Sodwana Bay, South Africa (A little piece of heaven on earth)

I am totally in love with this country with its wide open spaces, can do attitude of the people, bluer than blue skies and forever sunshine.

A few weeks ago, I spent a week at Sodwana Bay. Situated on the Kwa Zulu Natal coast, it boasts some of the best dive sites in the world. Not having scuba dived in over 2 years, I was extremely excited to be getting back into a wetsuit and into the water.

I was not disappointed. The bay was full of whales and whale sharks migrating south. On the way out to our dive site, we stopped three times to snorkel with three different whale sharks. This is always an incredible experience and I would easily have forsaken the dive just to spend more time with these incredible gentle giants.

Due to the water temp being a little cold and the water visibility not great (given all the plankton hence the whale sharks), my boyfriend and I decided to focus on other activities at Sodwana and not dive every day. Having visited here many times over the years, we did not feel the urge to dive for the sake of diving, and chose to indulge in other activities instead.

There is so much to do and see in this area that we were not bored for one second and actually struggled to fit in everything that we wanted to do. We drove to the very small town of Hluhluwe  (pronounced Shloo Shloo We) and spend time walking around and taking photographs of people going about their daily business and of the local church building.

The highlight of the week for both of us, was the microlight flight over the Bay and the inland lakes. Only from above can one really appreciate just how much activity there is in the water at any point in time. On my 45 minute flight of which only about 20 minutes were spend flying over the sea, we spotted 2 different whales and calves, 2 whales sharks, 4 manta rays, a squadron of at least 200 devil rays in formation and a large pod of dolphins surfing the waves.

To view the world from above, exposed to the elements in the open microlight is an exhilarating experience. I thanked the benefits of digital over and over again as I fired off over 200 frames. I felt like a child with a new toy and a new adventure.

For anyone visiting South Africa or living in South Africa, do yourselves a favor and put Sodwana Bay on your “to do” list. You will not be disappointed.

Sodwana Bay, South Africa, professional photographer Dori Moreno

Sodwana Bay, South Africa, professional photographer Dori Moreno

Sodwana Bay, South Africa, professional photographer Dori Moreno

Sodwana Bay, South Africa, professional photographer Dori Moreno

Sodwana Bay, South Africa, professional photographer Dori Moreno

Sodwana Bay, South Africa, professional photographer Dori Moreno

Sodwana Bay, South Africa, professional photographer Dori Moreno

Sodwana Bay, South Africa, professional photographer Dori Moreno

Sodwana Bay, South Africa, professional photographer Dori Moreno

Sodwana Bay, South Africa, professional photographer Dori Moreno

Sodwana Bay, South Africa, professional photographer Dori Moreno

Sodwana Bay, South Africa, professional photographer Dori Moreno

Sodwana Bay, South Africa, professional photographer Dori Moreno

Sodwana Bay, South Africa, professional photographer Dori Moreno

Sodwana Bay, South Africa, professional photographer Dori Moreno

Sodwana Bay, South Africa, professional photographer Dori Moreno

Sodwana Bay, South Africa, professional photographer Dori Moreno

Sodwana Bay, South Africa, professional photographer Dori Moreno

Sodwana Bay, South Africa, professional photographer Dori Moreno

JHB carnival (Pale ya Rona) – anyone heard of it?

I woke up this morning excited at the prospect of a full day of appointments at my photography studio. As I listened to the news, I felt dismayed when I heard that most of the major roads in Sandton would be closed for most of the day for the carnival.

Carnival? What carnival? Since when have we had a carnival in Johannesburg? Slightly annoyed, I switched my laptop on and quickly Googled some information. I came across the website of the Department of Sport, Recreation, Arts and Culture and the information was confirmed. Sandton Drive, where my studio is situated, was to be closed to traffic for the day, leaving no way for my clients or I to access my studio.

A wave of mixed feelings came over me. The loss of income for the day is not just an annoyance, but for a small business like mine, it is a big deal. Now I had to find ways of accommodating my clients and trying to recover the lost business.  On the other hand, I felt intrigued and quite excited at the idea of JHB hosting its very own carnival.

Launched in 2005, the event has grown from 3000 participants to 17 000 in 2008. It is one of the main events proving to breakdown racial and cultural boundaries and bringing about social cohesion.

Visions of thousands of people reveling in the streets to the vibe of loud music, bright costumes and smiling faces immediately came to mind. I grabbed my camera and hit the street as soon as I heard the loud music outside my apartment.

The carnival is part of the Creative Industries Strategy which is aimed at developing the creative industries to contribute to economic growth, job creation, community development and urban regeneration. The event forms part of the Heritage month celebration.

The bulk of the parades were made up of school children. By the time they reached Grayston Drive where I was situated, it was obvious that they were tired and suffering from the heat. All they wanted to do was get to the end, Innisfree Park. Hoping for some better action and excitement, I walked up to the judging point, where all the participating parades did a little performance in the hope of being judged winners in a category.

I was saddened at the miniscule amount of spectators. A small stand had been erected on the sidewalk. Where were the thousands of people I had seen in my imagination? It seemed like such a pity that so much effort and cost (I believe in the region of  R7 million) was being so badly supported.

But then I realized that if I, who live and work in Sandton, knew nothing about the carnival, the same would apply to everyone else. Why such poor marketing, I asked myself.

I spent the majority of the day taking photos and being part of the carnival. I enjoyed the experience, but walked away disillusioned. What is the point of coming up with these great ideas and then not promoting them effectively to get the support and participation of the people?

I overheard and joined in the conversation with some officials discussing the problems they were experiencing and how they proposed to raise these concerns on their return to the office on Monday. I hope they do. And I hope they manage to substantially improve on the execution of a great event.

I, for one would like to look forward to a great carnival party in JHB every year. Wouldn’t you?

For more information on the Pale ya Rona carnival visit http://www.srac.gpg.gov.za

copyright Dori Moreno

copyright Dori Moreno

copyright Dori Moreno

Copyright Dori Moreno

copyright Dori Moreno

copyright Dori Moreno

copyright Dori Moreno

copyright Dori Moreno

copyright Dori Moreno

copyright Dori Moreno

copyright Dori Moreno

copyright Dori Moreno

copyright Dori Moreno

copyright Dori Moreno

The magic of children

I get to photograph a lot of children of all ages at the studio, and it is always such fun.

Don’t get me wrong. They are very hard work and challenging.

Little babies cry, need to eat, need nappies changed and decide to get grumpy for no reason. Toddlers have an attention span of about 3 nano seconds and do not sit still for one minute. Young children are hyperactive and play up. Older children become self conscious and shy.

So regardless of what age they are, photographing babies, toddlers and children is always great fun and you never know what you going to be up against.

However, what I love about kids is their spontaneity and their ability to express themselves. Whether they are excited, having fun, angry or grumpy they always express themselves without inhibition. I thrive on being able to capture their unique expressions and get really excited when parents comment on how I have managed to capture a unique expression or mannerism.

Photographs are an important process of documenting our passage through life. Time passes and memories fade quickly, so it’s important that we record as many moments as possible. Visit my website for more information.

Serious moment

Life is colourful

In the tub

teddy feast

What a big girl I am

Applying make up

August Special – New Studio

To celebrate the opening of my new photographic studio in Sandton, I am offering a fantastic special for the month of August.

Click here for more information. Please forward to friends and family who may be interested.

Photograph taken at Moreno photography and video studio

Umuzi Photo Club Exhibition – Johannesburg

I was invited to an exhibition in Johannesburg which I attended last night. The story about the exhibition is so impressive that I want to share it with you and urge you to attend and support this initiative.

This is the invitation I received, which is self explanatory in terms of what its all about.

Dori Moreno

I think its fantastic and I feel so proud to be South African and be associated with all the great things that are being done to uplift our nation. The guys behind this are pretty amazing individuals. To read about them click here.

Visit their webiste on http://umuziphotoclub.blogspot.com and read about their mission and objectives.

Below are some of the photos shown at the exhibition taken by the students. Hope you get to enjoy them just as much as I enjoyed my evening.

Umuzi Photo Club

Umuzi Photo Club

Umuzi Photo Club

Umuzi Photo Club

Umuzi Photo Club

Dori Moreno

Moreno Photography and Video – the new studio

This last month has been hectic. I finally took the plunge and decided to rent some space and open up a photographic studio. The “grand opening” this week was marred by a break-in and robbery on Sunday night. No damage was caused and only a large plasma screen TV and a some digital frames were taken. Looking on the bright side, I decided it was a good thing that this had happened before I had really started trading. Now the thieves know there is not much worth taking. Fortunately my cameras and computer equipment and not yet been moved in. They should have been a little more patient!

The studio is situated in the heart of Sandton at 112 Sandton Drive, Parkmore. Located directly opposite Ali Ponkles Baby and Maternity wear, it is in the ideal place for expectant and new mums to come have a photo shoot before or after the baby arrives whilst shopping for exquisite maternity wear and baby clothes. Visit the Ali Ponkles website at www.aliponkles.co.za.

A sunny courtyard provides a relaxing environment to sit and relax. The coffee shop facilities are perfect for baby showers, hen’s parties or team building events incorporating a fun photo shoot session.

Pop in for a visit if you are in the area or visit my website at www.dorimoreno.com for more information. I look forward to taking some special photos of you sometime soon.

Dori Moreno, studio

Dori Moreno, studio

Dori Moreno, Studio

Dori Moreno, studio

Dori Moreno, studio

Riding on the back of a bike

Recently, I went on an adventure.

By anyone’s standards I think a long weekend away as the only female amongst four ageing bikers can be termed an adventure. I joined the gang at the last minute and basically invited myself along. Having never been on a long distance trip on the back of the bike, I threw caution to the wind and decided there were worse things in life one could do.

I started to doubt my sanity when Andrew informed me he would pick me up at 06h20 exactly. Not a minute earlier or later. When I received the detailed excel spreadsheet detailing routes, mileage, and duration of pit stops, I almost phoned in sick. My stubborn streak stopped me from doing so and I kept reminding myself that if I could climb Kilimanjaro, I could do ANYTHING! And that includes spending 4 days on the back of a bike with four men, 3 of whom I had never met before.

I won’t go into the detail of the trip. Andrew has already outlined our route and given a summary of events. From my perspective though, all I can add is that it lives in my memory as one of the best experiences I have had to date.

There is something completely zen-like about sitting on the back of a bike relinquishing all control and power to the person you are holding onto for dear life. Cocooned in riding gear and helmet, I felt protected from all outside forces, but at the same time totally exposed and vulnerable to the elements and destiny. The wide open spaces of the landscape, passing by at speed, combined with the deep, neverending blue skies and the tar snaking it’s way seemingly endlessly in front of me, had such a hynotic effect on me that at times I felt my eyes closing involuntarily.

The male banter became part and parcel of the experience and I soon realised that the best form of defence was attack, so I joined in and didn’t hold back. That in itself was refreshing. Almost anything can be said to men on bikes with little repercussion other than getting some abuse back. To the team, thanks for a great experience and for making me feel so welcome.

Here are some photos taken with the little camera whilst sitting on the back of the bike. Again, the world viewed from a different angle. I think that has become my motto.

Bike ride, Dori Moreno

Bike Ride, Dori Moreno

Bike Ride, Dori Moreno

Bike Ride, Dori Moreno

Bike ride, Dori Moreno

Bike ride, Dori Moreno

Bike Ride, Dori Moreno

Bike ride, Dori Moreno

Bike ride, Dori Moreno

Bike ride, Dori Moreno

Bike ride, Dori Moreno

Bike ride, Dori Moreno

A tale of 3 Dorps! (Barberton, Simunye, Memel) by Andrew Brown

Day 1: Saturday 13th June
Johannesburg – Barberton 291km

A puddle of despair started forming under the rear shaft drive seal of my GS1150. Having cleared out of Johannesburg and half way to our first night’s destination we now had to deal with a terminal oil leak. An eventful morning had passed due to mist and deviations off the N12 onto the N4 and the burst seal. The planned 4 day trip was starting to take the shape of a pear.
After final assessment of the oil leak under the shade at Millie’s parking lot, we decided to pursue with the trip via hastily arranging a motorcycle and the caring love of family to deliver the spare bike (Moto Guzzi) to us at Millie’s outside of Machadadorp. With nothing better to do and time pressing forward, we retreated to the restaurant, ordered a round of beers, some burgers and settled down to watch the Lions/Irish slaughter the Stormer’s.

Pit stop in the mist and cold

Having consumed lunch and with beers in hand, it was time to build camaraderie. We were a 5 member team consisting of Rod on his Moto Guzzi, Michael on his brand new F800GS, Rex on his Transalp and myself & Dori now having had to switch out to a GS1100.

Beautiful colours - sunset at Millys

With the arrival of the rescue squad we exchanged pleasantries and gave a quick update of our progress or lack thereof and then switched bikes. Our journey now continued in the dark as it was well after 7pm. The road from Machadadorp to Barberton was in excellent condition with the new pass “Hilltop” resembling a fantasy runway littered with red and white cats eyes. The ride was taken at a slow pace due to the darkness and our unfamiliarity with the road.

Millys Pub

Arriving at Miners Retreat, 11km out of Barberton on the Kaapmuiden road, was a welcome relief. We arrived ravenous and thirsty after having dodged stray dogs and other animals that glow at you in the dark. Sadly the kitchen had closed prior to our arrival at 930, but unconcerned we filled up on cold beer, biltong and Simba Chips. Diggers Retreat boasts a famous pub so any excuse was used  to chill away a few hours in the pub.

The warmth of Barberton and the hospitality of Mark from Diggers gave welcome relief to the cold snap that we had left behind in Johannesburg. Looking up at clear skies on the way to our bedroom made the challenges of the day evaporate into the stillness of the bush.

Day 2: Sunday 14th June
Digger Retreat – Simunye (Swaziland) 332km

After a traditional breakfast feast, it was back to the saddle and another day of open roads, good humor and the African bush.
We decided to alter the route and redo Hilltop pass, via Barberton and then a mystic pass called Boulders off the N4 on the Mara turnoff before rejoining the N4 and heading towards Kaapmuiden and onto our first border crossing at Jeppes Reef.
Hilltop pass was a great call, what wasn’t a great call was our ability to anticipate the petrol stops. With 2 bikes fuel lights glowing we put in a quick stop at Kanyamazane to fill up. Then off to Boulders Pass which is the old pass between Kaapmuiden and Nelspruit. This was biking Africa at its best.

My reflection on the Moto Guzzi tank

A narrow, sharp curvy desolate road through African bush – more was to follow. After the kick backs and sweeps of Boulders it was onto Kaapmuiden and then Jeppes Reef. The roads again were in fantastic condition allowing us to burn away valve carbon. The RSA/Swazi border was a dream with friendly helpful officials on both sides making our passage very pleasant and in keeping with the stress free break. Added to this the border post and toilets on the South African side were in  immaculate condition. The road from Jeppes Reef to Mbabane lacked a straight level stretch allowing for all the cornering & braking skills to come into play. A stunning stretch of road which left us all pumped as we turned left on the M3 towards Mbabane. We skirted Mbabane and Manzini and pressed onto Simunye Country Club on the North Eastern border with Mozambique. An uneventful day of pleasurable riding rounded off with a few beers and delightful meal. Accommodation at Simunye Country club was spacious and clean, the ideal venue for a summer trip considering the large pool. Lying back in bed and enjoying the flash backs of the days riding I felt blessed that we have such a beautiful free country where you can ride for miles on uninterrupted  pristine tar.

The boys at Simunye Country Club

Day 3 June 15th
Simunye – Memel  489km

A warm humid day greeted us. Whilst the Swazi’s were off to work we were packing our bikes. A long day in the saddle traversing the length of the Swaziland / Mozambique border and then turning right at Big Bend and tracking northwards towards Piet Retief. The Swazi landscape after Manzini opens up to rolling hills and huge flat plains with large sugar cane estates.

Stopping on the road

The roads were in excellent condition and sparsely populated. Apart from the occasional herd of cows, goats and groups pedestrians the roads were largely desolate.

Each place to stop most stunning than the next

Although we travelled within the speed limit at no time did we feel that iGoli “Road Rage” creep upon us. Swaziland is litter free with excellent roads. All too sudden we arrived at the Nhlangano border post. Again a swift transit and we were off to Piet Retief and lunch. Entering Piet Retief we were given a warm South African welcome. The townsfolk’s were demonstrating about poor delivery, nepotism, blah blah blah – hell we on holiday – whatever!!. Skirting the “Happy People” we headed up to the local Spur on the Ermelo road to refuel  and replenish our reserves before the long stretch to Volksrust. Clearing Piet Retief the road opened up to rolling hills and golden grass lands. Although just 115km between the two towns we did the stretch at a leisurely pace stopping occasionally for camaraderie breaks and photo opportunities.

Late afternoon light

A strange phenomenon started to occur from our first camaraderie break which I had initially failed to notice but was now picking up on the pattern. Mike gets off his bike and hangs his helmet off a foot peg, grabs his phone & a camel and calls his wife – hey darling how you?  Before we saddle up he repeats the process – hey darling how you?

The bikes

Rex gets off, unpacks his luggage & then repacks. Dori goes off to mark territory and I check the gps and give all and sundry an unsolicited update and km travelled and km to go. Won’t mention what Rod gets up to as I may need his bike in the future.
Entering Volksrust was like a Chinese brothel on payday. For a Monday afternoon the centre of town was packed as the following day was Youth Day. After refueling and going through the same camaraderie routine we headed off to Memel. Don’t speed anywhere near Newcastle, the cops are vigilant and aggressive. A friendly wave is greeted with a blank expression. The best part of Newcastle was exiting towards Memel up Botha’s pass. Realizing this was the last pass and our last night put a slight damper on the last stretch.

Open road and mountain passes

However enter Memel hotel and the friendly Chris, Nic & ???. A true bikers retreat. We drop off our bags and head off to the pub to slaughter a few beers and tuck into a steak. This being the last evening, the fines committee assembled & deliberated. Rod (self appointed committee) then proceeded to pass judgment and  handed out numerous fines for misdemeanors of varying nature and acts of silliness.

Church in Memel

I climb into bed that evening with mixed feelings. Its the end for all intents and purposes of an adventurous trip, with the usual good humor & camaraderie that goes with any bike trip. Feeling the evening chill of the Highveld and remembering back to the warmth of Barberton and Swaziland made me want to just turn the bike and head off down to the eastern parts again.

The pub in the Memel Hotel

Day 4 June 16th (Youth Day)
Memel – Johannesburg 268km

Turn & Burn – the road out of Memel was not in great shape – but nothing special to write about. Due to the cold we added a few extra camaraderie breaks with the usual routines or acts of madness. Finally getting onto the N3 iGoli bound allowed the mind to wander on this long drag strip.
Where did all these cars come from? Why is this road so straight? Why am I going home? – added to this, we were getting a huge cross wind making the riding very unpleasant. We had not ridden a straight boring road in 3 days, what happened to all the twists & turns, the warm humid weather and the long rolling hills.

Guess we were on the road home.

The perfect end to a perfect trip

All photographs taken by Dori Moreno

New Exhibition in Johannesburg by Martin Osner

Victoria Falls – Zambia

The Victoria Falls were discovered by David Livingstone in 1855, and named after Queen Victoria. The falls are referred to as “the smoke that thunders” because of the spray sent up high into the air by the falling water. They are one of the seven natural wonders of the world and a “must see” for anyone with an appetite for travel and excitement.

The Zambezi River rages 300 metres below the falls and offers top grade white water rafting experiences. Thrill seekers have an amazing range of options to choose from including bungee jumping off, until recently the highest bungee jump in the world, helicopter flights, or preferably a microlight flight which really exposes you to the elements and leaves you with a sense of awe, wonder and an adrenalin rush to boot!

Microlight flight over Victoria Falls

The sunsets experienced on the cruises up the river are too magnificent to even try to describe in words.

Sunset along the banks of the River

The Royal Livingstone Hotel offers 5 star acommodation and service. Indulge in a full body massage as you lie in a gazebo along the banks of the river whilst listening to the thundering roar of the falls. Definitely one the most heavenly experiences and highly recommended.

Royal Livingstone Hotel

Anyone visiting Southern Africa should include a visit to Victoria Falls. There is so much to do and the experience will leave you energised, enthralled and wanting more.

Natural wonder

Voting for a better South Africa

Yesterday, millions of South Africans made their way to the voting stations all over the country to cast their vote and have their say. I decided to get up early in the morning and go out to one of the informal settlements to capture some of the activity taking place.

The day dawned overcast and slightly cold. Winter is definitely on it’s way. I wondered how this would affect the voting statistics and if people would opt to remain indoors, snug and warm. However, as the day moved along at it’s steady pace, the sun warmed everyone up and people flowed out onto the streets.

After voting, people went back and resumed their normal day to day activities. Collecting water from one of the few taps was the priority many seemed to focus on. The children, completely unaware that their future was in the hands of South Africans on this day, went about playing and laughing as usual.

I wanted to capture the mood and feeling amongst the people, as well as record another historic moment. These are the third democratic elections taking place in our rainbow nation since Nelson Mandela was elected President in 1994. So much has happened in this country since then. So many challenges have been faced and won, but the struggle is not yet over.

However, I have no doubt in my mind that if we stand united as proud South Africans and do everything we can for this country, we will all reap the rewards and benefits of this incredible and unique place we all call home.

Enjoy the pictures! I certainly enjoyed taking them.

IEC advertisement

Colourful drum

Through the fence

Voting day activity

Dogs are welcome

Standing in line

Of all ages

ANC posters

Waiting and watching

Through the circle

Informal Settlement – Johannesburg

Collecting water

Young children

Water barrow

At home

Life in the moment

I have not written a blog in a while. I have not felt particularly inspired and have resisted the temptation to write for the sake of writing.

However, tonight I feel I must push myself to write something. Sometimes I have something I want to say and use photos to enhance the writing. Other times I look at photographs and think of something to write about them. This blog falls into the latter classification.

I look at my photographs often. I look for new things in them and relive the memory of taking the picture. I try to recall what I was thinking or feeling at the time of pressing the shutter and I ask myself if that feeling has somehow come through in the photograph.

For this blog I have selected four photographs. The only similarity between them all is that they are of people in the moment. That means that there is no posing or pre-meditative thought. In fact, the people concerned are unaware that the photograph has been taken. It is one of my favorite types of photography. Capturing moments as people go about expressing themselves and living life second by second.

Child on the beach, Dori Moreno, professional photographer

This photograph was taken on a beach in Cape Town. This child was having a great time running along on the rocks. His innocent childlike freedom, joy and exuberance just oozes out of him. There is deliberate in camera blur to enhance the feeling of movement and excitement. The shadow on the rocks symbolises that he is not alone. He shares his fun and joy openly and the world can revel in it.

Monastery in Spain, Dori Moreno, professional photographer

In contrast, this photograph is about peace and serenity. This young lady takes some time during a busy sightseeing day to sit down on the stone bench at the monastery to browse through a leaflet or magazine. Her relaxed posture indicates that she is at ease and in her own world. The cap lying low over her eyes further enhances the sense of “sanctuary” she has created for herself. From a composition point of view, the stone ledge leads you straight to her. Then the journey continues deeper into the picture allowing you to take in the resplendent arches and pillars before starting down the leading line towards her again.

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African farmworker, Dori Moreno, professional photographer

This colourful, bright photograph was taken at a working farm just outside Johannesburg, South Africa. We arrived early in the morning, just in time to capture the farm workers arriving on trucks to start their day working the fields. Although they lead a difficult life, these ladies were upbeat and happy. South Africa truly is a rainbow nation.

Motor bikers, Dori Moreno, professional photographer

During a trip to Spain. I watched this scene unfold. Early on a Sunday morning, these bikers had met and were getting ready to go on their ride. An elderly gentleman sat and watched them and stayed in that spot until they had ridden off. Only once you could no longer hear the roar of the bikes engines, did he get up and leave. When looking at this photograph, so many questions pop into my head. Who is he? How old? Did he ever ride a bike? The gentleman showed no emotion or expression, but he did not take his eyes off the bikers for one second. He was totally enraptured with a part of life that he could no longer participate in.

Earth Hour – Johannesburg

Last night, millions of people from this planet voted “Earth” and switched off their lights for an hour.

In Johannesburg, South Africa, the Nelson Mandela Square was the place to be if you wanted to participate and show solidarity towards saving planet Earth.

Nelson Mandela Square, Dori Moreno

Hundreds of people gathered with candles and waited patiently for the lights to be switched off at 8.30pm (local time) and for the party to begin.

Earth Hour candle, Dori Moreno

Everyone sang and danced to the soulful sounds of African music. The hour lasted for what seemed like only a few minutes, and it was clear that everyone wanted the dark and the fun to last for a much longer time. Children celebrated and sang along, and it is my hope that the adults had taken the necessary time to explain to them the importance of this event and the responsibility we all share to preserve our world.

Earth Hour, Dori Moreno

To view more photos taken around the world during Earth Hour, click here.

Earth Hour, Dori Moreno

Looking Back

Dori Moreno - professional wedding photographer

Sharks in Deep trouble

If you care about our planet, about animals, about conservation, about anything to do with being a decent human being, then click on this link and watch this video right through to the end.

Sharks in Deep trouble

Send this blog to friends and family. The more people that watch it and are made aware of what we are doing to this planet, the better chance we have of changing and stopping our evil ways.

Our seas are home to the most exquisite creatures as evidenced in this great photograph of a manta ray taken by Cormac McCreesh. Let’s respect and preserve them and everything else on our planet.

Manta Ray, Cormac McCreesh, underwater photographer

Read the latest edition, due out on 1 April of African Diver to catch up on the latest news of our underwater world.

Battered boats

Harbours hold a certain fascination for me.  My imagination runs wild and a myriad stories and adventures run rampant in my mind. I have probably watched too many pirate movies and read one too many stories relating to the sea, but I imagine all sorts of amazing characters and lives intertwined in the lives and stories of the vessels they have sailed.

There are many photographic opportunities too. Everything including shadows, reflections, textures, landscapes, seascapes, portraits and many more can be found here.

In December I spent some time on holiday in Cape Town. No trip to a seaside city would be complete without some photographs of boats. Here are a few from that trip.

Albatross, ship wreck, Dori Moreno, Professional photographer

Boat, Dori Moreno, professional photographer

Portholes, Dori Moreno, professional photographer

Rope, Dori Moreno, professional photography

Wreck, Dori Moreno, professional photographer

Cape Town, Dori Moreno, professional photographer

Thaba Ya Bruce and Alyson

Anyone brave enough to challenge Alyson and her wedding plans would have been in serious trouble. So everyone and everything went according to plan. Even the JHB weather………. Read More

Dori Moreno, wedding photography

More flare and some other stuff too

I have already posted a Blog and some photos about flare and how much I enjoy taking these photographs. I was in Port Elizabeth on a photos4africa assignment yesterday, and found some time to take photos incorporating a lot of my favorite elements. Flare, shapes, shadows and architectural design.

These are my 3 favorite photos taken on my little adventure with my camera.

Flare on the window shadow, Dori Moreno, professional photographer

Flare on no entry sign, Dori Moreno, professional photographer

Flare on a building, Dori Moreno, professional photographer

Twice over

Not so long ago, photos4africa photographed the wedding of Dimitri and Marcelle.

We photograph weddings often and believe it or not, every wedding is different. Dimitri and Marcelle chose to honour their different religions and held a Catholic and a Greek orthodox ceremony on their wedding day………. Read more

King of the ocean

One of my favorite photos taken at Pemba Island, Tanzania (close to Zanzibar island).

It’s peaceful and full of mood.

Dhow, Pemba island, Dori Moreno, professional photographer

Hanging out

It’s time to hang out. To see and be seen. Watch this blog for updates on the life of a professional photographer. Experience the world through my camera lenses.

Sandton session

I live in Sandton. I shop in Sandton. I travel and drive around Sandton all the time. But I never photograph Sandton. So I chose an afternoon and Cormac and I went off to spend some time looking at a little area of Sandton thru the lens. This is what I saw.

Camera Club Gold

Most Monday evenings you will find me at the Camera Club of Johannesburg meetings. I joined the club 3 or 4 years ago, and have derived a great deal of knowledge, feedback, frustration, joy and friendship as a member of the club over these years.

The club has a rating system. You present your pictures, they get judged and you move up the ranks.

Currently I am at 4 star level (5 star being the highest – Master level), and need another 2 entries to be given a “gold” to be able to move up to 5 star.

I entered these two pictures last night and got ‘golds’ for them. I was quite surprised because they are quite different. But nonetheless i am feeling very chuffed with myself today.

Dori Moreno, Spain, Ronda

Dori Moreno, Spain

African skies

I walked out onto my balcony (I live in Sandton as you already know) and this is what I witnessed.

Our African skies are the most amazing, incredible of any skies I have ever seen anywhere in the world. And I have travelled quite extensively, so I know skies!!!!

Hanging Out

In Europe space is very limited. Washing hanging on wash lines on balconies and roof tops are a very common sight. I came across this bundle of washing drying in the harsh Spanish sun and could not resist taking the photos, but only once I had recovered from the giggles!

Dori Moreno, Spain

Theme of shadows

I spend quite a lot of time looking through my photos. I like to group or create themes from them. They take on a completely different look when they are presented as one unified theme. Like this example of three different photos of shadows.

Dori Moreno, shadows

Doors, windows and arches

Soon after doing my fine art photography course, I travelled to Spain and Portugal. It was an amazing experience to see things with “newly acquired” eyes. I recall feeling as if I were seeing things for the very first time. Instead of seeing the full picture, I found I was focussing on the details. Isolating things and really taking in the detail and beauty. I came back with a collection of photos predominantly of doors, windows and arches. Over the years, I have continued to look for and photograph this kind of detail. Here is a selection of these type of photos taken through the years.

Dori Moreno, Spain

Dori Moreno, Spain

Dori moreno, Portugal

Dori Moreno, Oxford

Dori Moreno, Spain

Dori Moreno, London

Dori Moreno, Portugal

Dori Moreno, Spain

Dori Moreno, Spain

Dori Moreno, Spain

You can’t always cut it

Last night was Camera Club night again.  I submitted 2 images that I like but sort of, kinda know are not the best. Anyhow, I like to get feedback on my images and hear what people think of them, so I often submit stuff so that I can learn and improve. After all, that’s what a club is for as far as I am concerned. For people with a common interest to get together and learn from each others knowledge and experience.

So, I submitted these two images and got a silver for each, which is basically a nice way of the Club saying that they not very good.

What do you think?

Dori Moreno, Barcelona, Spain

Dori Moreno, Spain, Vespa

Sometimes straight

My friend Sandy says that my photos are always at an angle. She has a point. Many of them are. It’s something I just do when I take photos. I don’t even think about it anymore, it just happens subconsciously. Which is odd cause generally I am quite a straight forward, the world is not grey but black and white kind of person. So maybe this is my way of acknowledging that life is just somewhat off centre.

But just to prove that I do sometimes see the world like most people do, here is a perfectly straight and simple image.

Point of view

Everything in life depends on your point of view. It’s a cliche, but like most cliches, it’s true. Attitude to the way we perceive things is what makes the difference.

Photography reminds me of this on an ongoing basis. There is something to be seen in everything. Even the most mundane landscape or object holds somethings of interest. It’s about looking for it, seeing it, perceiving it, even feeling it.

Dori Moreno, Lamps, Spain

Sometimes I just see things. They jump out at me and it fills me with an immense sense of excitement. Other times I take the photo spontaneously, and only see something in it much later when I spend time working on it on the computer. Many, many times I spend a long time looking for something to see, and almost always in this case, I walk away disappointed because it eludes me.

Whatever the process, to see something and feel inspired to photograph it is always a rewarding experience. And knowing that if a million people look at the same thing, there will be a million different views of it, is just unbelievable. That’s why I know that I always see things in my own unique way. Well that’s what I like to believe anyway!

Dori Moreno, Spain, building detail

High style at The Hyatt

Spending a Saturday at The Hyatt is something I don’t normally do, but this Saturday was different. Nico and Karin celebrated their wedding amongst close friends and family in high style at this luxurious venue, and photos4africa were there to capture the story of the day on camera….. read more

Reviving two passions

As days go by we get ourselves into a rut and in negative mind frames. This is a common affliction affecting most of us living in big cities in South Africa. With all the aggression, crime and negative news that we are exposed to every second of every day, it’s a miracle that any of us find the energy or enthusiasm to get out of bed in the morning……. read more

Getting to the top

Kilimanjaro has been on my personal “to do” list for a long time now. At last the time has come to conquer the highest free standing mountain in the world and the tallest peak of Africa.

On 15 January 2009, my friends Warren, Sarah and I will start our journey and embark on what will hopefully be one of the greatest challenges of our lives. The excitement and anticipation is building, but combined with that is the trepidation, fear and doubt. Thoughts creep into my head when I least expect them to. I will be singing along merrily and loudly and suddenly, whack, – what if i don’t get to the top? What if I feel so sick I can’t even make it anywhere near to the top? What if I hate it and want to come back the minute I get there? What if, what if, what if?????

So i start the positive self talk. “Don’t be ridiculous. Of course you will make it. And you will most definitely enjoy it. In fact, you are going to love and relish every minute of it. And so on, and so on, and so on….

Combined with this almost constant state of excitement and anxiety, I also have to listen to EVERYONE else and their views on the matter. Either from first hand experience having done the hill themselves, or from people who know someone who knows someone who has a friend that did it.

And so the conversation goes…

Me: I am doing Kilimanjaro in January next year

OP (other person): Why you doing that?

Me: Erm, because I have always wanted to and I think it will be a great experience

OP: Well I know someone who did it and got terrible diarrhea on the second day

Me: Wow, that sounds awful

OP: Yeah, and that’s not all. They started hallucinating too

Me: Gee, that’s really not good

OP: And they tripped and sprained their ankle and had to be rushed down the mountain. I really don’t know why you want put yourself through something like that

Me: Well, I am not really expecting that to happen to me. I know it will be tough, but hopefully I will have a great experience all round

OP: Yeah well, good luck to you. Rather you than me.

And that is exactly the point. Rather me. Lucky me!!

I will be posting regular updates on my “journey” to, on and beyond Kilimanjaro. Your views, comments, and sharing of similar experiences are needed and wanted.

My favorite cycling spot

There is a magical place, north of JHB. It’s a place where the cows roam and have right of way. Where the fish eagles look down from their lofty perch and the giant heron play hide and seek in the bull rushes. It’s a place where owls catch prey in the late afternoon and where the sun shines fiercely and plays shadowy games in the early morning light.

It is this place that I count the days for. Because it is here that I love to experience the freedom, the thrill, the excitement of riding my mountain bike.

You want to know this special place?

Dori Moreno, cycling, North Farm, adventure, mountain biking

Diversity is such fun

One of the greatest challenges facing mankind is the diversity of languages, cultures, opinions and thoughts that exists amongst humans. Wars run rampant because of religious differences. We kill and maim each other because our belief systems are different. Peace to our world will only ever occur if we learn to accept that these differences are OK. That we should welcome them because they make our lives fuller and more interesting.

One of the things I love most about being a professional photographer, is the diversity of people and cultures I come across. One week I could be taking photographs at a Roman Catholic wedding, and the next I will be photographing a Jewish boy celebrating his Bar Mitzvah.

Dori Moreno, Bar Mitzvah, professional photography

In South Africa, we certainly have no shortage of diversity. Just taking into account the 13 official languages will give you some idea of this. Throw into the melting pot Italians, Portuguese, Greek, South Americans, Indian, Chinese, just to mention a few and one can see how much diversity is part of our everyday existence in this rainbow nation.

Professional photography, african, photos

I believe that this exposure to diversity makes me a better person. Regardless of religion, ethnic group or cultural upbringing, my experience is that people want to live a peaceful, happy existence. And this understanding keeps me positive and focused on creating a better world for us all to live in.

Dori Moreno, professional photographer, greek orthodox

Mediterranean Medley

Every once in a while we at photos4africa get to do a wedding so incredibly full of love and energy that it feeds us and maintains us for months on end. Yesterday was such a wedding. Fabio is Italian and Joanna is Greek. That should say it all!……. Read more

Seeing more

I have often pondered what photography is about.  I have read many books, heard lots of opinions, and of course there isn’t just one answer. So rather than try and find the answer through others, I have put the question to myself and left it. One day I may just get it. But right now I am enjoying the process of pondering.

I have thought that photography is about technique. About capturing a moment in time.  About awareness. But today, in writing this blog I think one of the many things that photography is about, is seeing more. Now this is different to seeing differently. One has to see things before they can be seen differently. But you have to “see” first.

So whenever I am on a photographic assignment, be it a wedding, a baby shoot, or documenting an event, I am constantly on the lookout. Looking so that I can see more. Sometimes I feel like a scanner. My eyes are roving around all the time, taking in hundreds of things, my mind processing loads of opportunities.

This last Saturday, whilst taking photos of Joanna getting ready, I was down on the floor (to get a different angle) taking photos of her dress hanging up against the large sliding windows of her hotel room. I was focused on the dress when suddenly out of the corner of the viewfinder, I spotted Joanna reflected in the glass. She was oblivious to the fact that I had her in my camera view. I waited for her to turn around and snapped the picture.

I always get a thrill when I take a photo like this. I don’t care that it may not turn out to be a great photo. I don’t really care that once taken, I and others may not like it. I do care that I have seen something more. Something that no one else has seen at that specific moment. And its my decision whether to click the shutter and capture that instant. Its my decision to share that instant with you on this blog.

Dori Moreno, professional wedding photographer

Dori Moreno, professional wedding photographer

It’s not only about the equipment

Whenever we have a wedding assignment coming up, we at photos4africa do a venue site visit the week leading up to the wedding. The benefits are many but mostly it gives us an opportunity to familiarise ourselves with the venue and plan a little for the big day. The couple put so much time and planning into their big day, we only think it fair that we do our share of it too.

This week we went out to Velmore in Centurion, and I took along my little Canon Powershot camera just to get some shots for reference once back at the office. They really are just record shots that we take so that we can study the angles, lighting and so on.

So it came as a big surprise when I got back to the office and downloaded the photos, to come across this one. I remember taking it spontaneously. As it happened, I saw it and took the photo. I doubt it’s something we will be able to use for the wedding, but I really like the play of light and shadows. The silhouette of the figure.

Dori Moreno, professional photographer

It goes to show that an interesting photograph can be taken with any camera. It’s not just about the equipment, but about what we see and are prepared to experiment with. Note however, that the camera was set to manual mode which gave me the control needed to take this photograph.

If you are a budding photographer, do not be afraid to experiment. The beauty of digital is that it doesn’t cost anything to play around and have fun doing so. I know there will be many pleasant surprises for you along the way if you take this approach to photography.

In and around Johannesburg

It always amazes me how when we travel abroad, we carry our cameras with us non stop and photograph everything. We photograph ourselves in front of buildings, on public transport, eating at various restaurants, walking down the street or just standing around doing very little. We document every second so that when we return home we have something we can look at to relive that experience.

Looking through my photographs and thinking of what to write on this blog, I trawled through the many folders under my “places of the world” folder. I have hundreds of photos to choose from, from many places in the world. Spain, Indonesia, Portugal, England, Italy, Budapest, Prague just to mention a few. Yes, I am fortunate and have travelled extensively. But then, I wondered how many photos I have to choose from if I wanted to write something about the city I have lived in since I was 5 years old. That’s 37 years of living in this city. Let me tell you that it’s nowhere near the amount of photos I have of every other country I have been to.

It seems to me then, that we only take photographs, document snippets of our lives when we do something different, something we deem to be interesting. By default, that means we find the bulk of our lives mundane and uninteresting. Not worth photographing. Nothing we see or experience in the cities we choose to live in holds much interest for us.

I have chosen these photographs taken in and around Johannesburg to show the diversity of interesting places, buildings, people and nature that surrounds us. From now on I choose to take note. I don’t want to ignore the city I love and choose to live in any longer.

Dori Moreno, Professional photographer, Johannesburg

Dori Moreno, Professional photographer, Johannesburg

Dori Moreno, professional photographer, Johannesburg

Dori Moreno, professional photographer, Johannesburg

Dori Moreno, professional photographer, Johannesburg

Dori Moreno, professional photographer, Johannesburg

Dori Moreno, professional photographer, Johannesburg

Dori Moreno, professional photographer, Johannesburg

Dori Moreno, professional photographer, Johannesburg

Dori Moreno, professional photographer, Johannesburg

Dori Moreno, professional photographer, Johannesburg

Dori Moreno, professional photographer, Johannesburg

Helping yourself to my photos

I went into my blog stats today and had a look at the referring sites. I clicked onto one of the sites that I didn’t recognise (http://southafrica.to/provinces/Gauteng/towns/Johannesburg/Johannesburg.htm) and was amazed to find that they had used 3 of my photos from my “In and around Johannesburg” blog.

I am horrified. Someone has taken my photographs and used them for their own gain and benefit. I am grateful that they have had the decency to credit me for the photographs and that they link back to my blog. However, these photographs are being used without my permission, knowledge or consent. I mean, what’s the difference between that and someone walking into my house, taking one of my photographs hanging on my wall and putting it up on their wall??

I am professional photographer. I earn my living by taking photos. It’s what I do. These are a result of my creative talent and hard work. If you want some of it, you pay for it. It’s that simple!!

I wonder how many sites are up and running with “stolen” material. It’s so easy to trawl the web, set up RSS feeds and searches and take whatever is needed without the owner knowing anything about it. A copyright notice on your site or next to your photographs is also not going to prevent this from happening.

Millions of people are posting photographs on the web. Photos of their babies, their young children, personal family photos to share with friends and loved ones. The bottom line is that those photographs are out there for anyone to use, sometimes with bad intent. Have you ever wondered where your photos can land up on the web?

So does this mean I must stop posting photos on my blog? I have thought long and hard about it and for now, I want to continue to share my work, my passion, with the millions of decent, upstanding human beings in this world. I refuse to give in to thieves and thugs and let them rule my life. I willingly take this risk.

Please share your views on this issue by adding comments. I am interested to know what your views are.

15 of the best with Darryn and Nicolette

On Monday this week I took over 1 000 photographs. You guessed it… We did a wedding. Another 10 hours with my cameras attached to my hands enjoying every moment of what I love doing.

photos4africa were commissioned quite some time ago by Darryn and Nicolette to do their wedding. They loved our style, they said, and wanted fun, natural, un-posed photographs. What a dream couple! We couldn’t have asked for more.

With this in mind, my mind was whirling and the creative ideas were fighting for first place. I loved every minute of the day because we were presented with so many great opportunities to meet their request.

I looked through my photographs and selected the 15 I like the most. They may not be the most funky or out of the ordinary, but they my favorite ones.

Here they are. Enjoy!

Dori Moreno, wedding photographer

Dori Moreno, wedding photographer

Dori Moreno, wedding photographer

Dori Moreno, wedding photographer

Dori Moreno, wedding photographer

Dori Moreno, wedding photographer

Dori Moreno, wedding photographer

Dori Moreno, wedding photographer

Dori Moreno, wedding photographer

Dori Moreno, wedding photographer

Dori Moreno, wedding photographer

Dori Moreno, wedding photographer

Dori Moreno, wedding photographer

Dori Moreno, wedding photographer

Dori Moreno, wedding photographer

Clarens in December

Clarens is an artists haven. It is situated close to Lesotho and is based at the doorstep of the Golden Gate National Park. Crisp blue skies, puffs and streaks of white clouds, mountains in every direction, lots of water in the form of rivers and dams, creates a truly splendid landscape that many painters aim to capture on their canvases.

My eldest sister is visiting from Spain over Xmas and so we decided to go away for the weekend and spend some time together in Clarens. I have never been here before, but have heard a lot about it and seen loads of photographs.

Today we spent the morning browsing and shopping at the multitude of shops in this not so sleepy hollow. After lunch, we made our way towards Fouriesburg, for a change in scenery and also to visit what is probably the most photographed and painted dam in the Orange Free State. When we drove right past it without a second glance, I was intrigued and couldn’t wait to see what people spend hours here for.

The dam is on private property, but the owners welcome and encourage visitors. We decided to settle down for a while to let the sun sink a little lower in the sky and to listen and watch the abundant bird life here. The longer I stayed, I began to understand what attracts people here. No painting or photograph can do it justice. It’s a magical place.

Dori Moreno, professional photographer

Dori Moreno, professional photographer

Dori Moreno, professional photographer

Dori Moreno, professional photographer

Dori Moreno, professional photographer

Dori Moreno, professional photographer

Dori Moreno, professional photographer

Dori Moreno, professional photographer

Dori Moreno, professional photographer

Dori Moreno, professional photographer

Dori Moreno, professional photographer

Dori Moreno, professional photographer

Dori Moreno, professional photographer

Dori Moreno, professional photographer

Dori Moreno, professional photographer

On the eve of Christmas

It’s 9am in South Africa and I am sitting at one of my favorite, best making cappuccino places in Johannesburg. The streets are quiet, the few people that are here are very obviously in a relaxed, holiday mood.

At midnight tonight I will be with my family opening the many gifts we have spoilt each other with. Yet Christmas time is always a lonely time for me. A strange melancholic feeling sets in and I cannot shake it off.

Maybe it’s the thoughts in my head of the many people who don’t have family to share this time with. Maybe it’s the amount of time I spend with family and friends and the amount of love and giving that goes on. Maybe it’s the feeling of another year coming to an end and all the reflection and analysis of the past year. It’s probably a combination of all these and more things that makes Christmas time a bitter sweet event for me.

I will be flying to Cape Town just after Christmas, for a week break with some good friends and their children. I am looking forward to spending this time with them. To the simplicity and carefree days in the company of young humans. They have a way of simplifying and healing me that I cannot find elsewhere. I hope to return in the New Year feeling invigorated, refreshed and ready for the challenge facing me on Kilimanjaro.

I wish all of you a carefree, happy Christmas time. Wherever you are and with whomever you are, remember that you hold a special place on this planet.

Merry Christmas!!!!

Dori Moreno, professional photographer

Cape Town by the sea

Yesterday I flew down to Cape Town to spend a week here with some friends. They have come down from Johannesburg for a three week holiday, together with their young daughter and son. There are no plans to do anything other than relax, enjoy the sand and the sea, and relax some more.

Contrary to normal behaviour, I have left my lenses and cameras at home and have brought only my little point and shoot digital Canon camera with me. This doesn’t mean that I don’t plan on taking good photos. It merely means that I must learn to work within the cameras limits and to maximise the benefit of not being cluttered with heavy equipment.

Yesterday, shortly after arriving in Cape Town, we drove down to the beach for a breath of sea air. It was very windy and quite chilly, but Sarah loved it nonetheless and she had to be dragged away an hour later.

Sarah looking for shells

On the way home, I noticed an architectural design that I liked, took the picture and then edited it slightly on Photoshop.

Cape Town architecture

In the late afternoon light I was becoming increasingly aware of the play of light and shadows. I was absolutely delighted when I noticed the shadow of the figure of Jesus on the cross in this photo below. If one looks at the shadow alone, you would be hard pressed to know that this is not of a “real”person. The fact that the electricity lines run right across it, gives the picture an added dimension, something else to make the viewer think.

Cross and shadow

Later on at home, we were gifted with a glorious sunset which is always deserving of a photograph. Of course, I had to include some other element, in this case the house windows and I thought it would add some dimension if taken at an angle.

Sunset over Noordhoek beach

On my Kilimanjaro training walk this morning, I noticed this lake with some stranded boats on the banks of it. It looked picture perfect and I thought “why not?” So I took the picture perfect picture incorporating some reflections from the water.

Boat on the lakeside

Finally, at the beach this morning, I could not resist the perfect combination of pink and blue that this picture provided.

Pink and blue make the prettiest picture

One and a bit days into my holiday I have already taken sunset, children, beach, architecture and boat photos. It’s going to be a challenge to find something new and interesting to photograph every day, but its a challenge I embrace. After all, I have to keep myself busy with something whilst on holiday!!

Two Oceans Aquarium

Today I visited the Two Oceans Aquarium in Cape Town with my friend Belinda and her two children, Sarah and Ryan. I had been to the aquarium soon after it opened and was looking forward to visiting it again. Mainly, I was most interested in the reaction of the children and wanted to try and experience it from their point of view.

As an avid underwater diver, I am familiar with many of the wonderful creatures found in our oceans and seas around the world. I was amazed at how much knowledge I had gathered over the years about this magnificent world as Sarah pointed out and asked questions that I knew the answers to.

On entering the aquarium, I immediately felt huge sadness for the creatures that were caged in tanks. The same feelings of annoyance that I experience when I visit any zoo threatened to overwhelm me, and I had to remind myself that places like this play a crucial role in educating us and our children of the importance of looking after our world.

The aquarium is impressive. In particular, the huge predator tank holding ragged tooth sharks and huge rays keeps people of all ages enthralled for ages.  I decided to maximise the opportunity and try to impart some of my knowledge and enthusiasm for the underwater world to the kids. As I looked around me,  I hoped that more adults would take the time to read the information provided and use it to educate their children. Unfortunately for a lot of people it was just another outing with the family. A way to keep busy on a Sunday and something to do on a miserable, rainy day in Cape Town.

I had my little point and shoot with me and knew that the lighting inside the Aquarium would challenge it’s capabilities. This was confirmed when I downloaded the photos and excessive noise was revealed on most photos. I managed to find two that I like.

Two Oceans Aquarium

The kids look at the fish

From the side

I know, I know!  I go on about the same thing. But it never ceases to amaze me how the same thing can be looked at and seen in so many different ways. And as I have said before, photography is about seeing and seeing differently.

Today I was walking around in Kalk Bay, Cape Town, when I saw a name sign on a white wall and the shadows that the sun was casting. Without thinking, I took a photo. It seems I have a thing for shadows and reflections at the moment. I see them everywhere and can’t get enough of photographing them. This is the photo I took…

Kalk Bay, Cape Town

I was happy with the photo. Technically good handling of a difficult exposure, good angle. Not bad. Then I wondered if I could do something different with the same thing. Something more dynamic and, well, quirky. I walked to the side and saw this….

Kalk Bay, Cape Town

I like this one better. I like it because it made me think and I saw something in a different way. A way not many people will take the time to look for. For me photography is like life. If you want your life to be different and unusual, then it needs to be approached from a different angle. Maybe a little from the side and not always head on.

Playing with the afternoon light

I had a lazy day today. One of those, go with the flow days. Early morning 5km walk followed by capuccino and breakfast. A morning spent soaking up the sun at the poolside and a long, lazy lunch at the nearby farmstall in Kommetjie.

On my return to our holiday home at around 3.30pm, I sat/ lay on the couch and read, chatted with the kids, and generally just let myself be. Slowly and ever so gently the light started to change and I began to notice the changes around me. The reflections started appearing, the shadows became longer. I had my camera next to me, so  picked it up and started to look for things to photograph.

As the afternoon progressed and the shadows danced everywhere around me I played with the afternoon light. However, I decided to do it differently this time. I challenged myself to remain seated on the couch and to take photographs without moving from that vantage point. I handicapped myself by removing freedom of movement and forcing myself to look around me and to wait. To be patient and to anticipate where a shadow might fall or when the light would look better.

I was amazed at how much fun I had, how much I enjoyed this challenge and at how much there is to photograph. Once again I am filled with an amazing sense of excitement at the endless possibilities of photography.

I love taking photographs.

Shadows, Dori Moreno, Profesional photographer

Window shadows, Dori Moreno, professional photographer

Rafters, Dori Moreno, professional photographer

Rafters, Dori Moreno, professional photographer

TV reflections, Dori Moreno, Professional photographer

Shadows and lines, Dori Moreno, Professional Photographer

Tassles, Dori Moreno, Professional Photographer

Table leg shadows, Dori Moreno, Professional photographer

Sun shadow, Dori Moreno, Professional Photographer

Sun Shadows, Dori Moreno, professional photographer

Sun trinket, Dori Moreno, Professional photographer

Lost in an ocean of clouds

I lay on my back on the lounger, soaking in the sun’s rays. Through the tint of my sunglasses I noticed the clouds in the sky and started to pay closer attention. Hmmm, maybe I should take a photograph of these clouds, I thought. I stretched out my hand, set the camera and pressed the shutter…

Sunset in Cape Town, Dori Moreno, professional photographer

Clouds, Dori Moreno, Professional Photographer

Clouds, Dori Moreno, Professional Photographer

Clouds, Dori Moreno, Professional Photographer

Clouds, Dori Moreno, Professional Photographer

Clouds, Dori Moreno, Professional Photographer

Clouds, Dori Moreno, Professional Photographer

Clouds, Dori Moreno, Professional Photographer

Clouds, Dori Moreno, Professional Photographer

As the afternoon progressed, I continued to be mesmerised by the patterns the clouds were forming across the sky. The deep iridescent blue background stood out against the white streaks and puffs strewn across the canvas. Nature is truly amazing. I scanned the skies searching for different patterns to focus on.

The more I got lost in this landscape of blue and white, the more I became convinced that I was looking at a seascape. Waves on a deep blue ocean….

As the earth continued its rotation and the sun dipped lower in the horizon, nature brought out her pastel palette in true splendour.

This is the natural beauty I witnessed on the last day of 2008. As the day turned into night, I could not think of a better and more fitting way to leave the old year behind. I look forward to a new dawn, a New Year, with much enthusiasm.

Sunset in Cape Town, Dori Moreno, professional photographer

7 days and 7 sunsets

The holiday home I stayed in during my week in Cape Town has an amazing view. Standing in the garden, views of the Atlantic Ocean and Noordhoek beach stretch forever before your eyes.

For 7 days I looked forward to the “golden hour”. That time of day that photographers love, where the light is soft and everything is touched by a special golden light. Generally I dislike taking sunrise or sunset photographs. There are so many of them around, splashed across every postcard, chocolate box and motivational mails that your family and friends lovingly send you to inspire you to live a fulfilling life.

However, given that I was in a location where I had the privilege of witnessing these magnificent displays of nature, I broke my own rule and decided to document the sunset every day, for 7 consecutive days, from the same vantage point and at approximately the same time. I wanted to see just how creative nature can be.

Personally, I am I awe.

Judge for yourself……

Lemosho Route here I come

It’s 10 sleeps left before I get on an airplane that will take me to the start of my next adventure – climbing Kilimanjaro. From when I decided to join Warren and Sarah on this trip until now, I have tried really hard not to focus on it too much. The strategy behind that is that I don’t want to scare myself out of doing it.

People do enough of that already. Scare me that is. Have you trained hard enough? I don’t know, I have never done it before so I have no idea how hard I should train. Have you got all the equipment you need? I think so. I’ll soon find out. Are you fit enough? Is anyone ever fit enough to climb a hill that big, I ask back.

The route we have chosen to do is the Lemosho Route.It’s one of the less popular routes because it is more difficult, and it’s the only route that offers the possibility of viewing wild game. An armed ranger accompanies the group for part of the route.

To keep my mind busy and occupied in the meantime, I have a book full of instructions and things to get in preparation for this trip. That in itself is an adventure. Tomorrow I am off to get my Yellow Fever injections. I can’t wait!!

So what am I most looking forward to? Well firstly, I know it will be a physical and mental challenge and probably one of the most difficult things I will do to date. Secondly, the scenery is supposed to be spectacular. A 6 day climb up Kilimanjaro takes you through all the geographical zones on earth, from lush rain forest to ice caps. Thirdly, I will walk past a glacier that is estimated will disappear in the next 50 years if the current rate of recession continues.

There are many reasons to be anxious about the trip. Rock falls, hypothermia, frostbite, accute mountain sickness to mention a few. But, there are more reasons to be excited. It’s not everyone’s cup of tea. I am hoping it will be mine. I think it will.

The sun is taboo…. or is it?

Most books and experts on photography will tell you that shooting into the sun is a dangerous affair and should be avoided at all costs. They are right. Pointing your camera directly at the sun and looking through the viewfinder can leave you with serious damage to your eyes.

Bright, middle of the day sun is also not the most flattering light to take photographs in. Most photographers prefer the soft light at dawn and sunset when the light is not harsh and “flat”.

Flare in photographs is another topic of serious malcontent and to be avoided at all costs.

So this leaves me with a big dilemma. Firstly, I do not like to get up before dawn to wait for the 10 minutes of perfect light to take my photographs. Secondly, I am often busy with other things and/ or people at sunset and am not available to make the best use of the golden hour at sunset. And thirdly, and most importantly, I like to be able to take photographs at any time and all the time. If I see something I want to photograph, I want to photograph it now! And fourthly, I am a rebellious kind of person and like to challenge rules.

With this in mind, I spent some time on my recent holiday in Cape Town photographing into the sun, in the middle of the afternoon and looking for the flare and sunbursts. I particularly like these 3 photographs.

Sun, Dori Moreno, Professional Photographer

Tree, Dori Moreno, Professinal Photographer

Dandelion, Dori Moreno, Professional Photographer

Spanish skies on fire

I love fireworks. I can sit and watch them for hours on end. I know that they interfere with air traffic and that its cruel to animals, but I still enjoy them.

In 2006, at the same time that I was visiting my family in Spain, the world firework championships were being held as well. This was a very pleasant surprise. I didn’t even know that such an event took place!  Hundreds of people descended onto the beach in the town of Tarragona in the Catalunya region to watch the displays.

I took my camera and tripod along and spend the evening experimenting with long exposures and timing to try and capture the incredible colour displays taking place. It really is a hit and miss situation and I took many under or over exposed photos but I managed to get a few right.

Fireworks, Dori Moreno, Professional Photographer

Fireworks, Dori Moreno, Professional Photographer

Fireworks, Dori Moreno, Professional Photographer

Fireworks, Dori Moreno, Professional Photographer

Long night at Longmeadows

Nigel and Aine got married yesterday. And what a wedding it was.

The blend of some New Zealanders, mixed with a touch of Irish and topped with South Africans was the perfect blend for an emotional, warm, fun and absolutely crazy celebration. Read more…..

Visit photos4africa for more wedding photography and information

2 more sleeps….

and I am on my merry way to Kilimanjaro. With some luck and a lot of grit and determination I will watch the sun rise over the African continent on Wednesday the 21st of January 2008.

The preparation has been a little tedious and expensive. New hiking boots became critical on Friday morning when my old ones literally peeled off my feet during my early morning walk. I have now had my new boots on my feet for 4 days (and some nights) in a row and am happy to report that they are getting worn in.

The piles of pills are neatly labeled and packed, mountains of clothing prepared and all the other paraphernalia with strange names (gaitors!!!???) are ready too. I have been through the list a thousand times. Checked and re-checked that I have absolutely everything I may need. All that needs to happen now is for me to get on that SAA flight on Thursday and take off.

I am excited, anxious, nervous, impatient and very grateful that I have the finances, the health and the friends to be able to take on a challenge like this. I want to ensure that I enjoy every step of the way, that I savour every difficulty and make the most of every moment.

Kilimanjaro here I come, ready or not!!!

Kili clothing, Dori Moreno

Kilimanjaro, Dori Moreno

Kilimanjaro, Dori Moreno

Kilimanjaro, Dori Moreno

Kilimanjaro, Dori Moreno

Kilimanjaro, Dori Moreno

It’s here

The day has arrived.

I slept surprisingly well last night given the ball of  nerves sitting in my stomach. I keep reminding myself to breathe, deeply and slowly. It doesn’t help. It only serves to remind me that at altitude, breathing becomes difficult and laboured. Outwardly, I am calm. Too calm. Inside there is a combination of Katrina and a Vesuvius eruption happening all at once.

I try to gauge if Warren and Sarah are feeling the same way. But how do you compare or gauge feelings? There is no scale, no point system to guide us where we can say, Oh, I am 9,98% nervous and you are only 7% nervous so therefore I am more nervous than you”.

I try hard not to give in to the fear of the unknown. To not let it spoil the anticipation and excitement I do feel in some deep seated part of my soul. The journey has indeed begun. It started the day I said yes to this trip. I can hardly begin to imagine what the great explorers of the world felt as they set out on their voyages of discovery. They are true heroes.

Next time I write, it will be about my experiences on the 4th highest mountain of the world, the peak of Africa. As I write that sentence, I feel the excitement build up in my toes. I am ready.

Wish me well.

Lady Kilimanjaro – all the way up and all the way down

It’s done. It’s happened. All the preparation and excitement is over and we are back having experienced a challenging week, a week we won’t easily forget.

We start our trip on Thursday 15th January, catching our flight in the afternoon and making our way to Moshi. The flight lasts 4 hours and I keep myself occupied by reading and looking out the plane window at the clouds below.

Clouds, Dori Moreno

We check into our hotel and make our way straight to our rooms to sleep given the late hour of the evening. The tension and nerves has us all hoping for a good night rest. Unfortunately this is not to be the case for me as the local dog community hold a party in my honour and howl all night long.

Early the next morning, I join Warren and Sarah for breakfast. I point out the mountain to them. All 5 896m of it. They had not noticed it, tucked away between the foliage of the hotel gardens. To say that it fills us with awe and fear all at once is an understatement.

Kilimanjaro, Dori Moreno

Our guide, Rajab, arrives and we start our trip to the Lomosho Glades via the Londorossi Park Gates. En route we stop for supplies. We sit around and take photos whilst we wait for the grocery shopping to be done.

African colours, Dori Moreno

On arrival at the Park Gate, we sign in and are given a lunch pack to keep us occupied whilst everything is weighed in order to establish how many porters need to accompany us. There is a strict system whereby a porter is only allowed to carry up to 25kg in total.

A little while later, we are back in the 4×4 making our way towards the Lomosho Glades following a narrow trail through plantations of various types, including potato. At a certain point, the vehicle stops, we jump out and get ready to take our first steps of this 7 day adventure. The rain forest welcomes us.

Rain Forest, Dori Moreno

A couple of hours later we arrive at our first camp site, Mti Mkubwa (Big Tree), so called because of the enormous Yellowwood Tree taking place of pride. We settle down to dinner and our first nights sleep in our double tent. It takes some co-ordinating, unpacking and re-packing, but eventually all is quiet. Sometime during the night, nature calls and I unzip myself out of my sleeping bag and make my way outside. The skies are ablaze with stars and I feel the excitement build at the prospect of the days to come.

Campsite, Dori Moreno

The next day is a marathon day. It takes me 9 hours to get to our next camp, Shira 2 at 3 847m. I wake up full of energy and enthusiasm, and about an hour into the walk I find myself counting steps and breathing heavily. The terrain changes throughout the day from thick, green rain forest to heather and then moorland. The heather is similar to the Cape fynbos with many Protea bushes and lots of mist and fog. Throughout this long day, I am aware of the changes in the landscape and appreciative of the beauty of our surrounds.

Rainforest, Dori Moreno

Tall trees, Dori Moreno

Canopy of trees, Dori Moreno

Heather, Dori Moreno

Finally we, or should I say, I, stumble into camp. It’s cold and desolate, like a moonscape but directly in front of our tent lies Lady Kilimanjaro herself. Languishing in the late afternoon light, she lies resplendent in all her finery.

Moonscape, Dori Moreno

Day 4 and we start the day with a decent breakfast, miraculously supplied by our chef. He is a true magician conjuring up delicious meals to keep our energy levels up. The views are not too shabby either.

Breakfast, Dori Moreno

Shira II camp, Dori Moreno

The benefit of the route we have chosen, Lomosho, is that it is the only route in Kilimajaro where you walk through a series of valleys, resulting in frequent gain and loss of altitude. This is perfect for acclimatisation. And perfect for the solitude it provides too, given that not too many people choose this longer and more arduous route. We have the campsite to ourselves and the views go on forever.

Mountain flare, Dori Moreno

Skies, Dori Moreno

We leave the campsite motivated and ready for the day. The terrain here is known as Alpine Desert. At this altitude there is intense radiation, high evaporation and huge daily temperature fluctuations. These are not favorable conditions for plant life given the lack of water, yet life exists in the form of lichens, mosses and some everlasting flowers.

Alpine Desert, Dori Moreno

Alpine Desert, Dori Moreno

Alpine Desert, Dori Moreno

After a number of hours walking through this desolate terrain, we reach Lava Tower at 4 600m. This is the highest point for the day and from here we start our descent to our camp for the night, Barranco Camp at 3 950m.

Lava Tower, Dori Moreno

The rest of the day is a hectic downhill scramble to Barranco Camp. This is the camp where the routes converge and we start seeing an increase in human traffic. As we get closer to the campsite, it looks more and more like a carnival site with loads of tents of all shapes, colours and sizes set up. The ablutions are well used and mountain sickness (nausea) sets in when I have to use them.

Down to camp, Dori Moreno

Giant Lobelia, Dori Moreno

Barranco Campsite, Dori Moreno

The number of people around provides the opportunity to meet some of them and get to know their personal stories. There is a sense of camaraderie given that everyone here has the same final objective in mind.

Barranco Camp, Dori Moreno

Breakfast at Barranco, Dori Moreno

The next morning, we “eat” Barranco wall for breakfast. I hit my peak and love every minute of the challenging climb up this almost vertical wall. The views from up here down to the valley of our campsite below are breathtaking. Many waterfalls make their debut and we are not bored for even a second with so much to look at and admire.

Barranco Wall, Dori Moreno

Rajab has made sure we leave the campsite last. This means that we have the mountain to ourselves. We have missed the traffic jams up the wall and once on top, we are able to enjoy the solitude, the views, the changes in temperature as the mist swirls and rolls in around us. Its just us and the mountain.

On the mountain, Dori Moreno

Swirling Mist, Dori Moreno

Towards Karanga Camp., Dori Moreno

We arrive at the campsite in the afternoon. As I sit outside our tent at 6.30pm, the sky is clear, some clouds scattered here and there. There are sounds of chatting and cooking going on keeping my mind occupied. It’s days since any of us have washed ourselves or our hair. Our hands and fingernails are filthy, yet here, none of that matters. It’s all about getting through each day, each moment and making the most of it.

Karanga Camp, Dori Moreno

We go for a 100m climb for further acclimatisation. There is little else to do on the mountain and the focus is all about the summit and preparing for it. We are at 3 963m now. The air is thin and breathing is difficult. At night, lying in our sleeping bags, we feel shortness of breath and struggle with claustrophobia.

Training walk, Dori Moreno

Later that evening the sun sets the mountains on fire as it dips and turns day into night.

Sunset, Dori Moreno

Tuesday, 20th January, the skies are cobalt blue. Kilimanjaro lies waiting. Its a beautiful day as we set out to our last camp at 4 600m – Barafu.

Cobalt skies, Dori Moreno

To Barafu, Dori Moreno

To Barafu, Dori Moreno

We arrive at Barafu camp 3 hours after setting out. Its a quick ascent of just over 600m in a short time and by the time we reach the campsite, both Warren and I have pounding headaches. The remedy is to drink lots of water to try ease the pressure build up on the brain. We settle down for a long afternoon and occupy ourselves by going for another “training” walk. It takes our mind off the summit night and gives us a feeling for the terrain we will be tackling at midnight.

Barafu Camp, Dori Moreno

Barafu Camp, Dori Moreno

Finally, the day has arrived. We are woken up at midnight. Throughout the night, teams of people have left to start the summit climb. We are the last to leave at 1,30am. Its cold, but we don’t feel anything through the tension and excitement.

Ready for summit, Dori Moreno

With only our headlights to show us the way, we focus on the steps directly in front of us. If we look up, we can see a trail of lights of people high up on the mountain above us. Its best not to look up, to focus only on the next step. At around 3am it gets really cold. Around -10 degrees so its important to keep moving. Then the sun starts to make an appearance, bringing everything to life. We have been walking for 5 hours.

Sunrise, Dori Moreno

It’s important to take regular breaks, to drink and to eat even though we have no appetite. Breathing is very labored and the body is stressed. It becomes a mind game.

Taking a break, Dori Moreno

Towards the summit, Dori Moreno

The last 20m to Stella Point are a massive struggle for me. I take 2 steps and have to stop to breathe. Warren and Sarah wait for me at the top. I see them waving at me, willing me on but my body is made of lead and it won’t listen to my brain. Everything slows down to slow motion. My tongue is thick in my mouth and I can hear that my speech is slurred. David, the assistant guide, suggests I get to the top of Stella Point and give up. I refuse point blank, but when my body won’t respond, I start to consider it as an option. Rajab comes to my assistance and literally hauls me up the last 10m. I reach the top and collapse spreadeagled onto the floor.

Helping hand, Dori Moreno

When I lift my head I see the glaciers in front of me. Rajab points out that the summit is “just over there”. An hour away. I can see the board signs and this motivates me to get up and get going again.

Glaciers, Dori Moreno

Glaciers, Dori Moreno

Sarah and Warren reach the summit before me. They are elated.

The summit, Dori Moreno

I struggle to keep walking. Every step takes forever. In a way I am glad of this because it gives me time to appreciate the glaciers flanking my left hand side all the way to the summit. It gives me time to notice the different colours, their height, their splendour.

Glacier, Dori Moreno

Glacier, Dori Moreno

Glaciers, Dori Moreno

The walk seems to take forever. I watch as Rajab strides ahead of me, guiding me to the signposts.

Almost there, Dori Moreno

Sarah walks towards me and hooks her arm in mine, a welcome help as I take those last steps to the Summit.

Kissing the Summit, Dori Moreno

We made it, Dori Moreno

I spend some time at the summit taking photos but soon after it’s time to start our long way down.

Summit, Dori Moreno

Summit, Dori Moreno

Summit, Dori Moreno

Summit, Dori Moreno

The way down is long and tiring. 3 hours back to Barafu Camp, sinking deep into the dust and shale at a steep gradient.

The way down, Dori Moreno

On arrival at Barafu Camp, we spend an hour relaxing, have something to eat and then continue our descent to Mweka Camp at 3 100m. By the time we get to the camp, we have been on the go for 16 hours. We have climbed 1 296m and descended 2 796m. We are exhausted and get to sleep as soon as we have had something to eat. The next day I wake up and feel like a puffer fish. My face is swollen and I am grateful for the lack of mirrors around but cannot resist taking a self portrait.

Puffed up, Dori Moreno

It was time for farewells from the team and final photos with them. They had looked after us well during our adventure.

The team, Dori Moreno

All that remains for us to do now is walk 3 hours to the gate camp. We walk through the rain forest again and enjoy it tremendously.

The rainforest, Dori Moreno

Rainforest, Dori Moreno

Rainforest, Dori Moreno

Finally we reach Mweka Park Gate. We sign out and Rajab and David make a ceremony of presenting us with our certificates.

Getting certificates, Dori Moreno

Warren has a celebratory cigar as we wait for our transfer to the airport.

Cigar celebration, Dori Moreno

Our transfer arrives and we make our way to the airport. For a long time as we drive along, Kilimanjaro looks down at us from her lofty perch. She is a very beautiful mountain and we won’t forget our time in her company.

Farewell, Dori Moreno

Glaciers affected by global warming – Kilimanjaro

We all know about global warming and the impact its having on our planet.

Jenny Paterson from Adventure Dynamics asked me to photograph a specific glacier on my recent summit of Kilimanjaro. She is interested in tracking the impact of global warming on Furtwangler glacier.

These 3 photographs speak for themselves.

Furtwangler Glacier in 2000, Jenny Paterson

Furtwangler Glacier 2005, Jenny Paterson

Furtwangler Glacier 2008, Dori Moreno

The real heroes of Kilimanjaro

I want to share one of my favorite photos from my recent trip to Kilimanjaro with you.

Kilimanjaro porters, Dori Moreno

It’s probably not the most spectacularly scenic photograph of the lot, but it’s a photograph that depicts the people I consider to be the real heroes of Kilimanjaro. The porters.

These men are responsible for the not so glamorous job of carrying everything up and down the mountain. Just to give you an idea of just how much they carry, our group of 3 needed 7 porters for the trip. At an average of 20kg per porter, that’s 140kg that was lugged around for 7 days!! Our bags each weighed just above 20kg each and the rest was made up of tent, chairs, table, food and the porters own clothing and supplies.

Fortunately the water used for drinking and cooking is collected from the mountain streams and rivers. However, most of this water is provided by the melting glaciers, which will have disappeared in the next 50 years or so. When there is no water on the mountain, the porters will have to carry this too.

These men are always in good spirits and have a great sense of camaraderie. After all, 11 of them share 2 small tents for 7 days in a row, so its best to get on well. The cramped conditions of tent living can put huge strain on even the most solid marriage, so imagine the good humor these guys need in order to perform their jobs day in and day out.

There are hazards to the job too. Men die on the mountain. Some due to inadequate clothing, others due to illness (HIV included), and others because of accidents on the mountain. The long term effects of exposure at high altitude must also take a toll.

Our guide, Rajab, left his primary school teaching job to become a guide because there is more money in it. With an extended family of unemployed siblings to support, he has been guiding tours for the past 7 years and has plans of doing it for 5 more before he considers himself too old at 48 to continue with this line of work. He is more fortunate than the porters. He is employed by a tour company and gets paid a salary as well as getting tipped by his clients. The porters depend solely on the generosity of the tourists and live off the tips they get.

Lady Kilimanjaro is a true provider. Of adventure and challenge for some, and of work and income for others.

African Diver online magazine

African Diver have released their 3rd edition online magazine. It’s packed with interesting articles about our oceans, conservation and interesting places to visit.

Download for free at www.africandiver.com

Enjoy!

People….. ordinary people

The twentieth century was that of the image, and the legendary photographer Henri Cartier-Bresson was the eye of the century (Ref. Henri Cartier-Bresson – a biography by Pierre Assouline).

Cartier-Bresson defined “the decisive moment” with his photographs. Those moments that happen in a split second, where everything falls into place perfectly, never to be repeated or seen just like that again. He roamed the streets of Paris looking and capturing these decisive moments.

I have a fascination with people and deep respect for the work of Cartier-Bresson and as such have been inspired to capture some “decisive moments” of my own over the years.

Timeless classic, Dori Moreno

Mournful look, Dori Moreno

Contemplating Life, Dori Moreno

Neighbours, Dori Moreno

Sitting in a red box, Dori Moreno

Interaction, Dori Moreno

Elegant work, Dori Moreno

Reviving two passions

As days go by we get ourselves into a rut and in negative mind frames. This is a common affliction affecting most of us living in big cities in South Africa. With all the aggression, crime and negative news that we are exposed to every second of every day, it’s a miracle that any of us find the energy or enthusiasm to get out of bed in the morning…….

This article was published in the Dec/Jan issue of Camera and Image. Follow this link http://morenobeam.wordpress.com/reviving-two-passions/ to read the article in this Blog.

Child play

There is a place, in the general direction of Hartebeespoort that brings a broad smile to my face and fills my heart with hope every time of think of it. I have spent many happy hours there.  Cormac first found this place during his weekly Sunday motorbike rides a number of years ago. We have been there many times to take photographs and have taken bridal couples there too for after wedding photo shoots.

This place is an old Lutheran church in an advanced state of decay. For us, however, it has a certain charm and beauty.

Lutheran Church, Dori Moreno

Church wedding, Dori Moreno

Bride, Dori Moreno

Sharing the property with the church is the Schaumburg School. The last time we visited the church, it coincided with the end of school time. I had walked away from the church and decided to explore the surrounding area to see what else I could photograph. When the kids saw me with a camera, they excitedly ran up to me and starting posturing and showing off to get their photograph taken.

Schaumburg School, Dori Moreno

In no time at all I was surrounded by about 50 kids, all jostling and pushing each other to get my attention. Concerned that they would hurt themselves in all the excitement, I decided that I needed to calm things down a little. I found a spot under a tree and sat down. Immediately they sat down too. I started to clap my hands and sing, and they joined in.

When Cormac eventually noticed that I had “gone missing” he came looking for me. This is what he saw.

Singing, Dori Moreno

We sat there for at least 45 minutes. The children sang heartily and loudly, one song after another, all the time looking to me for guidance and approval. I felt completely elated and it is the best live performance I have ever seen. We proceeded to take some photos of them. They absolutely loved posing for the camera and could not get enough of our attention.

School kids, Dori Moreno

Their happy faces and broad smiles can brighten the gloomiest day. What made it all even more heart rending is the fact that many of these children are orphaned and live in the squatter camp than has sprung up next to the church and school. They live in appalling conditions and many of them have nobody to feed, look after or care for them. They are hungry and under nourished.

Carte Blanche screened a story on these children in September 2008. Click this link http://www.mnet.co.za/Mnet/Shows/carteblanche/Story.asp?Id=3573 to read about it or view it. If this does not move you to tears, little else will.

Although these children have very little and face adversity and difficulty every day of their lives, they still manage to smile and leave us with this bright, happy picture of themselves. When I think I am having a bad day, this image comes to my mind immediately and my attitude does an about turn for the better.

Blue hands, Dori Moreno

A mid life crisis known as photos4africa

I turned 40 and my life changed. Completely. I went through a total transformation and every day I am fascinated by the “new” me.

One of the big changes brought about mid life was to leave the career I had been in for 18 years and start a photography business with my friend and now business partner, Cormac. We decided to call this fledgling business photos4africa. We also decided not to approach this business in any traditional way. Well thought out business plans were not for us! Instead, we chose to approach this adventure with passion and commitment and to trust that as long as we are doing what we love to do – take photographs – the rest will take care of itself.

It’s been a challenging and an exciting time and photos4africa has grown and established itself. We have met many magical people and had the privilege of being part of some special moments in their lives. Capturing life is what we do and it’s how we define photos4africa.

Below is a gallery representing some of our work. Weddings, maternity, babies, Bar Mitzvah, Christening, Corporate events, Swimming SA brochure work, Fear Factor India are just some of the things we have been a part of. It’s a diverse body of work which suits us well as we are both diverse people constantly looking for the next adventure, the next challenge.

Visit our website, www.photos4africa.co.za and let us know if we can capture a little of your life.

Gabriella, Dori Moreno

Levi baby, Dori Moreno

Little wonder, Dori Moreno

The kiss, Dori Moreno

Diver, Dori Moreno

Fear Factor, Dori Moreno

Dancing, Dori Moreno

Greek dancing, Dori Moreno

Horse affair, Dori Moreno

The Torah, Dori Moreno

Expecting, Dori Moreno

On the way, Dori Moreno

African Beauty

In the magazine, Dori Moreno

Daisy, Dori Moreno

Graffiti and bride, Dori Moreno

Groom, Dori Moreno

Looking up, Dori Moreno

Butterfly swimmer, Dori Moreno

The dress, Dori Moreno

Funky Photoshop

I use Photoshop every day. It has become the new darkroom in photography. Every photograph given to a client of photos4africa goes through a sizing, cropping, adjust levels, sharpening Photoshop process. Those final touches “finish off” a photograph. We also use Photoshop to design and create our storybook albums.

When I first started using Photoshop, I went through the hideous phase of trying every horrid filter and gimmick available on this amazing programme. I look back at some of my “creations” in absolute horror and am grateful that I have moved on.

These days I try to stick to the mantra that a bad photograph will not be made better by Photoshop. I prefer to experiment and be creative with the camera. There are loads of techniques to be tried on camera and the results can be unpredictable and exciting.

However, Photoshop is a powerful tool that allows for lots of creativity too. One just has to look at the incredible work that designers are producing to see this. I found a little creativity of my own in looking through my photographs.

Melrose Arch, Johannesburg, Dori Moreno

The above photograph is all about shapes and design to me and I wanted to exaggerate this and give it a metallic, surreal feeling.

Metallic Body, Dori Moreno

Most photographers choose to represent female bodies as soft and curvy. I wanted to show it in a different way without losing any of its beauty. This metallic effect gives this image a “statuesque” feeling about it.

Faces, Dori Moreno

The contrast between the softness in the ladies face and water to the brick and glass of the building created an interesting juxtaposition that i enjoyed photogaphing. However, I wanted to accentuate this contrast even further so decided to create a repetitive 3D effect to this image.

Self portrait, Dori Moreno

I spent many hours in front of the computer creating this image. I wanted to represent myself as “more than one person”, a person with a multitude of emotions and experiences making up the whole, living a challenging life in the now yet always looking ahead.

Photoshop can provide many hours of creative challenges and fun. It provides a blank canvas to express yourself in a unique way but it does require skill and effort. I guess most worthwhile things in life do.

Rubbish – a common theme

This morning we went cycling in our favorite place, Northern Farm, as we do most weekends. It was a glorious day. Crystal clear blue skies, warm sunshine and the promise of lots of mud due to the heavy rainfalls during the week kept me singing and smiling  all the way there. I felt so fortunate to be alive and to have access to this special place to be able to do one of the things I so enjoy doing.

However, the singing and smiling soon turned to frustration and anger. Cycling along we noticed that some plastic bottles had been carelessly discarded. We decided to stop and pick these up in order to dispose of them in the rubbish bins up at the parking lot. Very soon we were pushing our bikes along and stuffing bottles in our shirts, in our waistbands, and wherever we could so as to collect as many as possible. Plastic wrappers and water bottles made up the bulk of the rubbish. We were both amazed that this beautiful place can be so openly abused by the very people that enjoy it’s beauty.

What is it with humans? I mean, how difficult is it to TAKE YOUR RUBBISH WITH YOU and leave behind a pristine, clean environment for others to enjoy? On my recent trip to Kilimanjaro I noticed the same thing. Toilet paper, plastic bottles, sweet wrappers, to mention a few, all carelessly discarded all over the mountain.

We are all so concerned with global warming and the environment, yet we do not even take care of our own back garden, so to speak. If only each and every single one of us makes sure that we clean up after ourselves, that we take responsibility for our own actions, that we teach our children how to behave and preserve the environment, the cumulative effect will have a positive impact on our planet.

If you cycle Northern Farm regularly as we do, PLEASE do not pollute it for the rest of us. And if you come across something that does not belong, take a little time to pick it up. We have suggested to Simon Nash, who kindly takes on the task of managing the farm, to arrange a “clean-up” ride. Watch your mail for details. We will be there. Will you?

Northern Farm, Dori Moreno

Plastic bottles, Dori Moreno

Northern Farm, Dori Moreno

Rubbish, Dori Moreno

Northern Farm, Dori Moreno

Profoto Awards

I entered the Profoto Awards this year and am quite surprised, but very pleased to have received a mail informing me that I have been nominated as a finalist.

The winners will be announced on 19th March at a Gala dinner. The competition attracted a record entry of over 4 000 images across 16 categories. To view the finalist entries visit Profoto Awards.

And the seagulls name was …..

Last year I spent a week travelling along the West coast of South Africa, from Cape Town to Springbok. I had never been to this part of the country. It will not be long before I return.

The scenery is indescribably magnificent. Rugged and raw, it gripped me in a gut wrenching embrace that often left me gasping. I never tired of looking out at the vast open landscapes, and taking in natures majestic canvas.

En route back to Cape Town to catch our flight home, we drove to Lamberts Bay and stopped for lunch at Muisbosskerm open air restaurant. To say that it was the most blissful way to spend our last afternoon on holiday is a complete understatement. A visit to this sanctuary is a must for anyone who loves wide open spaces, the sea and good food.

Sitting on the deck looking out to sea whilst eating vast amounts of food, I took this sequence of photographs.

Gull and flare, Dori Moreno

Seagull and flare, Dori Moreno

Seagull and flare, Dori Moreno

Picture perfect in Plett

I arrived in Plettenberg Bay this morning for an important job. My friend, Cindy, and her fiancee, Storm, are getting married tomorrow and I have the honour of documenting their wedding.

Cindy and Storm live in Australia and they have travelled to South Africa to share their day with family and friends. They have put a lot of thought and effort into making sure everything is perfect, and I want to make sure I capture that perfection.

I spent the afternoon visiting the church and their reception venue, to get a feel for the light, the shadows and to get an idea of what I want to shoot tomorrow. It was a perfect day. Intense blue skies and equally intense sunshine. Throw in some highly reflective sand and water and you got an interesting challenge on your hands.

When taking photos at weddings, we don’t have the luxury of choosing the “right” time to take photos. We have to shoot as and when things are happening and fit in with the events as scheduled. So the idea is to “use” those things that should normally be avoided in photography. The challenge facing me tomorrow is to see if I can use harsh light, extreme shadows and reflections to enhance the photographs and make them work well.

Here are some photos I took today during my fact gathering mission. I loved every second of it and now feel prepared and ready to tackle the challenge ahead.

Fisherman, Dori Moreno

Sun flare, Dori Moreno

Horns on fire, Dori Moreno

Red texture, Dori Moreno, professional photographer

Wall and lamp, Dori Moreno, proffesional photographer

Catamaran, Dori Moreno, professional photographer

Boat detail, Dori moreno, professional photographer

Blue and red, Dori Moreno, professional photographer

Something different

In March 2007, I spent 3 weeks in Spain and travelled quite extensively along the south coast. I took hundreds of photographs, getting up early each morning to make the best of the quiet and the morning light. I looked through my photographs again today and selected these as a theme of abstracts.

Barcelona shadows, Spain travel photography, Dori Moreno, professional photographer

Boat name, Dori Moreno, Spain travel photography, professional photographer

Cordoba design, Spain travel photography, Dori Moreno. professional photographer

Girona pillars, Spain travel photography, Dori Moreno, professional photographer

Lamp patterns, Spain travel photography, Dori Moreno, professional photographer

Jerez reflections, Spain travel photography, Dori Moreno, professional photographer

Jerez, Spain travel photography, Dori Morneo, professional photographer

Ronda, Spain travel photography, Dori Moreno, professional photographer

Poblet stain window, Spain travel photography, Dori Moreno, professional photographer

Mediterranean sea, spain travel photography, Dori Morneo, professional photographer

Squares, Spain travel photography, Dori Moreno, professional photographer

Spain travel photography, Dori Moreno, professional photographer

Spain travel photography, Dori Moreno, professional photographer

Spain travel photography, Dori Moreno, professional photographer

Paradise in Plett

As weekends go, this one stands out as one of the better ones. An entire weekend by the sea doing what I love, taking photographs, is difficult to beat. Plettenberg Bay along the Garden Route in South Africa is paradise……

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Easter in Spain

Spain is renowned in the world for its Holy week traditions. The festivities start on Palm Sunday and last for the entire week leading up to Easter Monday. The streets become the stage for religious fervour and devotion as processions of pasos make their way carrying icons and statues. Thousands of people fill the streets to celebrate the life of Christ and in so doing, celebrate their own. The most glamorous celebrations  are held in Andalusia, particularly in the cities of Sevilla and Malaga. There are 58 processions that occur during the week, which means that you will be spoilt for choice. More than likely, you will want to watch as many of them as possible as they are each as unique as the people participating in them.

Spain, Easter, Dori Moreno, professional photographer