OK, not looking forward to my next assignment!

jamesoliverstone

jamesoliverstone

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Well, details of my next 3 photographic assignments are now finalised, and I will admit to being rather more than nervous about my first destination, Guatemala. I was really looking forward to getting to central America, and I am going out to a local project to provide a photo documentary on a child project that we work on in the rural communities.

I dont usually ever get nervous about being out in the "wild" so to speak, but this trip has me on edge... This is due mainly down to having to sign some paperwork in the office here to do with my life insurance, blood types and other things, which are part of a 3 page security report about my work over there.

Allow me to give you some extracts of that document:

Guatemala has one of the highest violent crime rates in Latin America. In 2008, approximately 40 murders a week were reported in Guatemala City alone. Rule of law is lacking as the judicial system is weak, overworked, and inefficient. Criminals know there is little chance they will be caught or punished.
The number of violent crimes reported by foreigners has remained high and incidents have included, but are not limited to, assault, theft, armed robbery, carjacking, rape, kidnapping, and murder.
Do not resist if you are being robbed. Victims have been killed when they resisted attack. Assailants are often armed with guns and do not hesitate to use them.
Gangs are a growing concern in Guatemala City and rural Guatemala. Gang members are often well armed with sophisticated weaponry and they sometimes use massive amounts of force.
A number of travelers have experienced carjackings and armed robberies after just having arrived on international flights, most frequently in the evening. Avoid riding public transportation. They are often attacked by armed robbers and are poorly maintained and dangerously driven.
There have been “express” kidnappings in recent years, primarily in Guatemala City, in which kidnappers demand a relatively small ransom that they believe can be quickly gathered. Some kidnapping gangs are known to kill their victims whether or not the ransom is paid.

Yeah, I am really looking forward to this trip, travelling with my camera, lenses, off camera lighting rig and macbook pro.

So, if you never see me log on to TP ever again... you know why! :gag:

The things we do for work eh! Thankfully, my next is in Thailand and the Phillipenes and its luxury all the way on that trip ;)

So, has anyone else been to Guatemala?
 
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Nope and now I don't want to!!! :eek:

Seriously though, I hope it all goes well and you have a safe and pleasant trip. I'm sure you will get some excellent photos :)
 
Just reading the extracts scared the life out of me. Have a safe trip, take care, and I look forward to reading your posts on your return.
 
Surely the risk to your personal safety should negate the need for photos?

Unless my company was providing me with 24 hour armed security protect I think I'd tell them where to go whether I was carrying expensive equipment or otherwise!

Yes, I am a wimp....... best to be a live wimp than a dead hero in my book ;)

However, I wish you the best of luck professionally and personally!
 
I hope you get some nice....shots.



:exit:

I was joking but that sounds horrible actually, be safe out there... !!!
 
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Thanks all, its part of my job, but its not compulsary and I do have the option of saying no... but if a lot of photographers and reporters refused to go anywhere as it might be dangerous, we wouldnt have documented history in the way we have.

I am no world class photographer, and I doubt the work I do will be seen by many or revered in any way, but it does help raise money for the children whose lives are affected day in day out by the violence and injustice in these countries, so whatever I can do to help... I will.

(even if I am crapping myself!) :eek:
 
Have a good trip,i arrived in Guatemala City late at night,with no hotel booked,i am still here :)

Spend about 2mths travelling thought central America some years back,have to say it was very hard going,didnt help having the runs half the time.

But what life without a little risk :)

ps like the bit about (Avoid riding public transportation) its about the only way you can get about,without lots of money,which i didnt have,somtimes you have to take risks.
 
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Sheesh James, go careful buddy! :eek:

As you say though, it could afford some incredible photographic opportunities, but please, whatever you do, don't open yourself to the potential of it being at the ultimate cost :(
 
I totally agree with your reasons for going James. It is also one hell of an opportunity and my guess is that you would regret not going.

Make sure you use your noggin whilst out there. Remember that photo kit can be replaced mate. Walk tall and exude confidence, don't be a mouse!!

As always, I really look forward to your blog and images. Don't you think it's about time you publish a book or 2?!

I am very envious of your opportunity and would love the experience.

It goes without saying that I wish you the best of luck in your latest travels :).

Andy
 
simonblue said:
Have a good trip,i arrived in Guatemala City late at night,with no hotel booked,i am still here :)

Spend about 2mths travelling thought central America some years back,have to say it was very hard going,didnt help having the runs half the time.

But what life without a little risk :)

ps like the bit about (Avoid riding public transportation) its about the only way you can get about,without lots of money,which i didnt have,somtimes you have to take risks.
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Thanks mate, and glad to hear you made it around fine. Any tips you have would be greatly appreciated :thumbs:

Simmotino said:
Sheesh James, go careful buddy! :eek:

As you say though, it could afford some incredible photographic opportunities, but please, whatever you do, don't open yourself to the potential of it being at the ultimate cost :(
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Thanks bud :)

Turst me, I will probably be so on edge that no-one will be able to come near me without being noticed :D

Keebsuk said:
I totally agree with your reasons for going James. It is also one hell of an opportunity and my guess is that you would regret not going.

Make sure you use your noggin whilst out there. Remember that photo kit can be replaced mate. Walk tall and exude confidence, don't be a mouse!!

As always, I really look forward to your blog and images. Don't you think it's about time you publish a book or 2?!

I am very envious of your opportunity and would love the experience.

It goes without saying that I wish you the best of luck in your latest travels :).

Andy
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Thanks Andy, thats really kind of you :)

I have one of my senior engineers with me, who has lived there all his life and this afternoon he confirmed that he can stay with me for the whole trip, which eases my mind considerably!

I will of course blog when I can. I really need to get much better with blogging and social media in general. Its something I mean to do, but never find the time... Seriously, how do people like zack arias et al, ever find the time! they must spend every waking moment on twitter!

As for a book, well I am almost finished (still) my tabletop book of my africa images, but thats really for me and my friends and family I guess... I can't see that being a big seller ;)

I am having a week off in Thailand at the end of Feb before I head out to the Philippines so I shall be working on finishing as may of my ongoing projects as I can, sat with a laptop in the sun on a beach... assuming I survive that is :lol:
 
Glad you're picking up some NGO work James, seems perfect for your set of skills and portfolio.

Be safe and good luck :)
 
Thanks Dave. Its great that I took a day job with a big NGO that wanted me for my skills in the corporate world, as well as the photographic side too. So each place I go to, I do both jobs with 2 different hats :)

Perfect :D
 
oh wow, brilliant. I saw a talk by the head photo commissioner of Save the Children a while back, really interesting how they use photography and commission photographers, and the kinds of images they use. I've been doing a bit for a large children's charity in the UK myself, but struggling to adjust that experience/portfolio to many other organisations unfortunately :/

All the best, and looking forward to the photos :)
 
jamesoliverstone said:
Oh, and on top of this too, I am using the sony a77 for the first time in the field, so I hope it lives up to the hype :D
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Might be worth talking to Sony before you go James. I very much doubt that the a77 will have done much in the public eye and it could be a decent opportunity for you to get some proper sponsorship.

Andy
 
Wow. Just looked through your portfolio and blog. Truly stunning images. Wish you well for the risky journey :thumbs:
 
The best bit of advice i can give you,is to tried and alway keep your cool,listen to local advise most of it is very good,and they know the areas to stay away from.

And smile a lot,it does help :)
 
Sounds exciting, best of luck and take care! Most of all enjoy!

Honestly sounds like the sort of mad thing id happily agree to do :D
 
Your rental car? :)

hummer-marauder-Review-01.jpg
 
Take care. I am in awe to people like you who's work can make a big difference to how people live in this world.
 
jacob12_1993 said:
Good luck James, your work speaks for itself so as long as you stay safe the children are going to benefit enormously! When about are you in Thailand mate?
Jake
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Hi Jake, I will be there at the end of Febuary. I am due to fly to Manila in March, but I wanted a weeks holiday in Thailand first. I will be in Bangkok for the first couple of days, then proabbly mon/tue fly to Chang Rai and cross the border into Laos. Then spend a few days trekking around and then fly back to a spa in Bangkok then onto work in Manila. (its a hard life) :D

stu_the_flat said:
They probably would agree to rent it to you, but when you get there you find they have substituted it with a Deawoo Matiz!
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Dont get me started... My subsitute car in Florida was not amusing!
 
jamesoliverstone said:
Hi Jake, I will be there at the end of Febuary. I am due to fly to Manila in March, but I wanted a weeks holiday in Thailand first. I will be in Bangkok for the first couple of days, then proabbly mon/tue fly to Chang Rai and cross the border into Laos. Then spend a few days trekking around and then fly back to a spa in Bangkok then onto work in Manila. (its a hard life) :D



Dont get me started... My subsitute car in Florida was not amusing!
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Sounds cool man! I'm there in April for 6-7 weeks:thumbs:
 
Hope it goes well. I've just followed you on Twitter so hopefully will see your progress there. Stay safe.
 
Hi Jake, I will be there at the end of Febuary. I am due to fly to Manila in March, but I wanted a weeks holiday in Thailand first. I will be in Bangkok for the first couple of days, then proabbly mon/tue fly to Chang Rai and cross the border into Laos. Then spend a few days trekking around and then fly back to a spa in Bangkok then onto work in Manila. (its a hard life)
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you hiring? ;)
 
James,

I don't know if I'm to envy you for your wild escapades, or thank the powers that be which keep me away from such dangers?

Either way, have a wonderful trip and I look forward to seeing some of your fantastic shots from these trips.

Keep safe :thumbs:
 
jacob12_1993 said:
Sounds cool man! I'm there in April for 6-7 weeks:thumbs:
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Jealous!! I would love to be there for that long, but life back home gets in the way of that ;)

Julie1979 said:
Hope it goes well. I've just followed you on Twitter so hopefully will see your progress there. Stay safe.
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Thanks mte :)

itsdavedotnet said:
you hiring? ;)
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Yeah sure Dave! As long as you are happy to pay your own salary and expenses :lol:

Wail said:
James,

I don't know if I'm to envy you for your wild escapades, or thank the powers that be which keep me away from such dangers?

Either way, have a wonderful trip and I look forward to seeing some of your fantastic shots from these trips.

Keep safe :thumbs:
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You are not the only one wondering that :thinking:

Thanks mate :thumbs:
 
jamesoliverstone said:
Jealous!! I would love to be there for that long, but life back home gets in the way of that ;)



Thanks mte :)



Yeah sure Dave! As long as you are happy to pay your own salary and expenses :lol:



You are not the only one wondering that :thinking:

Thanks mate :thumbs:
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I'm away for 4.5 months :thumbs: which reminds me, I can't find the details for the guide you gave me in Siem Reap, is there any chance you could re-pm them to me pleaseeee :D
 
Take good care of yourself but don't go overboard, for it is a fascinating chance to go! I do have an inkling of what you might have as I live in Mexico (though in central Mexico at a distance from the drug people, etc).

I took a look at your portfolio this morning and, good heavens! You have some stunning images there! Who says a book won't sell?

Also looking forward to what you think of the a77 (And your pictures too, of course!).
 
jacob12_1993 said:
I'm away for 4.5 months :thumbs: which reminds me, I can't find the details for the guide you gave me in Siem Reap, is there any chance you could re-pm them to me pleaseeee :D
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I will see if I can find them again (they were scribbled on a piece of paper, and I moved house months ago now!) :)

Rustico said:
Take good care of yourself but don't go overboard, for it is a fascinating chance to go! I do have an inkling of what you might have as I live in Mexico (though in central Mexico at a distance from the drug people, etc).

I took a look at your portfolio this morning and, good heavens! You have some stunning images there! Who says a book won't sell?

Also looking forward to what you think of the a77 (And your pictures too, of course!).
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Thanks very much :)

I too am intrigued to see how the a77 fares up in the field. I have been having a few focusing issues with it the last couple of days, where it just isn't quite nailing the focus in the way I would expect, but that of course could be user error ;)
 
Thailand may not be that much safer! Both US and UK governments have issued a terrorist alert for the country.

Stay safe wherever you are and I look forward to seeing the images.
 
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