I want to tell you about my trip to Kenya. First I flew flight Kiev-Dubai, then a flight to Nairobi - and it was the longest flight of my life, I first visited Africa.

I want to thank to Professor Hersh Chadha - my teacher and sponsor for coordinated travel arrangements, provide services Marhaba. In Dubai, I met with the Professor and his team, and then together we flew to Kenya. Also, I loved the service from Emirates Airline. On arrival in Kenya, we met with two models Kristina and Svetlana. That evening we discussed the details of future shoots.

The next day we took the first photo of the hotel. I think it was a good choice of hotel, where we stayed, it was called «Giraffe Manor», has beautiful architecture and is in a very picturesque location combined the beauty of plants, landscapes and animals (especially the giraffe).There I made a lot of pictures of models: in an outdoor setting, with giraffes, hotel, etc. Then, we carefully studied the photographs taken on the computer, and studied the work done, which I really liked.

The first day of a photo shoot I was a little hard. I did not like the photos, it was hard to understand the models, perhaps affected the long flight and I have not adapted to the local African environment, but I did my best and tried to make good angles.

The second day was not easy the first, had to search for new compositions, angles for models, but still it was interesting, because we were shooting in the jungle (near our hotel). After we went to the Safari. For two hours, we have overcome a huge territory, I shot a lot of animals: monkeys, birds, giraffes, hippos, lions. After such an impressive shooting, I realized that I needed to improve their photographic equipment (requires converters to change the lens as 200 mm is not enough, need 500 mm or more). Night at dinner we shared experiences, I have very good impression of the day out. I discovered a lot of new shooting techniques - for example, you need to move fast to get a good photograph the animal.

Also we took Christina and Svetlana next to the fire, it was a great lesson for me, because the fire is very bright and hot and need to choose the right place for the model. So I had a lot of practice with the fire.

The next day, when the models go home, we visit the local Masai tribe. I said to myself that they are very clever, they live in a very unusual place, the colorful costumes, beautiful children. I made a lot of pictures on the street at different angles. So for me it was interesting to see how people live in Africa, and what they eat.

In the evening, after visiting the Masai tribe came new model Anna. The next day we photographed it with the Professor. First, against the background of a giraffe, then to the hotel, I liked shooting and lighting, especially at sunset. I really liked how Anna posing, she is a very talented model.

The next day we went back to the jungle, where the photo shoot took place on the models with black skin against a small waterfall. In fact, it was difficult for me, for the first time to shoot a black man. The skin reflects light differently than the white man, so I had some problems with the camera settings. But after 15 minutes of photo shoot I learned and did a lot of good pictures. For me it was a great experience.

The next day we photographed Anna in the hotel - on the balcony, on a huge bed in the room. Anne was wearing a beautiful black dress, which was in harmony with the white bed, she looked very good! I especially liked the photos of the balcony, where I tried to combine the silhouette and direct sunlight. We also did a lot of pictures of girls with giraffes. Giraffes are very funny and nice animals.

I think that this trip was a huge step in my self-development, because I got a lot of practice: wildlife photography, portrait, silhouette shooting with natural light in different situations, working with black leather, with models.

I want to thank the distinguished Professor Hersh Chadha and his professional team. I really enjoy working with them, I have the opportunity to visit wonderful places in the world.

For me this is the best chance in life to try something new.

Thanks a lot!

18.03.2013