Documentary and Wildlife photography workshop in Africa

Be inspired, Pixels of Mercy: an essay

2011-10-19T11:29:00.000-07:00

As you may know, the workshop that we have planned and worked so very hard to promote, was put on indefinite postponement this summer as it became clear that the economic landscape was just too much to overcome. We hope that sometime in the future the times and interest will develop and alllow us to bring it all back.
Meanwhile, it was our most disappointing task to let our new friends at the partner organizations know that we would not be coming.

They were probably more disappointed than we were.

We did not want to let them down.

We decided to try a different tack.

We decided we'd put together a team of photographers to put together an essay that looks at the work of a number of these small organizations that are doing some pretty amazing work. By treating it as one essay, we could cover more ground in a short time and create an essay that blends four styles.

The thing is, these kinds of projects are not exactly cheap to pull off, especially on an economic landscape where publications buy pictures but do not fund essays.

The new landscape is more about crowd-sourcing and grant-writing to find the funds to give these people a voice in photographs.

It is with that in mind that we have launched a project fundraiser on Kickstarter.com to to make this project a reality.

Two things make such a campaign a success, a project that people believe in, and lots of networking: spreading the word, retweeting, Facebook posting, until so many people know about it that it must succeed.

This is really important because, through the Kickstarter model, the goal that we set to cover our project costs, must be met in pledges.

If we miss the goal, none of the funds are collected.

Spreading the word is absolutely key.

Please visit the site, watch the video, meet my colleagues, learn a little about the organizations we will photograph.

Be inspired.

We have a winner!

2011-05-25T11:46:00.000-07:00

As a kid, I listened to WDRC radio in Hartford, Ct. Every time they gave away something to the 5th caller, they would play a little effect on the air to tell people to stop calling.
Spelled out, it sounded something like: "Budeleeblip, we have a winner"

So,

BUDELEEBLIP, we have a winner!

Our website/blog follower, Nina Zacuto, was drawn from among the confetti of names thrown into a basket of Ugandan origin (no kidding!), to receive a Think Tank Rotation 360!

Nina is a retired television producer who spent 25 years at NBC News who has returned to photography, her passion since she was 16. She is now working on her second career doing photography and multimedia shooting for non-profits in the L.A. area.

Congratulations, Nina!

Be sure to check out Nina’s work at http://ninazacutophotography.com.

Thanks so much to all of you who entered and for all of your comments and support.

Just a reminder that we are nearing the deadline of June 3, for signups in the workshop and still need a few more folks before we reach the crucial minimum number. We feel like we have found some great organizations to work with to provide a truly real-world photographic experience, so if you have been holding off, now is the time to jump in with both feet.

We also want to thank Brian at Think Tank Photo for providing the backpack for the giveaway. Even if you weren't a sponsor, We'd think you rock!

Workshop in Uganda, The Video!

2011-05-13T12:24:00.000-07:00

Taking your time

2011-05-04T10:54:00.000-07:00

Rwandan Doc makes his rounds in Bungwe.

Usually the most telling photographs in a documentary project take time.

Time allows the people you are photographing to become used to you and the presence of a camera. They often begin to relax, lower their guard, allow you see more of their real life, allow you to move more freely,

This, of course allows you to tell a real story.

In practice, it means a couple things: It means spending four or five hours rather than one, it means spending several days or weeks, developing a greater understanding of the dynamics of your subject’s environment as you continue to make more telling images.

Rwandan lab tech prepares to test for HIV.

Over time all of this happens while allowing you the perspective of the time in between to evaluate and identify the holes in your work, as well as the opportunity to make new discoveries, while re-shooting similar situations with fresh and different eyes. It gives people even more time to get used to you and allow you to become part of the surroundings.

A new HIV test is administered in Bungwe clinic.

A couple years back as a part of a larger project, I spent three days in a village in northern Rwanda at an HIV/AIDS clinic on another CRS project. This program trained and paid lab techs and counselors, doctors and nurses caring for general health as well as HIV for people in the region. The time I spent did all of the above, it allowed me to revisit things I wanted to examine again, it helped the staff to become accustomed and unphased by my appearance in their workspaces, it allowed me more autonomy of movement and led to a better selection of images overall.

Providing hope to patients

2011-04-30T13:55:00.000-07:00

The organizations we hope to help with this workshop includes several full-service medical clinics.

Hope Clinic

Lukuli (Kampala suburb)
http://www.hcluganda.org

Hope Clinic is a 24-hour charitable health center serving the community in general primary health care situated in the village of Lukuli, a suburb of Kampala, on the shores of and overlooking Lake Victoria. The clinic and NGO were founded ten years ago to deal with many health issues including immunizations, general illnesses/outpatient care, maternal and neo-natal care to name a few. Its founders and owners all live in the community near the clinic and in 2005 built and opened a larger facility. As a visitor you will find a charitable health center serving the community in general primary health care. Many of the 1,000 patients served per month walk to the clinic from the surrounding 2 miles and they range from new mothers with babies strapped to their waist, older relatives bringing grandchildren for care, to youthful students from the nearby colleges and ‘families’ of mothers, children, new babies, older boys and husbands.

The Agatha Foundation Medical Center
(Via Project C.U.R.E.)

Jinja
www.tmaf.org.ug

Based on the humble background, Ronald and Agatha Wakyereza grew up looking after siblings and parents. Once married, the couple continued supporting family, including 13 adults, in food, housing, healthcare and school fees. They realized the need not only their family faced, but the community around them and created the Agatha Foundation.

A grass-roots, faith-based organization, The Agatha Foundation operates four clinics in the Jinja region providing access to general healthcare and specialties including, dental, maternity, obstetrics, and orthopedics, as well as diagnostics ranging from x-ray to Doppler ultrasound.

In an effort to provide solutions to reducing poverty, the foundation also provides educational support, helping children who are orphaned and of disadvantaged families to get an education. This support covers all grade levels including vocational and sometimes college.

Rapha Health Clinic Via Project C.U.R.E.

Kyanja (Kampala suburb)

Rapha is a private health care business that was established by a team of young Ugandan doctors and entrepreneurs to provide affordable healthcare to the community. The for-profit center uses part of its proceeds to support the Kyanja Community Health Center which serves a community where people 80 percent of the population earns less than $3 per day. The center provides general healthcare services that are often not available to the poor in the community, treating for malaria, respiratory diseases, malnutrition, diahorreal diseases and dehydration as well as providing immunizations and health counseling. They are upgrading their dental center and are looking to set up an antenatal clinic and delivery ward (about 6 beds). Volunteers from the community help to build these facilities.

They also offer health education to the community and have been supporting the more elderly members of the community with general health checks and supplies such as adult diapers.

Looking for Play

2011-04-20T06:00:00.000-07:00

After school program Kampala, Uganda

All of the places I have been has shown me how people serve people all over the world.

Foreigners and locals working together to serve those around them to try and make life a little better, to make a difference. In that process I have witnessed probably thousands of kids in dozens of sets of challenging circumstances due to station, and circumstance both natural and man-made.

Soccer in an empty pool Kosovar refugee camp, Albania

I discovered something simple about those kids in the process of discovering smiles, laughter and play.

Kids truly are kids world-wide. They need food, they need care, they need guidance, but they will find play, regardless of circumstance, they do chores, they help to carry a parent's burden, deep down they may be living a difficult existence, but they will find the laughter in a refugee camp or a hospital, a barrio or a village.

Playground in the barrio, Guaymas, Mexico

Many places,
childrens faces.
in many languages,
they play,
they laugh,
they shout,

Children's association, Bungwe, Rwanda

they love.
Their stomachs are not full
their clothes are traditional
or not,
old and worn,
but still they laugh,
play and shout.
They inspire me as I listen and witness.
We watch,
we laugh
we delight.
Children are the same all over the world
They are resilient beyond our own recall.
Under most any circumstance,
they look for play
They are poor but often they don't know it.
they look for play
they are removed from their homes
but they look for play.

Summer camp kids in their home, Guaymas, Mexico

Restored kindergarten classes, Yerevan, Armenia

Playground equipment, Western Guatemala

Vocational training while niece hangs out, Guatemala

Summer school program, Guaymas, Mexico

Meaningful Moments in Luweero

2011-04-12T06:38:00.000-07:00

As we share our plans for this essay, I wanted to also share some incredible moments from the field while on past assignments. These are often the moments that make the experience.

From the journal: 06.06.07

While on the job with Catholic Relief Services in Uganda I traveled to Kyenvunze Village near Luweero with Thomas, to document his counseling work in CRS’s Home Care program, this Uganda program works with the poor who are dealing with health issues including HIV/AIDS. The program also assists patients in developing economic opportunities such as raising animals for sale, food, and breeding.

As Thomas and the patient, Awori, discussed the progress of her medical treatments and the growth of her piglets, her 10-year-old son, Richard, wandered in, looking for some attention. He sat on the floor studying his mom and visitors.

While the adults continued to discuss life and challenges, such as Awori's medication schedule and her hopes for the pig market, Richard listened and studied.

Just as I had moved into a position to show family in the context of the discussion, the 18-month old, Jacklyn, wandered in and sat next to her brother. Deciding it was naptime, the little girl laid down, using her brother for a pillow.

Just then, all conversation stopped as the mom noticed with pride, as the boy started gently stroking his sister’s face.

Sometimes the meaningful moments are in the quiet gestures of a 10-year-old.

Be sure to take a look at our Pixels of Mercy campaign on Kickstarter.com and please consider contributing to make this project a reality.

We're giving away a TANK!

2011-04-06T07:37:00.000-07:00

One of our workshop sponsors, Think Tank has provided a really cool camera backpack, the Rotation 360 to give away.

There are two ways to enter:

You may enter on the workshop’s site, (oh wait you're already here!) and become a follower under the "Following" heading on the sidebar.
On the Facebook page NGO/Wildlife Photography Workshop, tell us what you think is the coolest thing is about this workshop, or, if you are thinking about joining us, what is motivating or inspiring you. You may also make these type of comments on the website blog postings.
Do both and you will be entered TWICE.
Are you planning on joining us? this is the time to sign up, as we will enter your name an additional FIVE times for a chance to win.

And then be sure to return to the page as we post stories from the field, tips and observations that may be useful to you in your own photographic explorations and a few other goodies.

Then on May 16 we will select the winner at random and post on FB.

Think Tank Rotation360s This camera backpack lets you access the gear inside of the backpack without taking if off of your back, allowing the comfort of a backpack with the convenience and accessibility of a belt pack.

They eyes of humanity

2011-04-05T09:13:00.000-07:00

Rwanda Orphanage resident 1994

     “Photograph the eyes.”

     It seems a very simple tip.

     Morrie Berman, most well-known for his iconic sports image of football star Y.A Tittle, kneeling, bloodied in 1964 and for his work in WWII, told me this one day early in my career. He lived near my newspaper at the time in Sun City, Az, and he liked to drop by from time to time. He was always eager to lend from his experience. As a young photojournalist heading out for the first time to a hot spot, this was his simple counsel.

Monitoring children's health, Armenia 2006

I probably knew this, but he parked it in my mind like a directive; simple and solid.

In any people photography, facial expressions are key. Psychologically and emotionally, we empathize with our fellow human beings through facial expression. Those expressions start with the eyes. Through eye contact, we make human connections. Photographs of people are more compelling when your viewer is able to look into their eyes.

When you meet someone, where do you look?

Preparing a bike donation,
Pedal Power Foundation, Arizona 2010

Most of the time you will look into their eyes.

With photographs, we do exactly the same thing; we can’t help it, we look for the connection, we look into their eyes and we interpret their facial expression. We wonder about who that person is, what're they thinking, what have those eyes seen?

As a photographer we want you to wonder about those things and more. When photographing people, we want viewers to connect to the person on an individual, personal level. When we do that, the image cuts through culture straight to their humanity. The viewer is more likely to identify with, and care about the person in the image.

Moments in Mexico

2011-03-28T11:57:00.000-07:00

As I plan or this workshop, I find myself thinking back to the many people and programs photographed for organizations large and small all over the world. I think about those moments and about circumstances under which the images developed.

I also think about my own motivation and realize that much of it is very simple, like most people, I enjoy a good story. I enjoy hearing it an I enjoy telling it. The approaching workshop is a chance to share the storytelling itself with others. In the meantime I thought it would be interesting to dip into the archive and share some of what has gone before.

I came across this from a few years ago as I worked with Franciscan Causes on their summer program for kids living in the barrios of Guaymas, Sonora, Mexico:

July 22, 2008

Guaymas has been my July destination, on and off, for 11 years. It is challenging sometimes to pick out little moments when so much has passed, when we have seen so much.

The unusual becomes common.

Amazingly enough you almost don’t even notice the poverty.

The kids look dressed for a day of summer camp, mostly dressed like kids at home. As I look more closely at those waiting to get into class, I remind myself that the messages on t-shirts are in the English of donated apparel from north of the border. The kids often have no idea what their own shirt says.

Next to their Sunday-best, those clothes are the nicest ones they own.

Sometimes those are their Sunday-best.

--------

With a little help from my friend.

Luz Marie reached over to coach her friend Paola, who colored the sandal shapes stenciled on the white parts of her new beach ball. It seemed as if she needed a little help. After a while Paola returned the favor.

I wondered if they were so close as friends that they were trying to create identical artwork. For 20 minutes I watched as they traded tips, helping each other in the way of best friends.

At the end, however, they had each created independently unique versions.

In other beach ball news:

Jesus colored his beach ball according to expression.

When he used a red marker, he pressed his lower teeth into his upper lip; purple brought a twist of his lips the left. With orange, he wore the perennial favorite expression, his tongue between the lips. (okay, I was recently caught with a similar expression while focusing on a photograph)

The removal of a pen cap, tight with newness, brought a look of consternation.

On thing remained constant: his focus.

I can only wonder whether he had an emotional storm going on inside, only because he changed colors often, and so his expression changed often, until the spell was interrupted by Community Circle.

When I work with this program for some inexplicable reason I find myself feeling having to explain the purpose of arts and crafts. I am not an elementary teacher, however I know that these projects teach basic skills such as using scissors, paints and pens, teach children to stick with a project until they get it and get better at it. These and other projects that follow teach children to think creatively (not always present in Mexican schools) and ultimately to have these things reinforced with success.
AND such projects give the kids something different and fun to do in the depths of a hot and humid Guaymas summer.

Documentary and Wildlife Photography workshop in Africa

2011-03-23T12:43:00.001-07:00

Make a difference while making photographs of a lifetime.
July 2011*

Join NGO photojournalist Rick D’Elia for a week of “on assignment” experience in real-world documentary situations photographing the important work of non-governmental organizations (NGO) in Uganda, a center-point of NGO relief and development activity that encompasses a whole spectrum of issues and needs. Then adjourn to two of Uganda’s most important national parks for the opportunity to photograph some of Africa’s most amazing animals including mountain gorillas, lions, leopards and elephants.

In the first week, experience the intensity of being on international assignment for a non-governmental organization (NGO) in a relief and development environment, working with the organization’s staff and clients to photograph a week in the life of their projects. Students will be partnered with an organization that is making a difference for Ugandans in a variety of humanitarian missions including orphanage operation, education and healthcare.
In this workshop, students will grow their documentary skills and learn about using their talent for social service. Since documentary photography is more of an individual sport, students will work individually or, at most, in pairs to document an organization’s work. Every effort will be made to place students with the organization that most appeals to their own goals. Over the course of five or six intense days of shooting and coaching, Rick will guide students in working closely with people in third world environments to tell visual stories in a way that will make a difference in the lives of their subjects. Students will assemble an essay of images to present to the group on our last day in Kampala.

Not only will students improve their work during the workshop but, will produce images that will make a difference for the participating NGOs and the Ugandans that they serve. These powerful photographs will enable organizations to create an effective and sustained message that not only creates greater awareness and attention, but enables the organization to build support through donations and grants, allowing them to continue serving the needs of the people in their programs. Whether a student intends to pursue relief and development photojournalism or would simply like to improve the impact of personal projects closer to home, this workshop will help students climb to the next level.

A word of caution: Making a difference feels good! Meeting and working with some of the most amazing people who work very hard to make a difference in these places is likely to be an emotional experience that not only to lights a creative fire like never before, but launches friendships and professional relationships that will last a lifetime. It is the nature of this type of intense experience.

We will then take the workshop on the road for unforgettable encounters with African wildlife in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, taking a ranger-guided gorilla trek to observe the famous mountain gorillas up close. Next, we’ll move on to Queen Elizabeth National Park for the opportunity to photograph lions, leopards, elephants, hippos, and many other uniquely African wildlife over 6 days of game drives and excursions. The safari portion is intended to be less hectic, and the more relaxed portion of the trip. We will discuss relevant subjects and provide guidance in an effort to help participants make better photographs. This will be your time to experience some of the most amazing wildlife on the planet.
“Good photography is painful,” Rick has been heard telling students who resisted rising at 4:30 am for the best light of the day. Our goal is getting into position when the conditions are most favorable for great images. We will make arrangements to be out making photographs as early and late as Uganda Wildlife Authority permits to provide the best conditions possible. This will likely provide plenty of midday time to recharge, download and edit your images. The gorilla trek into Bwindi Impenetrable Forest could last three hours, but could also last seven depending upon the actual location of the gorilla troupe. You must be fit enough to handle the walk.

Kampala is a bustling, friendly and ethnically diverse capital city with a population of more than 1 million Ugandans and many NGO workers from around the world. There are a number of great restaurants of international and Ugandan fare as well as places to experience the local culture such as the enormous Owino Market or the cultural performances of the Ndere Troupe. As large African cities go, Kampala is a pretty safe place to walk around in the daylight and even in many parts at night.
Northern Uganda is emerging from a 20-year conflict that devastated four northern districts and has drawn many agencies to aid its recovery. In the process, journalists have also paid greater attention in this region to document this transition, leaving other issues in other regions including the Kampala area, overlooked in documentary terms. This workshop not only seeks to assist photographers in their photographic growth but to assist these organizations in gaining a voice in the world.

At Bwindi, the park covers an area of 321 square kilometers and is located on the edge of the Western Rift Valley. This mysterious and awesome forest is a true African jungle, and is so called because the dense undergrowth, vines and other vegetation make it almost "impenetrable". Huge trees are festooned with creepers and plants such as mistletoe and orchids and giant thickets of bamboo thrive in the humid atmosphere. The forest is a sanctuary for almost half the world's population of mountain gorillas, the rarest race of gorillas. On each trek, the time taken and the terrain vary with the movements of the gorillas. Once you sight the gorillas, you are permitted to view them for an hour. Observing these great primates is a moving and exciting experience never to be forgotten.

Queen Elizabeth National Park is located in the western area of the Great Rift Valley of East Africa, near the Rwenzori Mountains, or "Mountains of the Moon" which Livingstone had to cross in his quest to find the source of the White Nile. The park covers almost 2000 square kilometers, and includes a remarkable variety of ecosystems from semi-deciduous tropical forest to green meadows, savannah, crater lakes and swamps. There is a wide range of wildlife in the park, including lions, giraffe, leopards, elephants, hippos, buffaloes, hyenas, and a host of smaller game, small primates and over 500 bird species. Activities include game drives, a launch trip on the majestic Kazinga Channel, chimpanzee trekking at the nearby Kyambura Gorge, as well as guided nature and bird walks.

Important Notes:
In an effort to provide enough attention to each participant, the workshop is open to a limited number of people. Age limit is 18.
Our goal is to maintain a low student-to-instructor ratio; up to two assistant instructors will be added as needed. We believe in daily editing sessions with our students between shoots to fully optimize the best shooting hours of the day. We do not just look at your top daily selections but we work with you while you make those selections to help you make adjustments in the way you shoot and compose your images and in the way you approach your project.
In NGO photography, as in most publication work, captioning of final images is required. Be sure to bring a notebook to gather names, ages and other basic information of your subjects so that you may attach this information to the final images. This helps the NGO to use your images in their proper context while respecting the dignity of your subjects by identifying them by name.
This workshop is intended to result in strong photographs that will be invaluable to the NGOs that agreed to participate. As a result, students must have a minimum working knowledge of the photographic process, the manual functions of your camera gear, working photo-storytelling skills and your photo editing software. This allows the student to calmly focus attention on the image and telling the stories of these amazing people.

The conditions on this workshop can be challenging due to the nature of developing world environment. Although this is not a luxury trip, we try to secure mid-level accommodations so that students will have a sort of refuge from a hard day in the field.
We will be working in Africa and as Rick learned very well while living there, ‘Africa is in control’. The pace of life and culture is very different and as much as we use his experience in Africa and elsewhere to plan our program, situations on the ground may cause alterations in schedule. We will make every effort to ensure that the experience is as good, if not better and more effective for any changes that may arise.

You may register by mail with a check or money order sent to Laura Martin 6834 South 40th Lane Phoenix AZ 85041. In person, please call at (602) 561-9334, Rick D’Elia 480-452-5723, D’Elia Photographic, P.O. Box 19354, Fountain Hills, AZ 85268, to set up an appointment at your convenience. We will also accept payments by credit card via PayPal at D’Elia Photographic. If you wish to use this method contact Rick and he will send you an invoice via PayPal. We cannot hold space in a workshop without a deposit. Once your deposit has been received, you will receive an email confirmation. Additional information, including an invoice will be mailed once the minimum number of participants is reached. Final payment of your balance may be made by check or money order, payable in U.S. funds.

*Gorilla permits have limited availability and must be paid for at time of booking. This means the specific date is not guaranteed until participants make their bookings with this workshop. The sooner we are able to book our entire group the sooner we will be able to set out specific dates in July for the entire program. If you are considering joining this workshop please get in touch with Rick and Laura as soon as possible.

Livebooks and Think Tank pledge sponsorship

2011-02-03T09:00:00.000-08:00

It’s a new year and we are psyched!

The Really BIG announcement:

We are especially excited to announce the support of our favorite website host, Livebooks. We couldn’t believe our eyes when Matt at Livebooks presented the offer, a three year subscription of hosting a pre-designed template-website for everyone who joins in the workshop. They have agreed to make an incredible offer available to all of our workshop participants. If you haven’t checked it out yet, Rick’s website at http://www.deliaphotographic.com/ was custom designed and is hosted by Livebooks.

Ordinarily, when we read “template,” we’re a little dubious. There are many hosts offering only the most rudimentary, low-functioning templates that do not little to properly showcase a photographer’s work. We believe Livebooks breaks the mold on this. They are a graphic-centric, photographer-centric host who take the needs of photographers into account in designing their templates.

Just a few of the features of these sites include:

· Unlimited portfolios

· Interactive or slideshow homepage

· 920x562 pixel or 750x500 pixel image size

· Up to 64 images in each portfolio

· Editable bio and contact pages

· Hide-reveal or persistent thumbnails

· Password protected client areas

· Multimedia: video, slideshow, music

Did we mention that we think this is an incredible deal? Livebooks charges $399 a year for this product, which translates into a $1,200 gift for those who climb aboard.

Thanks for the feedback!

We appreciate your support and expressions of interest in our planned workshop that will help our participants grow and help some really cool organizations develop the visual communication of their great works or Ugandans. If you haven’t seen it yet, be sure to check out the descriptions of our partner orgs on the site http://www.photoworkshopuganda.com/p/partners.html.

These orgs are really incredible. They are making a difference daily through different mechanisms for the people in their areas of the country dealing with medical and educational issues, serving under served populations of folks, giving them a better shot a normal life.

We have had amazing conversations with some great and passionate people who want to join us on this great adventure, people who give us even more enthusiasm for this

work and this workshop (you know who you are!).

We are so excited to have the opportunity to work with you and that passion to provide great results in images and in photographic growth. If you have been waiting to officially sign up for the course, remember there are a minimum number of participants that are needed to be sure this workshop takes off for Kampala, now is the time to jump in to ensure our collective success.