QUESTION: I'm going to South Africa...advice on preparation?

[JeromeL]

The background:
I'm currently 18 years old and an avid semi-pro photographer who hopes to make this a career. I'm currently a student planning to major in Commercial Photography as well as Marketing ( I'm still working on my GE). I do portraits, weddings and promotional photography for bands here in Sacramento as well as work for Lifetouch ( I know, it's just experience). I've recently received the opportunity to travel to South Africa (Johannesburg, Mozambique and Swaziland specifically) to work with the NPO VOXunited. While most of my reason for going is the internship as basically a photojournalist, I also have a heart for helping people and I especially like the way VOX is going about it. I'm looking to stay 6 months and some of my duties are as follows : Photographing the various projects VOXunited is involved in. - Writing about the projects that VOXunited and I am involved in. - Photographing local issues. - Updating our website with content and photographs. - Working on various projects VOXunited is involved in with. While I've have been preparing personally, I'm looking for advice on how to prepare as a photographer.

Gear:
I currently use a Canon 30D gripped and am and avid strobist to meet my lighting needs. I have a 50mm 1.8 , 15mm 2.8 Fisheye, 70-200 f/4 L to use. I'm looking to seriously invest ($3000) in some additions to my list to be prepared for this trip. I have also had to opportunity to borrow a friend's Mamiya 645AFD and I'm deeply interested in medium format.

What would you suggest that I add? ( I'm thinking of two more bodies and a few lenses)
I've done some research and I'm obviously going to want a longer telephoto for the wildlife. I'm considering selling my 30D and moving up to a 1D mk II as well as getting a 5D mk I for the full frame. I'd also like to get a medium format setup as well.

What would you suggest in terms of modesty?
I won't be walking around everyday with $10k of equipment with me. Setups for walkabout and sketchy areas.

Technique:
I've begun to do a lot more street and documentary photography to prepare myself as a photojournalistic-like shooter. I'm also taking a journalism class as well.

Are there any techniques that you suggest when approaching people?

Are there any books are photographers that would suggest I study?

I know this is a lot but I'd like to be prepared for this opportunity and I appreciate all of the time you take out to respond.

Thank You in Advance!

Jerome Love
www.onelovephotography.net
onelovephoto.blogspot.com

[JeromeL]

No one post here anymore?

[windrivermaiden]

I'm not sure what advice to say...

if you are going with a group, I'd ask what types of photos they are expecting out of the situation. And plan my lenses accordingly. You are going into rough country, your gear will be a commodity that people may think of stealing, take only what you can personally protect at all times.

My friend went for a year to SA Last year and said that film was so expensive to buy and process that he was better off digital.

Plan for the worst and hope for the best. I'd take two bodies, and flexible lenses, even if they aren't the best lenses I own. From my personal stash, I'd choose my tamron 28-300, my canon 14-55, and canon 28-135, Maybe a macro lens, for my own shooting of local flora. at least 2 chargers and as many batteries and cards as I could afford.

Good luck and have a wonderful trip.

[Truckman]

Body armor (ceramic if possible)...AK47 (because ammo, magazines and parts are plentiful there)...9mm Browning Hi-Power (same reason)...Sat phone...Money belt, cash, extra credit cards...A licensed driver that speaks English and a fast, heavily armored vehicle...

Oh yeah, bring your camera...Ben

[JeromeL]

lol thanks ben.