Silence…..but now there are words.
I have been rather silent lately and even though the words are few, I wanted to reconnect. It’s hard to believe I have been back from the Omo Valley for almost 3 months already and I have not found the time to share more of my images and what an amazing experience it was…. soon…..
When I originally left for Africa in Sept 2010, the plan was to be there until early march. Upon arriving, in the pit of my stomach, I immediately knew I was in trouble with the situation in which the agency I was working with had put me into. I struggled through those first few weeks with hope and determination. During the two weeks that followed the first four, I worked on a personal project in the Mara and tried to resolve the issues so I could go onto the next 2 1/2 months of work. But, in the end I made the painful decision to abandon the project and return to the states. This project had taken my work in a different direction. Although it related to the work I was doing in Eastern Africa, I was left feeling a little lost with this huge roadblock. I returned to regroup, remarket, and hopefully blaze a new trail.
I was still committed to returning to Ethiopia, 8 weeks later, to start work on a long term project in southern Ethiopia. A project that has taken a very long time to research the logistics, find the right outfitter, and guide. It was a trip that refueled my passion and filled my soul, confirming that I was doing the work I was born to do.
Redefining a new path, journey, and work, meant making the hard choices for endless possibilities.
So, since my return from Ethiopia, I have had my head down focusing on the hard work of grants, proposals, marketing, meetings, and too much writing. Yes that is my newest excuse for the lack of consistent posting. I am tired from too many 16 hour days, but loving it. This hard work is generating results.
I am excited to say, look up and you will see a new tab on this blog that says sponsors. I want to say a big thanks to Andy Biggs, who believes in my work, and through his company Gura Gear, has offered me my first product sponsorship. My much needed Kiboko bag, made with the highest quality materials and one of the lightest weight bags on the market, is in route to me. This bag is extremely important for the travel photographer due to today’s strict airline restrictions and it also makes the heavy load just a little bit lighter. I hope to be announcing more soon.
To the right of that tab you will notice another new tap, tours and programs. I will be giving an inspirational seminar and class at Calumet Los Angeles on June 4th http://bit.ly/erL5eQ. I have also decided to make my next trip to the Omo valley, this September, a scouting/working trip. Three photographers will be able to join me, work along side of me, and have some of the most amazing photographic opportunities. I will also be making some more announcements about this page very soon.
I leave you with these thoughts.…One never fails until one quits. Being unsuccessful is not a failure, it is wisdom gained from an experience that was needed in order for you to become successful. No really means not now.
As always, comments are open and I invite you to join in.
I will be making several more announcements in a few weeks, so check back soon, or just subscribe to my blog and you will receive an email of my next post.
