writer ------------------------------- The Digger Who Can Figure: http://fnewsmagazine.com/2011/08/the-digger-who-can-figure/ ------------------------------- "His name is Ahmed Seddik and he is the most delightful, smart and funny person you can imagine. He loves languages and speaks incredible English. He talked continuously without notes of any kind during our tours of the temples at Saqqara, the Pyramids and tombs in Giza, Islamic Cairo, and the City of the Dead--not just providing fascinating and encyclopedic information, both historic and modern, but peppering his monologue with puns and alliteration." Caroline Moore

Graphic Tablet Suggestions...

Mon, 27 May 2013 20:52:45 +0000

Any suggestions on a decent graphic tablet for Mac to use with Photoshop, Lightroom and such? It goes without saying that I don't want to break the bank. Thanks...

capturing BANGLADESH

Tue, 28 May 2013 06:01:36 +0000

Hi there, i am a german, currently bangladesh based. would like to come across bangladeshi photographers or those who have been capturing life in bangladesh. would be especially interested to hear about social issues covered in rural and urban bangladesh. happy to see your replies. kat

Photographers on assignment now or in the future

Mon, 27 May 2013 20:53:22 +0000

-Weird, my previous post vanished. Sorry if this shows up as a double listing. Hej, I am looking to come along with a photographer in nearly any part of Asia, Africa, Middle East who are on assignment or plan in the future, and would not mind company. I work as a photographer now, but am completely unaware of how the process works, in regards to locating a fixer, dealing with locals, etc. I was hoping, I could come along, as a backup and as a way to crash course the process for me. May sound a bit odd, but I figure I would throw it out there.

Vancouver-based photographer needed for three-day assignment.

Sat, 01 Jun 2013 03:02:55 +0000

LUGARES magazine, the leading travel publication in Argentina www.lugaresdeviaje.com is looking for a photographer to work with our journalist on a three-day job (from May 30th to June 1st) around the city of Vancouver. Except accomodation, all expenses will be covered by us. You will need to send us some examples of your work. If you are interested, please send a private message.

Photographers on assignment now or in the future

Fri, 31 May 2013 19:03:15 +0000

Hej, I am looking to come along with a photographer in nearly any part of Asia, Africa, Middle East who are on assignment or plan in the future, and would not mind company. I work as a photographer now, but am completely unaware of how the process works, in regards to locating a fixer, dealing with locals, etc. I was hoping, I could come along, as a backup and as a way to crash course the process for me. May sound a bit odd, but I figure I would throw it out there.

Fixer/Stringer in Bangladesh !!

Sun, 02 Jun 2013 09:44:34 +0000

I work as a professional Fixer/Stringer for foreign journalists, photographers, documentary film makers & News Agencies with a journalism background. Contact me if you are planning for any assignment in Bangladesh. My email: roni_law.du@hotmail.com —Thanks

emphas.is launches own crowdfunder for journalism platform

Thu, 23 May 2013 14:25:01 +0000

Emphas.is has produced more than 50 stories by 60 journalists in 60 countries by putting the people who want to tell a story in touch with the people who want them. Now they need the community's support to continue giving the issues you care about the coverage they need. http://www.emphas.is/web/guest/discoverprojects?projectID=837

Fixer available in Venice

Mon, 27 May 2013 20:53:52 +0000

Fixer available in Venice, Italy. Contact Cynthia Johnson for more information.

Cairo fixer

Wed, 22 May 2013 10:58:28 +0000

Soundperson needed, Venice, Italy?

Wed, 22 May 2013 10:58:25 +0000

Can anyone recommend a good soundperson in Venice, Italy? needed ASAP. It's a one day job on May 28th or May29th. thanks! contact: Cynthia Johnson cell: +39 333 699 0397 pazzawinyan@yahoo.com Skype: cynthia.johnson75

Photographer available for assignments in Ireland and UK

Wed, 22 May 2013 10:58:23 +0000

Documentary and Fine Art photographer based in Dublin available for assignments, both editorial and commercial, in Ireland and UK. Please contact me at trishutchinson@gmail.com

juarez fixer/translator/driver

Wed, 22 May 2013 10:58:17 +0000

I am looking for someone in Ciudad Juarez June 13-17th to help me out as I search for a documentary project. I am not seeking stories directly about violence/narcotrafficking/femicide, but instead, am interested in recovery (emotional, economic, physical) and reclamation of the city by its residents. Maybe that is not happening... but if it is, I'd like to explore it. I am interested in public arts projects, circuses, comedy performances, music, venues where people are feeling safe enough to enjoy life. I want to talk to people about what, if anything, has changed recently in Juarez. I am not interested in placing myself or anyone I work with in a dangerous situation. I hope to find someone who knows the city well, can translate (I speak ok spanish, but not good enough for interviewing), and can drive me. I hope to shoot stills and video and end up with a short multimedia project. I also need suggestions on a reasonable rate of pay. My accommodation is set, and I may have access to a car that we can use.

Fixers Wanted for U.S. TV Program

Wed, 22 May 2013 10:58:13 +0000

Hi Everyone, I work for a U.S.-based television company that is producing a program about travel fixers and travel guides. Due to the often times delicate and dangerous nature of this profession, we are looking for experienced fixers who would be willing to share their stories and convey what their day to day life is like. Obviously safety is of the utmost concern so your confidentiality is something we take very seriously. This program is for a major cable network, and we would like to find people very soon. If you or anyone you know would be interested in this opportunity, please let us know so we can discuss further. Best, Casting Team fixershow2013@gmail.com

DokuPhoto

Wed, 22 May 2013 10:58:11 +0000

Dear Photographers, We are thrilled to announce the launch of call for application for the DokuPhoto Documentary Photography Workshop with Pep Bonet, to be held during this edition of DokuFest in Prizren from 17th until 25th of August. DokuPhoto workshop will bring together regional documentary photographers who will be led by the co-founder of Noor Images Agency and award winning Spanish photographer Pep Bonet to create a visual story on Kosovo. The workshop will also include a one-day master class with renowned English photographer Andrew Testa. The selected photographers will be invited to Prizren for six intensive days of photographing and editing. The work produced will be shown in DokuFest and in exhibitions around the Balkans and beyond. Who can apply? The program is aimed at 10 professional documentary photographers from Kosovo, Albania, Macedonia, Serbia, Montenegro, Croatia, Bosnia and Herzegovina and Slovenia. What is covered? DokuFest will cover the expense of travel to Prizren, the costs of accommodation and an allowance for daily expenses. TO APPLY: 1: You should send a bio (maximum 300 words) explaining why would you like to attend this documentary photography workshop. 2: Personal documentary photography project with no more than 15 images and text explaining the project. Applications should be sent to dokuphoto@dokufest.com Deadline for application is 30 June 2013 Requirements: - The workshop will be conducted in English, so the participants must have good command of English Language. -Photographers should have their own photography and editing equipment.

Photo Agency search photographer in Oklahoma

Tue, 11 Jun 2013 19:20:46 +0000

Photo Agency search photographer in Oklahoma. Please contact us to: redazione@nurphoto.com

Navigator/Translator for Istanbul

Tue, 21 May 2013 21:49:06 +0000

Hello all, I am looking for someone to help navigate/translate in Istanbul between June 27 and July 3, 2013. Doing research on food studies and culture and would like the help of someone who has some insight on the food system. Also, any idea as to what the equivalent of a peanut butter & jelly sandwich in America is in Istanbul? please respond to post or email me at marceloflores@utexas.edu

Fixer in Istanbul

Mon, 27 May 2013 06:50:49 +0000

I'm looking for a fixer in Istanbul--any suggestions for someone who is reliable and works on a tight budget?

Time Lapse/ Card Write Speeds

Tue, 28 May 2013 21:12:55 +0000

Hi guys- I have just started doing a timelapse project and am running into some buffer issues. I was hoping someone out there had an answer for me. . . I am using a Canon 5d Markii. When I use Sandisk Extreme 60mb/s cards I run into no problems when shooting with a 1 second interval. But when I use a new Lexar Professional 1000x card, the images are not processed fast enough and everything gets bogged down and it can't handle the continuous 1 second intervals. I've read reviews online and people seem to recommend the Lexar cards for timelapse, though they arent working for me. Any ideas? Thanks!

Cameraman Needed in Equatorial Guinea

Wed, 05 Jun 2013 17:17:44 +0000

Urgently looking for stringer to help cover Equatorial Guinea’s upcoming general elections. This is for "Africa Journal," a weekly programme that airs on around 49 networks in 42 countries.

instant news updates?

Sat, 25 May 2013 05:36:38 +0000

Hi, I'm here to ask if anyone can help me find a place where I can get instant local news. I am asking this because I have come to a dead end in my photography, I'm taking photos of people and places but none of it means anything! I want to start getting shocking, thought provoking photographs but I am starved of resources. I've often thought about war photography but would not know where to start to get into that field. Any suggestions are welcome, I'm just looking for something exciting and meaningful, which I'm struggling to find in the small town I live in. Thanks, Liam!

Fine Fixer/Simultaneous Translator for Cairo and Egypt

Tue, 21 May 2013 07:55:24 +0000

Fine Fixer/Simultaneous Translator and Freelance Journalist in Cairo, Tanta, Alexandria, Aswan, Luxor, Port Said and Egypt Ahmed Seddik is around now to report and/or translate for the media. http://www.facebook.com/CairoFixer Fine Fixer/Simultaneous Translator for Cairo and Egypt Arabic <> English There is a highly recommended fixer/translator in Cairo, Egypt call: 0100-67-68-2-69 or email: ahmed.seddik@gmail.com -—————— Ahmed Seddik has worked with BBC, CNN, CBS, FT, Time Magazine, France 2… ——————————————— Testimonials: I have hired Mr Seddik on two occasions – once in Egypt and once in Libya. On both occasions he was working as a translator and fixer for the BBC team. We were working in a high pressured environment, doing very long hours and I was extremely impressed with him. He has excellent English – better than any other translator I have worked with so far in the region. He is confident in dealing with journalists and communicated with the people we interviewed in a respectful and friendly manner. He has a vast knowledge of politics and current affairs as well as the history of Egypt and the wider Middle East. This was invaluable both for interviews and in general conversation. He is also particularly good at turning dry facts into fascinating anecdotes and was often able to entertain and educate us with interesting stories about Egypt’s history. He is obviously passionate about the country, its history and culture. What most impressed me about Mr Seddik however is his energy and enthusiasm, even after working for extremely long hours. Many other translators I have worked with have been irritable after working for very long hours, but Mr Seddik remained alert, cheerful and hardworking no matter how many hours he had done. He was always punctual, courteous and is good at taking the initiative when needed. Helena Merriman Broadcast Journalist BBC World Service -————————— I am a producer for The CBS Evening News, a national nightly newsprogram in the United States. In early February, Correspondent Terry McCarthy and I were sent to Egypt to cover the events of Tahrir Square, and we hired Ahmed as our interpreter, our guide, and what we in the news business call a “fixer” – that is, someone who can arrange the interviews we need, sort through the facts we want, and generally make our lives easier in a foreign country. Ahmed was amazing. He helped us navigate through Cairo at a very difficult time with a combination of street smarts, great attitude, and an uncanny command of the English language. Also, there is no higher-pressure environment than television journalism, and we had Ahmed working for us about 20 hours a day for 3 weeks; he never failed to jump at the assignment and he never complained. In Ahmed we found not only an amazing producer, but a great resource for all things Egypt. His offhand knowledge of Egyptian history, of pharaohs and antiquities, of hieroglyphics and pyramids is astounding. He can quote ancient Egyptian texts from memory. In many ways he was our tour guide and history professor on top of everything else. Sincerely, Erin Lyall George Producer The CBS Evening News -—————————————— COPPER POT PICTURES hired Ahmed Seddik to be our fixer when we traveled to Egypt in June 2012 to film WE MUST GO, our documentary about the Egyptian Football team. Though we had tried to sort out various rights and permissions prior to traveling to Egypt, it wasn’t until Ahmed came on board that we started to see results. From permissions with the various football associations to permits from the Egyptian government to our daily transportation, Ahmed arranged everything. It was unbelievable. He is a motivated and capable fixer who assured that everything was taken care of prior to our arrival. Ahmed paved the way for a smooth shoot; we didn’t have to worry about anything except doing our jobs. He met each new challenge and wrinkle to the shoot with a positive attitude and a willingness to see that our wishes were carried out. His services were invaluable. We have shot documentaries around the world and much of the success (or failure) for our projects depend on the talents of our local fixers: I am pleased to say that Ahmed is the best we’ve worked with and I look forward to a continued partnership on WE MUST GO and future Copper Pot projects shot throughout Egypt and the Middle East. My only hesitation in writing this glowing review is that I want to make sure no one else hires him when we need him! — Dave LaMattina Producer/Director | COPPER POT PICTURES ———————————————— I am a correspondent with BBC News, based in London. I worked alongside Mr Seddik for almost 2 weeks earlier this year when I was on assignment in Egypt. During that time I found him to be an outstanding individual who would be an excellent asset to any organization. Specifically he has an acute awareness of how the media works, the demands that the modern media operates under, and the need to handle such demands with clarity, consistency and integrity. His language skills, especially his knowledge of English, are absolutely first class and he has an ability to express himself in a manner that many native English speakers would find difficult to improve upon. I have absolutely no hesitation in recommending Ahmed Seddik. Yours sincerely, Michael Buchanan Correspondent BBC News -————————————— BBC TV’s ‘Newsnight’ programme employed Ahmed Seddik as a translator, researcher, fixer and guide for two weeks in Cairo in November 2011 and found him to be a resourceful, highly-informed, hard-working and invariably good-humoured colleague. Ahmed has a vast store of knowledge about Egypt and its history, as well as a valuable network of well-placed contacts in many walks of life. He is a constantly engaging and informative companion and is able to work calmly and effectively in highly pressured circumstances. Ahmed was unfailingly cheerful and cooperative when required to work the extremely long hours often required by TV crews. He is not only an excellent interpreter/translator with an astonishingly rich and accurate knowledge of English, but also a fixer with the imagination and resourcefulness to contribute his own ideas. Tim Whewell Correspondent BBC Newsnight ———————— TIME Magazine’s Cairo Bureau has periodically employed Mr. Ahmed Seddik for translating assignments since 2004. He has performed all his tasks with a high degree of expertise and professionalism. Mr. Seddik is also extremely well educated and informed about all aspects of Egyptian life, including politics, culture and society. In every way, he has greatly assisted TIME correspondents in their work. I wholeheartedly recommend Mr. Seddik’s services, and would be delighted to receive any requests for further elaboration on my recommendation. Scott MacLeod TIME Middle East Correspondent(since 1995) -————————————— I had the opportunity to work with Ahmed Seddik last summer in Cairo, where I was temporarily based as a correspondent for Time Magazine. Though he clearly was far too qualified for the task, he cheerfully served as my translator for a couple of stories. I found him to be a precise interpreter, providing me with excellent translations of what was said in interviews, often a rarity where the need for speed overrides the desire for colorful, exact phrasing. He also demonstrated a willingness to work long hours, and at the last minute. If I have the opportunity to return to Cairo, I will be sure to use his translation services once again. Regards, Aryn Baker, Associate Editor, Time Magazine Asia Siamo stati al Cairo per un weekend lungo, purtroppo durante i disordini di piazza di novembre, che ci hanno impedito di visitare il museo egizio a Piazza Tahrir. Ma anche senza il museo, il viaggio è stato straordinario. Meravigliose le piramidi e il plateau di Giza, bellissima la visita alle moschee e alle strade del cairo islamico, entrambi posti che abbiamo visitato con la nostra guida Ahmed Seddik, la cui mail era indicata sulla Lonely Planet e che abbiamo contattato dall’Italia subito prima di partire. Ahmed ha fatto una grande differenza: è affidabile, preparato, pieno di entusiasmo, appassionato di storia, archeologia, letteratura, geroglifici e conosce i luoghi come le sue tasche. Alle piramidi ci ha fatto vedere tombe delle quali non avremmo mai capito neanche la presenza, ci ha portato a vedere un panorama strepitoso da un posto un pò più lontano ma senza turisti, e ci ha pagato addirittura lui il ritorno con il cammello come “regalo” di benvenuto. Con lui ci siamo avventurati in posti dove non saremmo andati da soli, abbiamo capito tanto della storia dell’egitto e delle piramidi e anche dell’orgoglio degli egiziani di oggi. Insomma, posti meravigliosi, clima perfetto.. speriamo che la situazione politica si tranquillizzi presto, perchè non vediamo l’ora di tornarci e di portarci anche i nostri figli! Silvia Cavallo “You are a student of the finer point of the English language.” Hugh Sykes, BBC, the World at One -———————————————— I have the privilege to recommend to you Ahmed Seddik as an excellent guide and efficient informant. I am fortunate both to have known Ahmed as a fellow student at the American University in Cairo and to have seen how he developed his college interests into his current profession. Although he makes guiding and lecturing his profession, Ahmed is a veritable renaissance man due to his passion for learning. He delights in learning various subjects and can claim expertise in many. Ahmed has a talent for drawing diverse connections from his numerous interests into any talk or tour. In addition to his tours, Ahmed makes good use of his talent in his frequent lectures on diverse topics at the Sawy Culture Wheel, a famous cultural center and academic forum in Zamalek, and elsewhere. In the tours I have attended, Ahmed was lively, engaging, and spontaneous. Both the tour to the City of the Dead and Islamic Cairo were chock‐full of information, partly due to Ahmed’s vast memory for fact and stories. On his tours each monument has a story and every side street is another step back in time. The tours I attended lasted about five hours each, although he has told me they can stretch longer or take less time depending on the audience. When I took the Islamic Cairo tour, we went the full length of the Fatimid city from gate to gate in four hours. His tour of Islamic Cairo is especially nice because it takes place in the wee hours of the morning. The streets of the Khan el‐Khalili are amazingly serene at that time, which makes for a stark contrast with the market’s usual chaos. If you should take the tour make sure to see the inside of the mosque and madrasa of Barquq; Sultan Plum had an eye for beauty. On these tours, Ahmed is always thinking about ways to improve and innovate. For example, while leading us through the streets of Islamic Cairo, Ahmed thanked the street cleaners and pondered organizing them to keep the roads cleaner. Ahmed says he has never given the same tour twice. I believe it. Ahmed’s style of guiding and touring is not like that found on any other tour. It has more artistry in it than the others. But the faint of heart beware, he is more than half a poet. Emblazoned on his business card is the Arabic palindrome malik kalim, meaning “king of words.” And certifiably, he can claim to rule his words. Ahmed is a possessor of a veritable treasury of terms and an arsenal of anecdotes. Don’t think it tedious if he recites a list of synonyms or lines of poetry. Listen attentively. It is all part of the tour. Bryan Kraemer PhD. Candidate Egyptology University of Chicago TO WHOM IT MAY CONCERN I am very pleased to recommend Mr. Ahmed Seddik of Ahmed Seddik Tours in his pursuit as an expert guide for ancient and medieval sites in Egypt. Not only does he have an outstanding knowledge of Egyptology and ancient Egyptian monuments (including ongoing excavations), he is similarly conversant in Islamic history, as shown in several tours of Islamic Cairo that we have conducted together. This is also clear in his very numerous, well-researched public lectures in Egypt on a wide range of topics within it—literary, historical and linguistic—many of which I have shared in personally. (An Arabist, my 2008 doctoral dissertation at the University of Pennsylvania, on fiction set in ancient Egypt by the late Nobel laureate in literature, Naguib Mahfouz, made broad, closely supervised use of Egyptological sources, and I have also extensively studied Islamic history, both at the University of Michigan and U-Penn.) His considerable acumen and insight extend far beyond these fields to also embrace Arabic literature, science and mathematics too. His masterful familiarity with the vast and intricate oeuvre of Ahmad Shawqi, “the Prince of Poets,” is a great achievement in itself, and could only have been attained with his extremely erudite knowledge of Arabic grammar, syntax and vocabulary. Moreover, he is highly trained in English literature, grammar and lexicography, a most rare combination with such a background in Arabic, let alone Egyptology. Indeed, Ahmed is a genuine polymath in the truest sense of the word, and has educated himself far beyond what his formal studies at the American University in Cairo have taught him. As to his character, Ahmed—a natural showman, with a distinct (and very Egyptian) love of attention—is also extremely thoughtful and helpful to others. Our experience together, in which we have shared in delivering lectures (mainly on Mahfouz)—and even co-produced and performed in short plays (e.g., on the discovery of Tutankhamun’s tomb)—has been an extremely rich and happy one. I’m quite sure that yours, with this uniquely gifted human being, will be as well. Sincerely, Raymond Stock, Ph.D. Assistant Professor of Arabic and Middle East Studies Drew University “Egyptology runs in his veins” Dr. Zahi Hawass My aim was to take a break with a cultural and historic character. And having Egyptologist and tour guide Ahmed Seddik as my companion made my adventure unforgettable. Amira El-Naqeeb, Travel Writer ——————————————— A former Egyptology student at the American University in Cairo, the indefatigable and eloquent Ahmed Seddik makes even the history of bilharzia seem fun. Frequently booked as a translator/fixer by foreign correspondents, the 31-year-old freelance guide is also popular with expats and Egyptian parents who love his child-friendly tours of the Pyramids by camel. In addition to walking tours in the Egyptian Museum and Islamic Cairo, Seddik also does a tour of political Cairo, revisiting scenes from the revolution in Tahrir Square SUSAN HACK Condé Nast Traveler Senior Correspondent -———————————— I think many here know Ahmed Seddik. He is a brilliant Egyptologist, an accomplished translator, and a masterfully gifted tour guide who leads tours year-round throughout Egypt in both English and Arabic. Omid Ghaemmaghami I went with a group to the Ramsees Wisawasef textile museum near Saqqara. Ahmed Seddik gave our group a short lecture on the meaning of “naseej” in Arabic. He spoke of theology, poetry and history. He impressed us with his knowledge of the Arabic poetic tradition. He knew scores of lines by Ahmed Shawqi. He certainly charmed me and my group. He quoted from dozens of poems that touch on the meaning of “thread” in Arabic literature. Ahmed was a wonderful guide whose love of puns, sharp wit and impressive memory were all qualities which made his lecture unforgettable. Niko Banac If you are wishing to source an Egyptologist, we would have no hesitation in recommending Ahmed. Our attention was kept by Ahmed the whole day, including our twelve year old! Ahmed is extremely professional, his knowledge and stories are outstanding and entertaining. Carolanne Reissiger Rate Revenue Manager My guide for the day Ahmed Seddik is quite an original. A very slight, 30 something young Egyptologist who exudes brainy precociousness with a certain crazy charisma and a passion for alliteration and using pretentious vocabulary (though in a good humoured and fun way). He is a student and big fan of the famous Zahi Hawass – and has a personality and exuberance almost as big. He even dons a Zahi-like hat. Evidently he has been a journalist who has covered the revolution, an Egypt commentator called upon by BBC, CBS – and a translator of impressive works. Zahi II met me with three intelligent older Germans, two of whom were there from the German embassy. They were all sophisticated and bright and a pleasure to tour with. Ahmed gave us a fabulously in-depth experience that lasted ALL DAY, 10:30 to 5 – and no-one even thought about lunch or a coffee break. We made a rare stop en route at the Unas’s valley temple, king of the 5th dynasty, strewn with interesting remains of pillars and stone and the last strip of his long causeway.Few stop there… Laura Ranieri The world knows Cairo for its pyramids. But in my opinion Cairo’s biggest jewels are its Islamic buildings. Historic, or Islamic Cairo, contains one of the most important collections of Medieval Islamic architecture in the world and is on UNESCO’s World Heritage list. In a way it makes Cairo the Rome of the Middle East. Most of the monuments are mosques, palaces, mausolea, madrasas and private houses. Since this neighborhood can be trick to navigate, with its winding and un-marked streets we decided to go with a guide—Ahmed Seddik—who would become our friend by the end of our stay in Cairo. His tour would take us from the Al Azhar mosque in the south to the Bab al-Futuh or northern gate of the original Fatimid walls. The Al Azhar mosque is a quiet refuge from the traffic and horns of the busy neighborhood it sits in. We enter Al Azhar mosque through the Bab al-Muzayyin (Gate of the Barbers) where students came to have their heads shaved, between the truly giant minarets. Built in 970 at the height of the Fatimid period, it has been added on to over the years. The mosque the site of Al Azhar University, probably one of the oldest in the world, which is still in operation today. The inner courtyard is a quiet refuge from the traffic and noise outside. I find visiting mosques in the Middle East to be relaxing and enjoyable. Unlike Western churches which I can find to be sterile and austere—mosques I find to be a place for quiet reflection as well as a gathering place for the community. We tuck into the Khan al-Khalili market, which sells all kinds of things, from tourist trinket to antiques. “How can we take your money?” ask the rather aggressive merchants. With tourism down in Egypt generally, the already pushy vendors are even keener on making a sale. We ignore them and move right to tea Fishawi’s—a coffee shop/shisha (water pipe) establishment that was frequented by Cairo’s literati, most notable Naguib Mafouz, Egypt’s late Nobel Laureate. This was Mafouz’s neighborhood which he immortalized in his books. It is still a local hangout, only there are more tourists these days. We are lucky because it was a stormy day in Cairo. This doesn’t mean it was rainy, only that the wind was gusty and blew the dust around. Cairo, despite being on the Nile is a desert city, lest we forget. This meant that what would ordinarily be a neighborhood packed with shoppers was relatively quiet. Many shops were closed. We make our way to Sharia Muiz, or the Palace Walk (also a Mahfouz novel), which will take us between some of the great mosques and palaces of the Fatimid period, eventually delivering us to our final destination—Bab al-Futuh. Sharia Muiz is kind of magical street. Neighborhood life bubbles all around us. Monuments rise and fall on either side of us. If you use your imagination you can picture yourself in a Mafouz novel. Ahmed tells us about the buildings, architecture and history that we are seeing on either side, but it all begins to blend together into a wonderful tapestry of sights and sounds. The evening call to prayer begins and Ahmed sits us down to listen and experience the moment. I have always found the call to prayer to be beautiful musically—Allah Akbar (god is great) called out from the muezzin—trying to convince believers to drop what they are doing and come to the mosque to pray. In Cairo I experienced some of the most beautiful calls to prayer as any other Muslim city I’ve been, and this call was particularly beautiful… MARK T. LAMMERS -—————————————————— “Micky and Mark have been the primary organizers for this trip and they found a wonderful tour guide for our time in Cairo. His name is Ahmed Seddik and he is the most delightful, smart and funny person you can imagine. He loves languages and speaks incredible English. He talked continuously without notes of any kind during our tours of the temples at Saqqara, the Pyramids and tombs in Giza, Islamic Cairo, and the City of the Dead—not just providing fascinating and encyclopedic information, both historic and modern, but peppering his monologue with puns and alliteration. The Giza tour culminated with camel rides from the pyramids to the Sphinx at sunset.” Caroline Moore “Ahmed’s pedagogical skills and talents are superb. His sharp wit and warm humor, coupled with his linguistic brilliance, inspire and promote vast learning to take place in a short time. He seems to carry in his head all 18 volumes of the Oxford English Dictionary and the meaning and derivation of a vast corpus of Arabic vocabulary. His facility with language, coupled with his powerful oration while lecturing, make him a superior teacher.” Bill Barazzuol “Ahmed’s expertise in Arabic in particular could be described as nothing short of masterful. He has committed to memory volumes upon volumes of the great Arabic grammarians such as Ibn Malik and his work of one thousand lines “The Alfia”. What’s more, Ahmed is able to distill these complicated rules of grammar into a clear, logical, and easily understood system of mnemonics, enabling any non-native speaker to acquire this difficult language in the shortest time possible." John Solomon -—————————————————— “Ahmed Seddik is the brightest Egyptian I have met since I came to Egypt. I have found his Egyptological knowledge prodigious.” Professor Jerry Leach

Fixer/ Interpreter for Rajasthan-India

Tue, 21 May 2013 07:55:26 +0000

I work as a fixer/interpreter for foreign journalists/photographers/documentary film makers/researchers professionally with a journalism background. Contact me whoever is planning to come to India for any assignment in near future. Beside i also coordinate research projects in Rajasthan on folk art & culture of Rajasthan Enquirers; Email-yusufkhurram@gmail.com Call +919001709996 skype- yusuf.khurram www.desertartsindia.com www.facebook.com/desertartsindia

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Tue, 21 May 2013 07:55:28 +0000

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Career Flatline...

Tue, 28 May 2013 14:11:56 +0000

Am I the only one that feels this way? I just really believe that I am going nowhere fast with photographic work...not even paid work... but work I really just want to get seen... Any ideas on how to administer CPR to a photographic career on which it looks like the life support is failing? Help please...I think its just about to flatline...

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