September « 2009 « Through the lens with Chris Gamel

Safari Testimonial – Arthur Lim

This past June (2009), Arthur Lim and his wife Janny joined me on a Tanzania photo safari. They were kind enough to share some of Arthur’s pictures and the following:

Hi Chris,

The photo safari trip to Tanzania with you was beyond our expectations. We enjoyed being so close to so many wild animals in their natural environment. The guides spotted the animals quickly and brought us photographers in the best possible shooting position. They were outstanding.

The travel logistics and accommodations were excellent and all the staff members were very friendly and helpful. Nice hot showers as we returned to camp at the end of the day and great meals.

You shared your knowledge about wildlife behaviour as well as your photography skills with us. You also managed to create a bond between the group members that made the trip even more pleasant.

We want to thank you for this “trip of a lifetime”, hoping there will soon be a second.

Arthur and Janny, The Netherlands

Cheetah family

Leopard climbing tree

Leopard

Leopard jumping

Lion cubs

Wildebeest fight

Zebra fight

Information about my 2010 photo safaris can be found here. Spots are limited so don’t delay. If you are ready for your “trip of a lifetime”, e-mail me at info@chrisgamel.com.

Written on September 27th, 2009 , Africa, Testimonials

Announcing a Family Photo Workshop – Galapagos 2010

Juvenile Marine Iguana.

Looking for the perfect way to combine wildlife photography with a family vacation? Have we got the trip for you! Join me in the Galapagos and the highlands of Ecuador as we cover the country with our cameras. Exploring the Galapagos Islands your family will come face to face with some of the world’s tames wildlife. Meet Blue Footed Boobies, Giant Tortoises, and thousands of Marine Iguanas. Share the shade with a Frigatebird or relax on the beach beside a sunning Sea Lion.

Following the Galapagos, we will journey into the Andes where we will experience the cultural heritage of Ecuador. Explore 17th century haciendas, watch Andean Condors soar through the sky, and ride horses in the shadow of the Andes. Our journey culminates with a visit to one of the world’s largest indigenous markets as we capture the entire adventure with our cameras.

This workshops is designed for photographers of all skill levels, from the novice to the expert. Never taken a good picture? Don’t worry, you will on this trip. Looking to improve the skills you already have? This is the opportunity you have been looking for. We will visit the best locations and with Chris Gamel’s guidance, you will bring home pictures that you will be proud of.

For full trip details, click here.

For other classes and photographic workshops with Chris Gamel, click here.

Written on September 20th, 2009 , Galapagos, Photography Workshops

New Photo Workshop and Safari Page Added

I just completed the final touches on my new workshop and safari page. The workshop page will keep a summary list of upcoming workshops, safaris, and event as they are scheduled. The workshop page will also provide links to detailed itineraries for each workshop. The visit the new workshop page, simply click on the link in the right hand column of the blog, or, click here.

Written on September 12th, 2009 , Photography Workshops

Weekend in South Texas

What do you do when your family goes out of town? Well, if you are a wildlife photographer you spend the time taking pictures. That is how I found myself in Roma, Texas this past weekend. With a few days available, I headed down to the Rio Grande Valley in the hopes of capturing some birds on film (or digital sensor). My host, Roel Ramirez, has spent the last 15 years developing his property into a premier bird photography location, and what an amazing place he has created. With over 10 photo blinds on the property, and year round feeding, I was able to photograph a variety of different species.

For a first visit I was very happy with the images I brought home. I lucked out with the weather (temperatures didn’t move out of the low 90s) and we had some good sightings, especially the Baltimore Orioles. I am convinced that with the investment of some time and effort, future visits to Roma will prove even more productive. Each of the following images were created this past weekend.