On Tuesday I’m heading back to Kenya. I’ll be exploring Tsavo (think The Ghost and The Darkness) and Diani (think beaches) for a week and then on January 17th I’m heading back to work. After what will be a forced hiatus of 20 months, due to my accident, I’m finally returning to client work with humanitarian organizations. I’m thrilled to be hobbling back into the field, but even more so that it’s with the BOMA Project. I was there 2 years ago for a couple weeks photographing the Rendille, Samburu, and Turkana, and my time there changed me in ways no assignment ever has.
The BOMA Project was kind enough to let me show these images in my latest book, The Print and The Process, and you participate in BOMA’s work when you buy a copy of that book, with 10% of all royalties going to their work in these small off-the-map communities. If you want to see more of this work, like the portraits that accompany this article, the only place to see it, and read about my process working on assignments like this, is in The Print and the Process.
Northern Kenya is one of the poorest places I’ve ever traveled, and I’ve traveled a good chunk of the world. I found among these nomads some of the most beautiful, creative, empowered people I’ve ever met, and, after being adopted into one particularly remote Rendille village, I feel I’m returning home. I’ll be bringing a cow and instigating a full-on homecoming BBQ. Can’t wait! We’re bringing a video camera and I’ll do some behind-the-scenes blog posts when I get back, though I’ll promise nothing so good, or poorly shot, as this 2011 You-Tube video of Corwin dancing with our new friends.
Postcards will be few and far between, I’m afraid, and by that I mean, there aren’t likely to be any postcards. Not until towards the end of the month when I’m back into Nairobi. And by then we’ll be close to launching Issue Two of PHOTOGRAPH as well. See you soon!
Comments
Don’t know you personally David,I’m thrilled your traveling with Kathleen and I can’ t wait to see what,how and who your pictures will reveal while traveling with Boma Project this time. I too was forever changed and graced after my experience with Boma,my soul’s heart was opened with by their warm gracious eyes and beautiful smiles amid the conditions they are working so wonderfully to change. I have been imprinted with a grace I will never be able to describe but is evident in the vibrancy of your photos. Blessing in your travels,give everyone at Boma my Best.I believe there are some new Babies arriving mid January.
I’ve been praying for them and their mothers since my DFW visit in September. Hope springs eternal,Karen Rowley
Have a safe and great journey. waiting for post and photographs.Take care.
I am so envious that you will soon be back in Northern Kenya. It was such an amazing experience for Chip and I as well. Travel safely and pick your dance partners carefully. The older women will run you into the ground, as they did me. It took me six months for my neck to recover from all the new dance moves. 😉 Would live to be there with you. XX
Happily, my broken feet haven’t recovered to the point of dancing. I’m sending Corwin in as my body-double. You and Chip will be very much missed.
Hi David,
Just got my copy of your book, “The Print and Process”, love the photos in it!! Will digest every content in it,
Keep safe and have fun!
Amryl
Hey David,
Safe travels as your work benefits this great cause!
Craig
danke für eine scöne gute seite
Have a great time David. I am sure the BBQ will be an amazing experience for everyone involved. I can’t wait to see the images from the trip that you can post. By the way, that first photo is amazing!
Safe travels,
Aaron
Godspeed David. Looking forward to your stories and images when you return.
Grace,
Brenda
Good luck David ! Share our love through your work.
Karibu Kenya (Welcome To Kenya).
Pingback: Things You’ll Find Interesting January 6, 2013 | Chuq Von Rospach, Photographer and Author
Best of luck and safe travels.
Bring us back some more amazing images!
Have a great trip, look foward to your Blogs on the trip and your photos
Work AND adventure ahead! if this is your first client work since the accident, for the sake of everybody that follows your photography and writing, PLEASE wear a harness and tie in to a rope if you shoul feel the urge to take photos from above the ground 😉
…….Wish you a safe and memorable journey!
Good on ya David. That’s a significant milestone. Have a brilliant trip.