The Sudanese Desert....Cycling

What comes to your mind when you think Sudan? Desert? Sure. Cycling? Not really. Well that is exactly what we did, we cycled from Cairo to Capetown via the Sudanese desert.

This photograph captures what it was like day in and day out on the bike in Sudan. 90km per day through the sand is not easy. The morning would start out cold so you had to wear your arm and leg warmes but by noon it was well over 100. This was probably the hardest thing I have ever done in my life.

The long lonely roads, the heat and the sapping of ones energy are all present in this photo of cycling the Sudanese desert.

Old growth forest in Black and White Banff, Alberta

Banff, Alberta is known for it’s beauty. You have the Rocky Mountains, Lake Louise, Glaciers and so much more. But in my opinion it is the old growth forest that gives you a glimpse into what this landscape would have looked like 100′s of years ago.

I chose black and white to showcase the forest because it relays a sense of power that you feel when you stand at the outskirts of these forests. Canada has a lot to offer in beautiful scenery and a good place to start is Banff, Alberta.

The Black Desert of Egypt. HDR

The Black Desert in Egypt is something to see. Most people visit the Black desert on their way to the White desert ironically. The desert as you can see is not black per se but is covered in small black rocks which contrast against the orange sand.

The Landscape is desolate and gives you a sense that you are on another planet. This photo was taken at a quick stop on the side of the road on the way to a look out point. Don’t forget to bring items to protect your camera gear. The wind blows strong and sand is a killer on any electronic equipment.

The Jain Temple of Ranakpur, India- HDR Image

The Jain temple in Ranakpur is stunning. This temple houses 1444 uniquely carved marble pillars. It was built between the 14th qnd 15th century. One thing I love about India is that there is history everywhere. The temples are always different in architecture and each one stands on its own merit.

If you are ever in Rajasthan don’t miss the Jain temple of Ranakpur, it will be worth your while.

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The Khumbu Icefall in the Himalayas of Nepal

Our trek to Everest Base Camp this year was amazing there is no doubt about that. But what made it even more amazing for a photographer like myself was the abundance of beautiful scenery in the Himalayas. Everywhere you look there are breathtaking vistas unlike anywhere else in the world.

This photograph was taken on our second last day approaching Everest Base Camp from Lobuche. It was the first time I had seen the Khumbu Icefall. Something of legend in the mountaineering world, the Khumbu Icefall shifts yearly and Sherpas are sent to set ladders every season for people attempting to summit Mount Everest.

Even though I got right to the edge of it I will never forget the first glimpse as it took my breath away.

I decided to try my hand a some HDR processing to add impact to the image. Thanks for the inspiration over at stuckincustoms.com.It is my first attempt so be kind please.

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The stunning Glacier Bay, Alaska

While cruising with Princess Cruises through Alaska we were treated to the natural wonder that is Glacier Bay National Park. We were lucky as the weather was on our side that day. The sun was out and the water was calm. The contrast of the mountains in Glacier Bay with the blue water is amazing.

There are not many ways to see it but from the Coral Princess gave us a great vantage point. The ship approaches slowly then rotates 360 degrees so everyone gets a chance to see glaciers and all of the beautiful scenery.

If you ever get a chance to see this wonder of Alaska take it. Oh yeah and don’t forget your camera!

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Standing proud at Tengoboche Monastery with Everest in the B.G.

When on the Everest Base Camp Trek you will inevitably stay in the village of Tengboche. This village is famous for its monastery.

The setting is simply breathtaking. Tengboche is the best view of Mount Everest if the weather is clear. You can visit the monastery while you are there and this is highly recommended.

The morning we were leaving I was photographing in and around the monastery. This monk came out and wanted me to take his photo. So I obliged. The setting, with Mount everest in the background, was just perfect.

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A portrait of an artist in Rajasthan, India

Photographing people in their own element is something I love to do. This man was at a festival outside of Udaipur in Rajasthan. He was an artist. He was working hard selling small metal trinkets that he molded from hand. It was a family business. His wife would  use the bellows to keep the fire going as he forged trinkets with his small anvil and hammer. His son was the salesman as he was the only one who spoke a little english.

As I took this photo there was a direct connection. His eyes and face are so serious but when I showed him the photograph a big grin took over his face and his eyes lit up. That is what I love about photography; the connection you make and the smile you can bring to someones face all through an image.

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The Sun Sets over abandoned fishing stilts in Sri Lanka

Walking down the beach in Hikkaduwa you get the sense that this country is still recovering from the Tsunami. Stilts abandoned by fishermen after the tsunami dot the landscape. On this day someone had attached the Sri Lankan flag to one of them and as the sun set between them it sort of hit home what had been lost; homes, lives, livelihoods they are still rebuilding. What was not lost was the beauty, which you can see in this photograph.

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