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My typical camping setup. Seen here in the Guyanan amazon.
One of 30 creek crossings on the way to Kaieteur falls.
Yesterday the tire flew off my minibus, I cut the head off a pit viper and I was banned from a commercial flight by associating with a narco-trafficker. Today I am bushwhacking through the jungle in the remote trail-less backwaters of Guyana, waist deep in water and praying to make it through the rest of the day alive. What will tomorrow bring? God only knows. The adventure starts HERE
Ecuador
This road was treacherous. This is actually under good conditions on the way out. Coming in it had rained continuously for 2 weeks The mud was up to the waist in some parts. Even the mules got stuck. One had to jump from dry patch to dry patch and sometimes wade through the mud, for 15km! The trip took at least 5hrs going there, and only 2 on the way back.
I scream for help from my mule driver as I sink calf…knee…hip deep into the mud. He continues walking ignoring my frantic pleas. And then I realize…he’s robbing me! Thousands of dollars of camera gear strapped to his mule and he is making the slowest getaway ever! The adventure starts here- HERE.
Madagascar
Calumma nasutum
I throw myself off the steep embankment and clutch at the crumbling roots and plants. I turn off my flashlight. Pitch dark. My breathing comes in ragged gasps. And then voices. I cover my mouth to kill all sound. Flashlight beams scan the trail. “They’re walking slowly…too slowly!” cries the voice at the back of my head. I clench my teeth and brace my body but I feel my feet slipping on the wet clay. And then they stop, not 5 metres away. My eyes flicker upwards and I feel the searchlight slowly skinning the hide from my back. “It’s over…it’s all over”. The adventure starts HERE.
Photography
Tips, tricks and techniques for rainforest specific photography
Post processing
Equipment and Reviews
And some advice on planning your own rainforest trip
Biography
I found a word in Malay which seems to describe my 'occupation' - Pengembara. A kind of traveler, adventurer, backpacker, vagabond- all the above.
My background is in Cell biology and genetics. I thoroughly enjoy microbiology and the study of tropical diseases. Though having first traveled to the Peruvian Amazon in 2004, I was bitten by the bugs. And since I’ve been traveling off and on to whatever rainforests I can reach, the more pristine and untouched the better. Being surrounded by the natural biota has led to me to diversify my interests into zoology, rainforest ecology, and the interesting yet challenging disciplines of tropical systematics and taxonomy. Only recently have I gotten into macrophotography, but I find it immensely satisfying and hope to continue traveling and photographing for many years yet, since each new discovery fuels the existing passion.
I have been asked many times how I fund my seemingly endless travels. The short answer is by treeplanting during the summers, and picking up odd jobs like fruit picking wherever I can. However the more accurate response is that I could do any kind of job and travel the way I do, since I travel extremely cheaply and independently. After an initial outlay of costs for camping gear and camera equipment, subsequent trip costs have plummeted so that I can comfortably live a month in the jungle in my hammock for $100, just the amount required for groceries and travel. All that is required is the will to step out of our fixed notions of what we can and can’t do. The moment we let other people’s notions of what we are capable of determine our own actions is the moment that we have ceased living for ourselves and are governed by the standards of others. My lifestyle provokes a variety of responses from people, from the person who thinks it a lofty goal and says “Oh, if only…”, to the somewhat derisive “yes but what kind of a life is that…when will you grow up and settle down…”. For me simply this is what I enjoy, and if I enjoy it, I will keep on doing it…some decisions in life are just…simple.
Others are more complex. Like partway through my travels in Borneo I developed a list of worrying symptoms like a temporary blindness that was complete, yet resolved itself within 5 minutes or so. Upon my return to Canada I was diagnosed with stage III testicular cancer that had metastasized to my lungs and spine. With such concerns it is easy to question one’s life and goals, etc… However, after undergoing a regimen of chemotherapy and surgeries I am again traveling, trying to put those hard months of recovery behind me and enjoying with renewed enthusiasm what the natural world has to offer. Traveling to rainforests all over the world is my goal and passion with no desire to stop in the immediate future.
Subsequent trips will no doubt include:
West Africa
Costa Rica/Panama/Guatemala (2012)
Thailand/Cambodia/Vietnam/Laos (2012-2013)
Colombia
French Guiana
Papua new guinea
*If you plan on visiting any of these places or on traveling to some of the places I’ve already been to, I would be happy to trade experiences.*
Gear is slowly evolving:
Started with a Pentax K200D and macro Pentax 100mm f/2.8 DA lens.
Currently using a 5D II (Though after frequent water damage I’m looking to upgrade to a weather sealed body with same specifications (Still holding out for that 1Dsiii)) and 7D. Will be upgrading to a 5D III when it becomes available.
(2)MT-24EX twin flash, 580 EX, 580 EX II
Zeiss f/2.8 100mm makro planar T*, MPE-65mm, Zeiss Luminar 16mm, Zeiss Luminar 40mm, Canon f/2.8 100mm USM IS L, Leica f/2.8 100mm Macro Apo Elmarit R with 1:2-1:1 Elpro adapter, Canon 300mm f/2.8 IS L, Canon 1.4X extender, Canon 2.0X extender
Olympus 65-116mm telescopic extension tube
For a more in-depth list of the equipment that I use you can check out my
equipment and reviews which gives a brief synopsis and overall opinion of most of the equipment that I use.
Hi Paul
I wrote to you yesterday on World Photography Forum after being blown away by your Macro photos. YOu kindly invited me to look at your website and read more on your adventures and im not disappointed, i am in fact in awe, particularly after what awful things you have been through! There are not many people i look to and respect but im telling you, you are now one person who gets exactly that from me. I have lived a fairly sheltered life but your notion about not conforming to one state of mind but in fact being open minded and challenging yourself to a new way of thinking is what we all need. Your an inspiration to me and hopefully many more!
Hi Adam,
Your words are very appreciated! I’m constantly in a struggle to find balance and such comments help. It’s the unfortunate thing about our culture, that if it isn’t sanctioned or understood by the majority (or vocal minority) then it somehow becomes less valid. In this way I’ve been held back by the opinions of others, despite my enjoyment in my current pursuits. It gets a little easier with time; however, reinforcement always helps.
Best regards,
Paul
Hi Paul,
we met at Shirley’s Bar in Lethem, before and after your trip into the Kanuku Mountains, and you left me some copies of your pics. Can you please get in touch with me on using some on a new tourist map of Lethem and Rupununi region? Thanks.
Hey Paul! Your work and your findings are breathtaking. I would love to one day be able to travel alongside you and see the world through your eyes. You are an incredible photographer and an inspiration to me, and I am sure many others. And the strength you have to continue through certain situations is brilliant. If there is one thing you have said that will stick with me, it is:
“All that is required is the will to step out of our fixed notions of what we can and can’t do. The moment we let other people’s notions of what we are capable of determine our own actions is the moment that we have ceased living for ourselves and are governed by the standards of others.”
Thank you for simply expressing who you are.
Jessie Henshaw
Hi Jessie,
Many thanks for dropping by and leaving such kind words. It is always uplifting to hear that people derive some interest or joy from my work. I sincerely hope that you get a chance to realize some of your aspirations.
Best wishes,
Paul