As the plane left the tarmac, just two days into the New Year, my feelings were mixed; as it had been two years since my last trip to Ethiopia. My first trip to Ethiopia had been almost ten years ago when the roads were impossible, the cell towers had not been erected, and life was the way it had been for hundreds of years. However, the changes into modernization, when I was last there, were plowing through very quickly. Ben McRae, who had also been away for nearly a decade, led a group for me this past October and they were over the top by the experience, so I hoped that we could still experience some of the beautiful souls, traits, and traditions of these incredible tribes. I was also excited to meet up with my old friends.
As Ben stated in our conversation after his trip: “Things are changing, and the area now has its own culture that we as photographers have created, but it is still an exciting destination for photographers. Although the culture is now widely spoken about, when you peel back the layers and spend time with individuals, there are still amazing moments to be had.” This is why we set up a nice tented camp in the heart of Kara land giving our guest a more intimate experience. Having the opportunity to spend more quality time with the various tribes allows you to try many styles of shooting and explore many ideas, which create a variety of images.
We both agreed that our previous visits to the Omo helped shaped who were are as photographers, as it allowed us to shoot so many different people, tribes and cultures. Each day presents new opportunities, and the continual rhythm of photographing people becomes easier, especially to those with little experience in photographing portraits.
Although it is true, much has changed, as the area has opened up with new roads, which makes traveling easier, and the tribes are adapting to the encroaching of the developing world. However, the one constant is that the Omo Valley is still a place filled with a variety of tribes that cannot be seen anywhere else. All we can say is that if you have had this on your list, then we encourage you to take the opportunity and join Ben this July. Grow your horizons, experience the cultures, see it with your own eyes and create your own style.
Below are a few images from our recent trips to the Omo Valley.
‘I have just returned from a Piper Mackay Photography tour – ’Tribes of the Omo’. The itinerary allowed us to visit some of the exotic tribes throughout the Omo Valley. What an experience. Being able to have a glimpse into, and be able to photograph, their largely unchanged way of life and seeing them in their exotic native dress was such a privilege. Ben McRae, our tour leader, was nothing short of amazing. He was such an easy going, informative guy who was incredibly generous with his photographic knowledge and advice. I not only saw so much, but also learnt so much! Our Ethiopian guide Danny was also one in a million – his knowledge on all things Ethiopian was astounding and his sense of humour made for some great laughs along the way. Ben and Danny worked tirelessly to make the trip great fun as well as an amazing photographic and cultural experience.’ – Mardi, Australia
