Out and about in Africa
Africa
Out and about in Niall O’Donovan www.digitaleye.me Africa
All rights reserved. Photographs in this book are not to be reproduced or transferred in any way without written permission by the author.
Copyright 2017 Niall O’Donovan
Table of Contents
Photographs (front of the book1)
Background stories (back of the book)
1 I have avoided page numbers, so as not to distract from the visual impact of the images. You can view thumbnails and background stories for each photograph, at the end of the book.
You have arrived at the back of the book!
Kampala, Uganda, February 2016
Canon EOS 5D Mark III | 50mm | ISO 250 | ƒ/8 | 1/250
Driving around Kampala, my friend brought me to a Community Leader who he knew well. There were a number of families in a leafy area of Nile Avenue in Kampala.
I lent my cameras to the youngsters, who went of and captured their world. I emailed on the photographs to the Community Leader, who was delighted I followed through on my promise.
Nairobi, Kenya, March 2017
Canon EOS 5D Mark III | 50mm | ISO 400 | ƒ/13 | 1/400
I have included a good few photographs from my drive to the south of Nairobi on the Sunday in March. It was a full day out and about, meeting new people and getting a sense of everyday life in Kenya.
I don’t focus much on landscape, but this view from the side of a hill caught my attention and I tried to capture the scale of the country and continent.
Nairobi, Kenya, March 2017
Canon EOS 5D Mark III | 70mm | ISO 400 | ƒ/10 | 1/400
We were driving down the road when I spotted a family walking in the opposite direction. What caught my attention was that one of the boys was carrying a very colourful umbrella.
I went running of after them and after trying to explain my intent, I took several photographs. This is one of the first photographs, where you can see the Polaroid photograph as well.
Kampala, Uganda, July 2015
Canon EOS 5D Mark III | 50mm | ISO 100 | ƒ/5.6 | 1/160
I visited an orphanage on the outskirts of Kampala, where I met and photographed loads of kids. I also spoke with the leaders and helped contribute to their mission.
To get a nice point of view I lay down on the ground and had the camera upside down, in order to get the camera as low as possible. The kids thought this was funny.
Between Kampala and Jinja, Uganda, July 2014
Canon EOS M | 50mm | ISO 400 | ƒ/5.6 | 1/250
Heading out early one morning to Jinja, I stopped of by a tea leaf field. As I was taking photographs, this gang headed across and we started to take Polaroids. I had them doing diferent poses for each snap and by the time I took this shot they were oblivious to me.
Typeface
I have used two typefaces for this photo book:
• African Jungle by Anton Scholtz.
• Acumin Pro by Robert Slimbach, which is now part of the Adobe Originals program.
Nairobi, Kenya, March 2017
Canon EOS 5D Mark III | 70mm | ISO 400 | ƒ/8 | 1/125
I came across some kids shepherding goats, but most were quite shy. This young boy hung back and I took some Polaroids and portraits.
Then he was gone!
Kampala, Uganda, July 2015
Canon EOS 5D Mark III | 50mm | ISO 100 | ƒ/5.6 | 1/160
This shot was taken at the same time, just turned through 90 degrees. The image reminds me of the care in the community. I saw so many situations where people looked after each other. Even in the direst of situations, if you had something, you shared it.
The gesture would be reciprocated the next day.
Between Kampala and Jinja, Uganda, July 2014
Canon EOS M | 50mm | ISO 400 | ƒ/5.6 | 1/160
These two women are friends, working together harvesting the tea leaves. I love how they are engrossed in the developing Polaroid of the two of them together.
There is a magic in Polaroids. It lengthens the interaction between us and helps build trust and have everyone relax.
Jinja, Uganda, July 2014
Canon EOS M | 50mm | ISO 400 | ƒ/5.6 | 1/60
I had stopped at a roadside shelter and took some portraits. I took many shots, but did not get to everyone there. We left to travel a short distance down the road to the tea plantation.
The Crop Protector had cycled after us, determined to get his photograph taken. As I took a series of Polaroids and digital shots, he stood proudly to attention.
Beau Vallon, Mahé, Seychelles, May 2017
Canon EOS 5D Mark III | 70mm | ISO 200 | ƒ/7.1 | 1/320
While the sunsets are brief, they are absolutely beautiful. Another unique part of the experience was the warmth at sundown. The soft warm sands; the warm sea; the memories.
Port Glaud Lagoon, Mahé, Seychelles, May 2017
Canon EOS 5D Mark III | 70mm | ISO 250 | ƒ/10 | 1/100
This concrete monument was once the majestic Mahé Beach Hotel where, in the 70’s, many celebrities like Shirley Bassey performed at its ‘Copacabana’ nightclub and stayed in its luxurious rooms. It was also the venue for the 1998 Miss World beauty pageant.
It is right on the shore and has spectacular views across the lagoon. There is a 2-page spread coming up on the next page.
Between Kampala and Jinja, Uganda, July 2014
Canon EOS M | 22mm | ISO 600 | ƒ/2.8 | 1/100
We stopped of at a school between Kampala and Jinja, which did cause some distraction.
The teacher was running through a dance routine for Parents’ Day, which was scheduled for the following day.
South of Nairobi, Kenya, March 2017
Canon EOS 5D Mark III | 44mm | ISO 400 | ƒ/9 | 1/320
Driving south of Nairobi, I stopped at the Kaumoni Gospel Tabernacle Church. There I met children and their pastor.
I took many Polaroids and photographs both inside and outside of the church. The kids in the line up were giddy and full of joy.
South of Nairobi, Kenya, March 2017
Canon EOS 5D Mark III | 70mm | ISO 400 | ƒ/5.6 | 1/320
I met this gentleman walking in the opposite direction. Crossing the road, we stopped to chat and take some photographs.
I have shots of him smiling, but I preferred this more sombre shot.
Port Glaud Lagoon, Mahé, Seychelles, May 2017
Canon EOS 5D Mark III | 42mm | ISO 1000 | ƒ/4 | 1/640
Despite the decay over the last decade, it still has beauty within. Walking the corridors and empty rooms was eerie at times, but well worth the efort.
South of Nairobi, Kenya, March 2017
Canon EOS 5D Mark III | 44mm | ISO 400 | ƒ/9 | 1/320
I love the jump!
South of Nairobi, Kenya, March 2017
Canon EOS 5D Mark III | 70mm | ISO 400 | ƒ/5.6 | 1/320
This young lad was determined to get a Polaroid and I was happy to oblige.
Nairobi, Kenya, July 2015
Canon EOS 5D Mark III | 50mm | ISO 100 | ƒ/9 | 1/100
I came across a professional fashion shoot taking place on the railway tracks. The photographer was kind enough to let me stand in to take some shots. It was a once in a lifetime opportunity: models; makeup; wardrobe; assistants. Great fun!
Port Glaud Lagoon, Mahé, Seychelles, May 2017
Canon EOS 5D Mark III | 47mm | ISO 160 | ƒ/8 | 1/500
The spectacular views from the roof of the abandoned Mahé Beach Hotel, looking out over Port Glaud Lagoon on the island of Mahé.
Port Glaud Lagoon, Mahé, Seychelles, May 2017
Canon EOS 5D Mark III | 70mm | ISO 160 | ƒ/8 | 1/250
I met Verona and her Mother near Coconut Strand. We got talking and I took their portraits with the Polaroid camera. They then brought me up to the Port Glaud Waterfall for more photographs. Then a quick stop back at their home for freshly made lemonade and to meet neighbours. Afterwards we all bundled into the car and they directed me to the abandoned Mahé Beach Hotel (for more photographs).
Between Kampala and Jinja, Uganda, July 2014
Canon EOS M | 50mm | ISO 400 | ƒ/5.6 | 1/200
A couple waiting for a mini-bus outside Nairobi. I found that people tended to be reluctant to smile for a photo. Getting your photograph taken is serious business.
Between Kampala and Jinja, Uganda, July 2014
Canon EOS M | 22mm | ISO 600 | ƒ/2.8 | 1/60
We were squeezed onto a raised platform at the back of the classroom. Everyone was piling in for a photograph as the teacher below brought other kids through their dance routine.
The classroom was full of music, dance and smiles.
Nairobi, Kenya, December 2015
Canon EOS 5D Mark III | 50mm | ISO 200 | ƒ/7.1 | 1/250
Same city, but diferent tracks!
A lot of people walk the tracks as a direct route from A to B. It is also probably safer, as the streets in Kampala are choked with trucks, cars and boda bodas (motorbike taxis).
Modest estimates indicate that there are over 300,000 boda bodas in Kampala alone.
Nairobi, Kenya, December 2015
Canon EOS 5D Mark III | 50mm | ISO 200 | ƒ/9 | 1/160
There was a long line of people queuing to have water blessed, in a church ceremony.
This woman, with her red scarf, caught my attention. At the same time there was a film crew filming, who were interested in what I was doing, but who didn’t want to be photographed.
South of Nairobi, Kenya, March 2017
Canon EOS 5D Mark III | 61mm | ISO 400 | ƒ/9 | 1/320
Julius drove me around Nairobi for the week, to and from work. On the Sunday we took a trip down south to his home.
Julius and his wife might only see each other every few weeks, so here I got them to peer around the corner at each other.
Nairobi, Kenya, March 2014
Canon EOS M | 22mm | ISO 200 | ƒ/5.6 | 1/500
I found that religion can be important to Kenyans and there is a pride in the care and upkeep of churches.
The scale of the man painting versus the huge cross caught my eye from across the street.
South of Nairobi, Kenya, March 2017
Canon EOS 5D Mark III | 59mm | ISO 320 | ƒ/5.6 | 1/200
I walked down the street of a market town and these four retired gentlemen were relaxing on a porch, sheltered from the afternoon heat. I just had to convert this shot to black and white.
South of Nairobi, Kenya, March 2017
Canon EOS 5D Mark III | 70mm | ISO 400 | ƒ/7.1 | 1/250
A quick portrait of one of the parents at the Kaumoni Gospel Tabernacle Church.
Beau Vallon, Mahé, Seychelles, May 2017
Canon EOS 5D Mark III | 70mm | ISO 400 | ƒ/6.3 | 1/160
The man on the right was initially reluctant to sit for a photograph, but his friend convinced him in the end.
Nairobi, Kenya, July 2015
Canon EOS 5D Mark III | 50mm | ISO 100 | ƒ/9 | 1/60
A couple of cool dudes in shades. This fellow was happy to have the Polaroid and portrait taken, but the conversation was brief. He was sitting next to a busy intersection in Kampala, watching the world go by.
South of Nairobi, Kenya, March 2017
Canon EOS 5D Mark III | 31mm | ISO 400 | ƒ/10 | 1/160
Julius brought me to the church close to his home. I was welcomed into their congregation and to reflect during their Sunday service. Afterwards I was introduced to the pastor and his wife. The choir had sung beautifully and there was a soloist (on the right), who had been very powerful.
Port Glaud Lagoon, Mahé, Seychelles, May 2017
Canon EOS 5D Mark III | 55mm | ISO 320 | ƒ/5.6 | 1/160
Verona brought me to meet her work colleagues. They shared their lunch and we took loads of Polaroids and portraits.
They worked with children, so I had them play in the playground adjoining their ofice (it was empty at the time).
I shared the digital files afterwards.
Beau Vallon, Mahé, Seychelles, May 2017
Canon EOS 5D Mark III | 70mm | ISO 400 | ƒ/5.6 | 1/80
Photographed this street vendor on the first afternoon on Mahé. An interesting and engaging character. He was my first introduction to the Seychelles.
Nairobi, Kenya, December 2015
Canon EOS 5D Mark III | 50mm | ISO 100 | ƒ/3.5 | 1/100
I met Joseph walking down the street. We struck up a conversation and he told me of the volunteer work he did for the Mission of Hope in Uganda. He worked with children, focusing on art.
We walked along until we found an interesting / diferent background for the portrait.
South of Nairobi, Kenya, March 2017
Canon EOS 5D Mark III | 70mm | ISO 400 | ƒ/5 | 1/200
As we neared Julius’ home, we stopped by a group who he knew. They were all up for some portrait and group shots. I positioned them against the brick wall, which was a vibrant red.
The fellow was laid back, but his stare was intense.
Beau Vallon, Mahé, Seychelles, May 2017
Canon EOS 5D Mark III | 70mm | ISO 800 | ƒ/4 | 1/125
I chatted with some street vendors while they were setting up their stalls. We took some Polaroids and portraits.
I continued on my way and when returning back, I stopped again to take some photographs as they cooked.
I can still sense the barbecue in action: the sounds and smells.
Kitintale Market, Kampala, Uganda, July 2015
Canon EOS 5D Mark III | 50mm | ISO 100 | ƒ/5 | 1/60
As I approached a series of butchers, their handlers were encouraging me to go to their butcher, rather than a competitor next door.
Despite me not buying any meat, he was happy to pose. We took the Polaroid quickly, so when it came time for the portrait he suddenly remembered to don his white coat. Top marks for hygiene.
South of Nairobi, Kenya, March 2017
Canon EOS 5D Mark III | 70mm | ISO 320 | ƒ/7.1 | 1/100
A “cousin” of these chickens made it to the pot for lunch!
Julius’ wife looked after the livestock (including cattle and chickens), while Julius was away in Kampala.
I felt I should celebrate the chicken’s short life by capturing the environment.
Kampala, Uganda, July 2015
Canon EOS 5D Mark III | 18mm | ISO 100 | ƒ/9 | 1/60
One of my favourite things to do is to head out into the streets. It is a great opportunity to feel the beat of a city and meet new people.
This was really a grabbed shot, as the woman strode past the lads looking at the newspapers.
I loved the contrast between the woman and the men, who were totally focused on the newspapers.
South of Nairobi, Kenya, March 2017
Canon EOS 5D Mark III | 44mm | ISO 400 | ƒ/5 | 1/200
I asked this man to have an aggressive pose, in order to get a diferent feel. All good fun!
Kitintale Market, Kampala, Uganda, July 2015
Canon EOS 5D Mark III | 50mm | ISO 100 | ƒ/5 | 1/60
Markets tend to be a hive of activity and while I mainly focused on Polaroid photographs, I also took some digital ones as well.
As I walked down one aisle, there was this woman sitting in front of her cages of chickens.
This is not the sharpest shot, but I liked her calm nature amongst the hustle and bustle of the busy market.
South of Nairobi, Kenya, March 2017
Canon EOS 5D Mark III | 24mm | ISO 10,000 | ƒ/5.6 | 1/160
Julius and his wife welcomed me into their home. We sat down to lunch and enjoyed the chicken stew and rice.
It was delicious!
We shared experiences in raising kids and learnt how their two boys had flown the nest and were now living in Kampala.
Kampala, Uganda, February 2016
Canon EOS 5D Mark III | 50mm | ISO 250 | ƒ/8 | 1/250
Meeting families out in the community was great fun. I found that grandparents played a big role in raising kids. I spent the morning with a small community of Nile Avenue in Kampala. I took a lot of Polaroid photographs of diferent family members, which proved very popular.
A Grandmother posed with her two Granddaughters outside their home.
Kampala, Uganda, July 2015
Canon EOS 5D Mark III | 50mm | ISO 100 | ƒ/3.5 | 1/80
This family were coming from church in Kampala. I persuaded them to get back out of their car for some photos.
A brief encounter, but we all went our separate ways happy.
South of Nairobi, Kenya, March 2017
Canon EOS 5D Mark III | 44mm | ISO 400 | ƒ/14 | 1/250
A Father and his Son pulled over and posed for some photographs.
South of Nairobi, Kenya, March 2017
Canon EOS 5D Mark III | 70mm | ISO 400 | ƒ/8 | 1/400
Motorbikes are often used to transport any manner of people and/or goods. I am not sure I would ride on a boda boda, for fear of my safety. However, having said that, I have only seen one accident.
Kampala, Uganda, December 2015
Canon EOS 5D Mark III | 50mm | ISO 200 | ƒ/7.1 | 1/250
An easy rider heading down the highway. I crouched down low to try and get a good point of view. The motorbike in front appears to be private. Whereas the one behind looks very like a boda boda.
South of Nairobi, Kenya, March 2017
Canon EOS 5D Mark III | 31mm | ISO 320 | ƒ/5.6 | 1/160
The group of elderly women were sitting outside of the Annex General Shop, watching the world go by.
I took some Polaroids and by the time I took this shot, the size of the group had grown. I asked the kids to dance and the grown ups to sway in time. I don’t know if it is the setting or vivid colours, but it kinda looks surreal to me.
Kampala, Uganda, February 2016
Canon EOS 5D Mark III | 50mm | ISO 250 | ƒ/9 | 1/250
This is another family returning from church on a Sunday morning. Throughout the Polaroid and portrait shots, the young fellow on the left didn’t break a smile for any of the shots.
Getting your photograph taken is serious business.
South of Nairobi, Kenya, March 2017
Canon EOS 5D Mark III | 41mm | ISO 400 | ƒ/6.3 | 1/80
Here, Peter is standing proudly in front of his supermarket (you can see his name written on the red door).
He was most insistent that I invest in his venture and become a joint owner. Maybe next time.
Kampala, Uganda, December 2015
Canon EOS 5D Mark III | 50mm | ISO 100 | ƒ/5.6 | 1/160
A boda boda driver taking a break on the streets of Kampala. There is a view that the term boda boda comes from the practice of the motorbike driver bringing their passenger from one border through another border.
Kampala, Uganda, July 2015
Canon EOS 5D Mark III | 50mm | ISO 100 | ƒ/9 | 1/125
Another boda boda driver taking a break.
I liked his rebel attitude: parking up adjacent to the “Parking reserved for Posta Uganda customers” sign.
South of Nairobi, Kenya, March 2017
Canon EOS 5D Mark III | 44mm | ISO 320 | ƒ/7.1 | 1/400
We stopped in a market town and walked around.
This boy was playing with a wheel and I asked if I could take a photograph. Julius was of down the street, so communication was challenging. While he is not in motion, I still like the shot.
Kampala, Uganda, February 2016
Canon EOS 5D Mark III | 50mm | ISO 250 | ƒ/9 | 1/200
Sport is very popular across Africa, in particular football / soccer. At weekends you do not need to walk far before you come across a game, played on any surface. Sliding tackles are to be avoided.
Lake Nakuru National Park, Kenya, February 2014
Canon EOS 5D Mark I | 400mm | ISO 400 | ƒ/11 | 1/500
One Sunday I travelled east to Lake Nakuru National Park for the day. While it can be challenging to get close to wild animals, it was an incredible experience. We were driving through without much success, when we turned a corner and came eye-to-eye with a girafe. Such amazing gentle giants.
Lake Nakuru National Park, Kenya, February 2014
Canon EOS 5D Mark I | 200mm | ISO 400 | ƒ/11 | 1/400
A wider view of a girafe, as it strolled from one tree to the next.
Kampala, Uganda, December 2015
Canon EOS 5D Mark III | 50mm | ISO 100 | ƒ/2.8 | 1/100
This boda boda driver was taking a break close to the hotel.
As I walked up the hill, I asked him if I could take his photograph. After taking a Polaroid I changed position, to capture his face in the mirror.
Kampala, Uganda, July 2015
Canon EOS 5D Mark III | 18mm | ISO 320 | ƒ/8 | 1/60
Going to and from work, I often take shots through the open car window of the world passing by.
These are often grabbed shots of little value. However, I like the glimpses I get into people’s daily lives.
Kampala, Uganda, July 2015
Canon EOS 5D Mark III | 50mm | ISO 100 | ƒ/5 | 1/640
This was a very competitive game!
I took photographs during the game and team shots at half time. I used this shot in a poster for health and well-being (taking care of your heart).
Lake Nakuru National Park, Kenya, February 2014
Canon EOS 5D Mark I | 380mm | ISO 400 | ƒ/13 | 1/250
This is one of my favourite photographs from Lake Nakuru National Park. Not the closest or most detailed, but I like how it shows the girafes in their natural environment.
This is still my lock screen background on my phone.
Lake Nakuru National Park, Kenya, February 2014
Canon EOS M | 22mm | ISO 400 | ƒ/11 | 1/200
A typical view, where the wildlife can be some distance away. Again, trying to capture the environment rather than always reaching for the telephoto zoom lens.
Lake Nakuru National Park, Kenya, February 2014
Canon EOS M | 300mm | ISO 400 | ƒ/14 | 1/500
It was fascinating to see groups of animals co-exist in an uneasy peace. While I didn’t see natural hunters, I am sure they were not too far away.
Amsterdam to Nairobi (Flight KLM 565), February 2014
Apple iPhone 5s | 4.12mm | ISO 32 | ƒ/2.2 | 1/1026 (typical)
It is ironic that this is the last photograph/montage in this book, as I took this series of photographs on my first flight to Africa.
A selection from 19 photographs shot through the window of a 747, showing the changing landscape as we travel from The Netherlands to Kenya.
Lake Nakuru National Park, Kenya, February 2014
Canon EOS M | 22mm | ISO 200 | ƒ/9 | 1/125
Water bufalo cooling of down by the lake.
Lake Nakuru National Park, Kenya, February 2014
Canon EOS 5D Mark I | 275mm | ISO 400 | ƒ/13 | 1/250
A herd of antelopes shelter from the afternoon heat under the shade of a tree.
