But, despite this, we are striking a rich seem of cultural images.

My hopes that we would uncover a rich tapestry of life, culture and opportunity seems to have been borne out. We have had to work really hard to educate our guide and driver what we mean by “cultural photography”, but as each day progresses he takes us to better and better locations.

For someone whose life is lived showing people the ancient culture of the pharaohs, he looked at us slightly quizzically at first when we said “Yes, that temple is really great, but we want to see culture that does not include temples or tombs”.

“Why”, you could see him thinking, “did you decide to come to Luxor and Aswan then?” Why , indeed!

Well I think our images begin to hint at why. Matt Brandon has just posted some wonderful images that he took yesterday in the camel market and a Nubian village, and given that we are only spending an hour or so in each location, and not really “working” the opportunity, it highlights just how exciting and rich that opportunity could be.

The contrast between the dark skinned Nubians in their colorfully painted villages and whose women are happy to be photographed and the lighter skinned Luxor West bank Egyptians in their traditional mud brick houses is interesting in itself. There is a common thread though that emerges: The welcome, the hospitality and the offer to sit and drink “shay” – the leaf tea laden with sugar that is an excuse to stop and rest but also provides much needed energy to combat the sapping nature of the sun. It was 50C at 6pm last night! But beyond this the different mosques, culture, villages and variety provide plenty of opportunity.

Quite why we chose to recce a September/October workshop (cool breezes, a balmy 35 C during the day and a comfortable 25C in the evening) in the heat of June is something I am still scratching my head about. Well of course I know the answer. A combination of my availability and the opportunity to garner advice and insight from Matt Brandon whilst he is here on vacation, but I think we are both realizing just what a challenge the heat is and what we must avoid to make it comfortable for workshop participants.

Anyway, the workshop is really taking shape. We have adjusted some of our thoughts and ideas since my last post to accommodate a better use of the right time to shoot photos and enough time to relax, reflect and discuss.

We have viewed a number of different boats and Dahabiyas – the large sailing boats of the old nobility that look like Feluccas on steroids – that ranged from cheap health hazards with no soul or personality but masses of space, to undisputed luxury.

The actual Dahabiya

Inevitably with such exclusivity and luxury comes a more intimate experience and fewer cabins, but I think from some of the pictures below you will agree with us that this is worth it. I was blown away by the facilities and luxury on one Dahabiya, and this has helped us shape the workshop into a more exclusive and defined proposition.

So our current thinking is to take a luxury Dahabiya with up to 10 participants. The single supplement is very expensive (although available) because space is at a premium, but one other option is a “partner program” that will allow your partner to share in much of what you do on the cultural side and enjoy a luxury cruise down the Nile with you – though the places may well be limited for this, given that priority must be given to photographers.

The lessons we learned about the heat and the light, suggest a program geared around early mornings and late afternoons, with time in between spent cruising down the Nile in luxury, undertaking critiques, mentoring sessions, processing your images. Each lunchtime is taken on deck by the BBQ as we sail to our next destination. For the partners they get to see all the temples and tombs with us in the morning and in the afternoon can sunbathe on deck or be pampered on board, as we sail gently down the Nile to the evening location and shoot.

A luxury bedroom onboard

The afternoon/evening sessions will focus on cultural photography in villages, markets, mosques and some other locations, before returning for cocktails and dinner on board.

It is different, compelling and given the level of luxury, the number of guided visits and the uniqueness of what we are offering, tremendous value. And if you decide to bring your partner along you can fell less guilty about the luxury and the sites!

We are also investigating a Cairo pre-extension. Arrival for example a few days before the main tour to spend a day immersed in the souks and bazaars of Old Cairo, a day out at the Wadi, Oasis and ancient pottery villages at Fayoum, a morning at the fascinating Camel market and probably a dawn visit to the Pyramids to watch the sun rise and the camel trains pass in front of these majestic structures before joining up with the main group on the Saturday.

Details will appear within the next week or so, so keep an eye out, and we are expecting that places will go very quickly!

And so begins our challenge. How to uncover the real Luxor, Aswan and Upper Egypt that is not tainted by the tourist dollar, where the offer of tea or food is made out of friendship and without condition – the Egypt that I have come to love and experience.

I am in Luxor in Upper Egypt with Ramy Salem – my Cairo based photography business partner – and Matt Brandon (aka The Digital Trekker) and his delightful family who are holidaying here, but who have generously given up a few days of the family vacation to come and visit some of the locations with Ramy and me.

The idea was simple enough – the first photo workshop in Upper Egypt – but as even Ramy and I, both of whom live here, are realizing the execution is not so simple!

Our aim is to create a workshop that mixes the stunning landscape of the Nile and the Desert with the culture of the region: the ancient temples and tombs of course are world famous, and a must see for anyone visiting here. But our aim is to focus more on the local culture; for example, the difference between the “original Egyptians” of Thebes (now Luxor) and their way of life that is largely unchanged, with the Nubians who live between Aswan and the Sudanese border or the Bedouins of the White and Black Desert in the west.

But to make it a workshop with a difference we have come up with 3 new ideas.

The first of which is that we are looking at hiring either a couple of old large sailing boats or one large Nile cruiser and using this as our base.

Floating down the Nile escaping the heat of the day, with time to process images, do critiques or just relax by the small pool on the top deck, would provide a good balance to the early morning starts and late afternoon photography sessions where the heat and harsh sunlight is replaced by the balmy breeze, wonderful portrait light and villages full of people relaxing after a hard day in the fields. The focus would remain though on a workshop approach – working on technique and vision, allocating time to critique and to learn as well as undertaking a small assignments and a photo essay. Depending on which type of boats we select we could end up with a ratio of 10 students to 3 tour leaders and one or two other professional photographers – one of the highest leader:participant ratios anywhere.

Secondly we are also planning to study how our two tour leaders – hopefully Matt Brandon and Gavin Gough – undertake an assignment for a local NGO. They will lead us through the process of an assignment and then we will all go out for a day, visit the NGO and shoot the assignment. We will donate some of our images to the NGO for them to use in their campaigns.

The third differentiator is that we are looking to provide a “partner program”.

Having been on photo workshops myself I realize how significant a chunk of the annual vacation budget they consume, and yet our loved ones who are perhaps less interested in photography, cannot share those experiences. In Luxor and Aswan there is such a wealth of culture, temples and tombs to provide an ideal alternative program, yet allow the more social times in the evening and lunch to be shared.

Yet nothing here in Egypt is that straightforward. Red tape, bureaucracy and security are given as excuses for something not being possible almost as often as ”Baksheesh” is heard from children seeking cash. Not much can be done without specific permits, and of course although cash always helps to overcome obstacles, this is not our modus operandi. We want to apply and receive the permissions, or visit a village without having to pay extra for that privilege.

Sadly just hiring some 4x4s and going “freestyle” is forbidden, and so although we can and will create a program that unlocks the door to the real Egypt, it does mean that the next few days of research will be full of challenges and frustrations. Already we are thinking that Luxor is just too conditioned and evolved around tourism and whilst it is a great place to start or to end a tour by visiting the Valley of the Kings, Hatchepsuit or Karnak temple, it is not the place best suited to our workshop approach or requirements.

We visit the boats today, and an old village north of Luxor before heading off south at dawn tomorrow on our way to Aswan, where we will explore a massive camel market and the option of each participant living with a Nubian family for a day.

There is so much potential here in Upper Egypt for cultural photography.

If however we are to be successful then we have to break free of a sadly all too familiar global culture where tourism has impacted both positively and negatively a location including that 3-year-old child or village elder whose outstretched hand and plaintive plea “Baksheesh, Baksheesh” is all too familiar.

More to follow in the next day or so.

Gavin is a freelance travel, stock and assignment photographer, who has also established the Bangkok Photo school – which he co founded with Jackie Rado – and additionally runs highly sought after workshops to places such as India, Tibet, And South East Asia.

This past week he has been busy documenting the Thai opposition’s – The Red Shirts – demonstrations against the government (see my earlier post here). Whilst Gavin’s passion is travel photography, the images on his blog of the Red Shirts actions put most of the major news organization with full-time photojournalists firmly into second place.

So what does a workshop with Gavin entail? The format for the one day workshop is very much tailored to the individuals’ needs. For me I wanted to understand the process that Gavin went through in selecting subjects, how he set up his camera, how he tackled metering in difficult lighting situations and any other nuggets of information or advice that he was willing to share.

We met early at Sathorn Pier to catch the water taxi to Bangkok’s main fruit, vegetable and flower market, where we were going to spend the morning session.

One of the things that immediately strikes you about Gavin is that nothing much phases him. There is an inner calm, a genuine enthusiasm for his work and teaching and an irrepressible sense of English humor – which for me as another Englishman was a much-needed tonic! This combination makes for a wonderfully relaxed approach to the workshop, which in turn makes it easy to ask any questions – however dumb and trust me, some of mine really qualified there – to ensure that my high expectations did not turn into frustration, and that both Gavin and I were able to have fun.

We started by reviewing all the different camera settings, ensuring that I was set up for the morning, and Gavin also showed me how to customize the settings to have some default templates set up for panning, bracketing and portraiture.

Then he set me a 5 minute exercise to shoot anything green, but I had to return in 5 minutes with a minimum of 20 images. This seemingly simple task is actually quite challenging. It clears the mind, help you focus on looking at things differently and also ensures you get in to your “groove” from the beginning. It is a great exercise and one I recommend any of you adopt as a way of warming up each time you go out.

Then it was off to wander the streets, with Gavin seeing subjects and ideas, patterns and light that I either missed or ignored. We practiced environmental portraits, head on street portraits, and lots of panning. By the time lunch came around some 3-4 hours later we were both in need of a rest and a chance to review the morning’s images. This is also a critical part of the workshop that Gavin really focuses on – the critique of images and suggestions and advice for things to consider in the afternoon session to improve the quality of the work.

After a couple of hours back at my hotel recharging batteries (both the camera’s and mine), and having a temporary respite form the heat and sun of Bangkok, we met up again for the afternoon session which was based around a visit to Chinatown.

This time Gavin set me an assignment, loosely based on how LIFE magazine used to direct its photographers. We had to get a series of shots as if we submitting a photo story – these compromised of an opening shot that would tell the reader where we were, often used as the cover shot for the story; a portrait, and environmental portrait, a sequence of 3 linked images and a closing shot. A selection of those images, plus some from the morning session are in the slideshow below.

The power of this exercise was as a tool to help me look at things in a more structured and yet more flexible way than I would have done otherwise. It helped me to construct an imaginary story in my mind, and this in turns give me a rhythm to the time spent out wandering around the streets observing the culture.

By the end of the day and with just under 800 images to process, I was ready for a drink, some wonderful Thai food and to sit and chat with Gavin about what I had learned and how I thought I had done.

So many photographers offer workshops these days that it is often difficult to know what to expect and like many things in life the quality and the value vary enormously. It was clear from the get-go that Gavin was different. The pre-course documentation, contact and responsiveness were thoroughly professional. The checking by Gavin at the beginning of the day what I would deem success to be at the end of the day assured me that this was a really tailored experience. The constant banter, the advice and suggestions throughout the day ensured that I remained engaged, motivated and had fun, And of course the critiques at lunch and over dinner were an incredibly powerful and useful mechanism for me to hear what I was doing well and what I can take away to work on further.

I cannot recommend the experience highly enough. Gavin is delightful company; incredibly experienced and your photography can only improve when you spend time with him. You can find out more details about individual courses, group courses and his other week long workshops via his website, www.gavingough.com or the Bangkok Photo School If you live in Asia, you need to find an excuse to route via Bangkok. If you do, be sure to email Gavin in advance, and add a day to your itinerary to experience a brilliant photo workshop.

According to Gavin’s own post . they’ve arranged the trip to “coincide with the most auspicious bathing day, on April 14th, when the river Ganges will be the centre of attention for tens of thousands of eager devotees. Indeed, on the last such day, in 2001, five million Hindu pilgrims participated. It is difficult to comprehend the numbers involved, imagine the entire population of both Paris and Rome converging on the banks of the Seine on the same day. It promises to be a memorable event and it will be a privilege to witness it. The next Kumbh Mela won’t take place until 2013 so you will appreciate that opportunities like this don’t come along very often.”

Not only this this be an amazing spectacle, but it is almost like a 2 for 1 deal. Both Gavin and Matt are two of the world’s leading and most respected travel and humanitarian photographers. Their blogs are followed by thousands, their teaching and courses a have an awesome reputation and their workshops are always over-subscribed. But what will make this trip for any of you lucky enough to get this place will be the fun relaxed atmosphere these two will have. They are close friends, very relaxed and humble, with extensive knowledge of living and working in India, so you know that this is going to be the most amazing trip with some amazing people. You might even get the odd good snap too!

I’d be signing up like a shot if I wasn’t already booked to go on a workshop with David duChemin, a week or so later! But don’t tarry. If you are interested get your name in today! Places will go faster tan you can press send!

You can get all the details over on either Matt or Gavin’s blogs

Edoardo Agresti

Some key steps on my own photographic journey can be traced back to a couple of seminal moments – the emotional reaction I felt when I first saw Steve McCurry’s Afghan Girl; An exhibition of Dorothea Lange’s work; The reading of David DuChemin’s “Within the Frame” which helped me focus on the “why” and not the “how”; working with Getty images and daily seeing  the work of great photographers and last but not least,  my wedding!

As my wife is Italian we married in Italy, and we searched and came across a local but up and coming wedding photographer, Edoardo Agresti , whose work was so distinctive, so creative and so compelling, that I have been looking for a way to learn from him or work with him ever since!

Fast forward 5 years, and Edoardo is now one of the most recognised names in wedding photography, and not just in Italy. With international prizes to his name, and clients ranging from the USA to Russia, Edoardo’s vision and passion for his craft has singled him out as one of the truly inspiring modern photographers, with a portfolio that is as rich and dynamic in travel images as it is in wedding images.

Edoardo has bought his love of story telling to his work within the frame. His reportage style allows him to create and personalise stunning wedding images, which are clealry a result of his passion, his vision and his creativity. But for me his real skill is in his travel work. With so many amazing travel photographers working today, Edoardo has found his own voice. Heightened by his non-digital background, nearly all of Edoardo’s work is done “in camera”.  He combines this technical brilliance with an incredible humility, a wonderful sense of humour and a personal drive that is relentless. His ability to retain the purity of his vision, to expand the technicality of his craft, yet constantly seeking ways to learn, to adapt and to connect is what makes him so successful.

That drive has  a purity and focus that ensures that the passion and vision never dim. By underpinning his core business with a whole heap of another initiatives, he ensurse that his brand, his digital footprint and his work will continue to grow. His studio (Studio Crea) now employs 5 other photographers; He is the co-founder and director of a publishing company specializing in travel guides and photographic books for the European market; The co-founder and director of “The Nikon School of Travel Photography”; A photographic mentor; a director and judge of several photographic competitions and now finally,  a blogger!

Whilst Edoardo’s first blog is in Italian, you can subscribe and read it in English by using something like Google Reader (there is a “translate this post’ under the options menu); or of course you can use Google Translate. His first blog carries a wonderful picture of him having his portrait taken by the legendary Steve McCurry – Edoardo’s mentor (shown above).

Better still, try and get on one of his amazing workshops. His vision, passion and humanity are infectious. It will be an experience that helps each of you take a significant step on your own photographic journey.

If your not familiar with Gavin’s work, it can be viewed at www.gavingough.com. I think his work is similar in approach to David DuChemin, Mitchell Kanaskevitch and Matt Brandon – focusing on the story telling, the connection with the individual, and exploring the use of light to capture the emotion of the moment. Gavin’s style is subtly different from the others and his fast growing reputation as a mentor/teacher through his Bangkok based School of Photography and the workshops that he runs, ensure that he has a significant and dedicated following. That means that these workshops will sell out VERY quickly.

The workshops on offer in this new series sound amazing – and if I wasn’t already booked on an April workshop in Italy with David Du Chemin, and I could justify the additional time off work, I would be booking today!!

The Thailand trip that Gavin outlines in his latest blog provide a taste of what promises to be an extraordinary trip.  He has even posted a video of his recce (see below), and it shows the most amazing photo opportunities, including a train that runs right the way through the middle of a bustling market – literally through the middle of it. Rather than copy from his excellent blog I recommend that you go and read it. A form to subscribe for his newsletter and to apply for the workshop is on the post.

As a teaser I have linked to the YouTube video that he uploaded. Whomever is lucky enough to go on this workshop is going to have an amazing time. Now I wonder whether I can swing a trip with work to the far east in early December….

What seems like an overgrown path, leads to an Etruscan sacred way, its deep crevices honed through the passage of carts over thousands of years; what seems like a pile of stones casually littered on a small mound, gives way to major foundations in the once capital of Etruria, Tarquinia. Every hilltop town has a story; there are thermal baths or dovecote tombs; grottoes, ancient churches or underground cities  - and all are there to be explored.

As a photographer what this helps you to do is to stop and listen. Patrick’s wonderfully laconic and easy going style are the perfect complement to the landscape. He encourages you to look. No , really look. To stop, to listen not just with your ears but to listen with your eyes…and if you think this is hyperbole think about how lovers pick up every change, every innuendo without a word being said. You begin to see the change in light; to feel the history. It is absorbing and you can’t help but let it impact the pictures you take.

On a practical level Patrick is a mine of information on technique, tips, composition- all honed over his extensive career.
What makes his photography and his course so interesting is the unexpected. For me this was a visit to Vulci – a volcanic Etruscan national park full of waterfalls, thermal springs and deep glades. What made it unusual was Patrick’s passion for Nudes in the landscape. With us was the delightful Alina – a young model keen to expand her portfolio. With scenes reminiscent of Opheila, she patiently immersed herself in the volcanic streams and lakes whilst Patrick guided me on composition and technique. You can see the results in the portfolio.

Patrick has taken the art to a new level. Over the last ten years he has been creating what he calls his Belle pictures – amazingly detailed recreations oF famous art works – all featuring nudes or semi-nude figures – updated with a twist and humour to modern masterpieces. You can see more of his work on the “Belle – Italian Muses” at his website, www.photonicholas.com. You can also order his beautiful book or a fine art print through his site too.

If you are in love with Photography, Tuscany, Umbria and Italian food and wine – or any combination of those – then a 4 or 6 day workshop with Patrick is a perfect blend of holiday meets hobby. His courses and workshops ares suitable for all ages and all levels. You can find out more through his website, or contact him directly  via info@photonicholas.com

Italy within the Frame

David’s book – With the Frame (available in the eStore) – is one of the most engaging reads around photography, exploring the “Why” rather than the “How” of taking great pictures. It brings all of David’s experience as a humanitarian photographer, and all his wisdom as a traveling pro and provides an intoxicating mix of ideas, suggestions and challenges that inspire you to get out and rethink why you are taking pictures. Magical.
Jeffrey Chapman is an incredibly accomplished Humanitarian and travel photographer, now living in the US, but with a wealth of experience in over six continents. His images are magical. Simple yet complex. You can see more of them at his website, www.jeffreychapman.com.

I am very excited about the prospct of 10 days in David and Jeffrey’s company. As well as some compelling images I am really looking forward to just chilling with 2 world renowned photographers and hearing some of their tales.