Gender development documentary project…
I am director working with my friend Chinua on a documentary on Gender development. Its based on interviews from students at M.D.I college where I volunteer at. They are all involved with gender development and its so fascinating to hear their views on gender development within The Gambia. We will be having our premiere showing on April 22nd at the college. Here are some shots I took yesterday from the shoot.
Abuko Nature Reserve….
I am helping Oushman, a professional bird watching tour guide. He wants to start a website to attract more business here. The Gambia is known for some great bird watching. I personally have no knowledge of birds and usually do not do that much of nature photography. I was pretty inspired of his knowledge and scouting out birds I’ve never seen before. Here are some shots that I took, I need a longer lens!
Girls Leadership Camp 2010…
Peace Corps, The Gambia is sponsoring a week long girls leadership camp. I designed the banner and t-shirts for the participants. I really believe this program will be a huge success and the girls will greatly benefit.
Star Vogue….
I am helping the first registered model agency in The Gambia with some marketing material. We had a short photo shoot at my friends’s studio yesterday and thought it went pretty smoothly. There is not a lot of demand for professional models here in The Gambia. Most companies will use their employees or family/friends before they will pay models. As we all know, you get what you pay for.
Bakau fish market revisted…
I am showing my Gambian friend Chinua more about still photography and shooting video so the Bakau fish market is always an interesting place to shoot. Here are a few shots that I took there last Saturday.
Bakau fish market…
I was at the Bakau fish market where they catch and sell local fish. My battery died so I just ended up with a few shots. The little boy with the fish is one of my favorites, more to come!
ground nuts everywhere…
They just finished harvesting in Sara Samba during my visit. It was their only harvest which is kind of sad. My family made about $100 which has to last for sometime. They take the nuts out of the shell by hand which is a truly tedious job! When you have time on your hands, I guess it keeps you busy for awhile.
A visit from the past…
I made a two day trip back to good old Sara Samba to visit my host family and friends. Even for myself, two days in village is challenging so I have mad respect for my fellow PCV’s that are stationed up country. Things really never change in the village as you would expect, just seems like there are more babies born! The next few posts are some of the photo’s that I took there. Hopefully I can visit one more time before I leave The Gambia in July.
Joloff Man returns…
After two weeks back in America, I’m back in the good old The Gambia! The famous Joloff Man asked me to do a poster to promote is upcoming album and launch concert. Just wanted to share with everyone. Happy 2010!
Tobaski…
I was asked to help photograph the winners that received a ram for Tobaski. Western Union and other participating banks gave out 450 rams to Gambians which is a huge deal. A young boy that worked very hard to run after the rams and actually carry some really caught my eye. One of a few times I really got emotional when I was talking to him and asked for a picture. The young boy asked for a picture and I promised him I will return with it.
PRSP (paper recycling skills project)…
PRSP (paper recycling skills project) is a charitable organization dedicated to providing school supplies to Gambian children. They have distributed over 44,000 FREE exercise books to 31 Gambian schools benefiting 20,000 children since their establishment in 2001.
PRSP staff take used paper from Gambian private and public organizations, apply locally sustainable recycling techniques, and produce paper perfect for scrap booking and souvenirs.
The center provides training opportunities for a number of youths on paper making, book binding and sewing and as of the beginning of 2007 is providing employment for eleven staff.
Funds are also used to buy pens and pencils to be distributed to schools all over the Gambia as identified by the Department of State for Education.
Contact information
Kekuta Jallow, Paper Mill Manager 779-3358
Main office number : 770-7090
What a great organization, sustainable and Gambian’s trying to make a big difference here. If you would like to make a donation or buy their products, please let me know.
The Land of beauty pagents…
It seems like there is one pagent every weekend. Once you have helped with one pagent, everyone wants your help for the new one with posters and show them how to bring in the crowds of people. Interesting but a little tired of the pagents. Miss Dream is coming up, its being held at the local amusement park. I think they could film a horror film there, it truly does look like a ghost amusement park.
Little Ida from Serrekunda…
I was having lunch with my Gambian friends and met little Ida. A great personality and very photogenic. Just wanted to share some of the shots and will print them out for her.
Ndow’s Primary School letter exchange…
My good friend Ryan Reichert started a penpal exchange with a Gambian and American schools. Its a great program that opens dialogue between Gambian and American children. If you know of a school that would like to start a letter exchange program, please let me know. I helped Ryan with the photography of the children so the pictures will be included with their letters. Here are the images for everyone to see.
The school also is seeking donations of school supplies, please donate to this wonderful school that is trying to make a difference with the youth of The Gambia. DO IT!
Face of Bakau 2009…
Helping The Face of Bakau planning team with posters, invites and tickets for their upcoming show. The winners get school sponsorship and other prizes. So all the locals here, please come and support the event!
Dance off!….
I am working with a local production group on Gambia’s Dance Off competition. Assisting them with posters and flyer’s for the program. There is truly some raw talent here! You think you have mad dancing skills back at home, check some of these moves!
The Arch in Banjul…
I was at the Arch yesterday while photographing Safi Manneh for the Rotary International Magazine. These children kept on getting into the shot so I had to take their photo so they would go away. It was a beautiful day yesterday compared to all the rain we have received.
A little about the arch:
Arch 22 is one of the largest and most impressive buildings in The Gambia. Built to commemorate the 22 July 1994 peaceful coup, it houses a museum at the top which affords spectacular views over Banjul.
sisters during Koriteh…
Ramadan finished here and yesterday was Koriteh holiday. Here again is Fatou and Adama. Little Fatou made the pledge to Allah and wears the veil now. Wish all of you could meet them, respectful and little girls with attitude!
We need to continue…
Fatou is six years old and Adama is 10 years old. These are two of the girls that we had the chance to sponsor in the past. I paid for their school fees, new uniform, bags, and shoes. School has already started and for sure they are looking great now for another school term, thanks to all the sponsors! In the past, we have sponsored ten children with their school fees and we really need to continue to help them. Education is everything here and I need your support to continue. Please contact me on how you can make a donation. Nothing is too small here.
Lollipop Chickz strikes again…
Well, on the fourth day of Koriteh, after Ramadan, The Lollipop Chickz will have their second talent show. The first one was a great hit and about 200 young Gambian’s came out for a great time. I want to thank Bev, Marti and Sarah for their donations on lollipops, I have a total of 1,200!!!!
Thanks for the support, just the little things in life make a huge difference here.
Here is the poster that I shot and designed for the event:
The young photographer….
I was out on a photo shoot and met this young girl with a nice Sony DSLR camera. Of course it was the first time to see someone just casually out taking photos of random things. She showed me some of her shots and they were pretty impressive. Its always interesting to see how another person observes and captures that moment through a frame.
Ebou “Kuts” Ceesay…
The Peace Corps Country Director saw Ebou Ceesay doing some very nice Lionel Richie covers at a local restaurant near my house. He just finished recording his album “So life is” and wanted to help design a simple and clean Album cover. Ebou is a very talented musician!
Njieb, local Reggae Musician…
I have been working with Njieb, he’s becoming very popular locally here. Helping him promote his upcoming album “True Africa” coming out this December. Just wanted to share the poster that I shot and designed, Africell is sponsoring his album release and will help print out the posters. If anyone out there loves Reggae, this album is FOR YOU!
Joloff Man….
I am helping The Joloff Man, a.k.a. Yusupha Ngum with his upcoming album. He is pretty famous here in The Gambia and a very interesting, friendly guy. Here is a sample album cover I just finished, more to come.
