Egypt

[furiousbox]

We just got back from an amazing trip to Egypt - 2 days in Cairo, 4 in Luxor, and 2 in Alexandria.
I'm still sorting through a bunch of photos but these are a few of my favorites:

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3589/3630223647_48d58ca40e_b.jpg
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3347/3631027764_ea1d7bc2d8_o.jpg
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3405/3631027378_2786638b16_o.jpg
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3331/3631029218_1de90d6b8e_o.jpg

If any one has comments or critiques it would be much appreciated.
Also, if you're going to Egypt and have any questions I would be happy to help as much as I can.
There are more photos on my Flickr.

Stephen

[Grimes]

I like the processing on the pyramid pic. I would like to see more of the scene in all the pics however. They all seem like pretty tight crops - to me anyway.

[furiousbox]

Around most of the monuments I found it was hard to isolate things so i kept zooming in to avoid having unwanted people in the photo.
I'll take a look at the raw files to see if I cropped them and if they can be opened up.
Thanks for the insight!

[lgunnz]

I love the pyramid photo, I hope to see Egypt one day

[arentol]

I like the third photo the best. The lighting on the sail and the color of the water, boat, and sky, all work really well together. I just wish the other boat wasn't in the scene as it is really distracting when you are following the line of the ropes from the sail to the ship (or vice-versa).

[Nordwil57]

I like the black and white choice for the pyramid. We are going in September (Cairo and the Nile) Any tips at all are appreciated! Speaking of tips, was that why the guy in the last pic had his hand out? Also, did you give out much in the way of Baksheesh?

[furiousbox]

I just wish the other boat wasn't in the scene as it is really distracting when you are following the line of the ropes from the sail to the ship (or vice-versa).
I didn't even notice that until you mentioned it. Thanks for ruining it for me. :p:lol:

I like the black and white choice for the pyramid. We are going in September (Cairo and the Nile) Any tips at all are appreciated! Speaking of tips, was that why the guy in the last pic had his hand out? Also, did you give out much in the way of Baksheesh?

I think baksheesh pretty much borders on extortion. However, your trip will be much more pleasant if you can come to grips with the notion that everywhere you go there will be someone with their hand out. Even the tourist police expect a little slipped their way. Once in a while you may get access to a crypt or area not usually open but more often than not my experience went like this: man points to something, I look, I look back at him, he has his hand out:lol:.

Find a bank that will give you small (one pound) bills or notes. Get as many of these as possible because it was pretty much impossible for me to get any substantial amount of change or anything smaller than a five pound note when dining or shopping. I actually had a merchant laugh in my face after I asked him if he could change ten pounds. His drawer was full of one pound coins!

Apart from that small culture shock Egypt is a beautiful place and I hope I get the opportunity to return.

Are you taking a cruise to Luxor from Cairo?

[TRM]

one of the best pyramid shots i've ever seen.

[clark.moeller]

Nice snaps mate. Really dig the first one.

[Nordwil57]

I think baksheesh pretty much borders on extortion. However, your trip will be much more pleasant if you can come to grips with the notion that everywhere you go there will be someone with their hand out. Even the tourist police expect a little slipped their way. Once in a while you may get access to a crypt or area not usually open but more often than not my experience went like this: man points to something, I look, I look back at him, he has his hand out:lol:.

Find a bank that will give you small (one pound) bills or notes. Get as many of these as possible because it was pretty much impossible for me to get any substantial amount of change or anything smaller than a five pound note when dining or shopping. I actually had a merchant laugh in my face after I asked him if he could change ten pounds. His drawer was full of one pound coins!

Apart from that small culture shock Egypt is a beautiful place and I hope I get the opportunity to return.

Are you taking a cruise to Luxor from Cairo?

Thanks for the tips! I saw the Flickr pics, not a bad shot in them and many truly remarkable ones. Love the depth of field in so many of the temples and the ship.

I'm trying to prepare myself for the culture shock. I realize that to get some good portrait shots I'll need to fork out a bit of cash, but like you said, if I can exchange as much as possible into one pond notes, that shouldn't hurt too much. It's a catch-22 for me...love the inner city portraits, hate being hassled by vendors or crowds! We did a Tanzania trip with OAT (GCT's sister company) and the Maasai visits were pre-arranged, affording some good photo ops without the worry of insulting or paying.

We are flying into Cairo (with Grand Circle Travel) and spending 5 nights, then flying to Luxor for a 7 night Nile cruise to Aswan, then back for one final night in Cairo. We'll be there during Ramadan, so it will certainly be an interesting time.

I'd love to know what you used for equipment. Your Flickr didn't post the camera or setting details...no biggie, just a good way to pick up tips!

Thanks again!

[furiousbox]

Thanks for the kind words guys.

Most shots were taken with my kit lens, I used the 50 1.4 inside temples and where there was low light, and a 55-250 to isolate some of the monuments and statues. I'm still not able to clone out large objects(like people) so having the reach helped.

I used a circular polarizer for pretty much all the outdoor shots.
The lighting effect behind the first pyramid photo was because I didn't use it correctly. I think it turned out well for a mistake :).

My flickr settings have been changed to show the exif if you want to check any specific images.

I found that with certain guides we would get hassled a lot less - they basically paid a little baksheesh to everyone every time they went to the monuments. With other guides we were on our own when it came time to navigate the "gift shop" at the exit of every site.

5 days in Cairo makes me envious of your trip - I would have gladly skipped our two days in Alexandria for more time around Cairo or Luxor.

[Tee Why]

Nice series.

[Nordwil57]

Thanks for all the helpful info. I'll be spending more time on Flickr from the house (not allowed by IT dept here, even at breaks lol).

I havent used my CPL much since I had a bad experience with the cheap brand that was suggested for my 100-400 in Africa (Crystal optics? It came as part of a 3-pack, the UV really screwed up some shots) I'll play with it a bit more, but will likely buy a better one or just not use one.

I guess I'll def. bring the 50/1.8 anyway for DOF if not low lighting as well. Heck the piece of plastic doesn't weigh that much. As for reach, there's the 100-400, but it's not too discreet for the streets. Maybe keep that for the riverboat and borrow the wifes 75-300 for Cairo. I have a tough time getting in peoples faces, but love the shots that result!

Thanks also for confirmation that we SHOULDNT take the optional day trip to Alexandria. I've heard it's a long ride, and we've got an ambitious schedule as it is I believe.

[will-san]

Great shots. I am going to Cairo as a stopover on a cruise in November. I am sure the time in Egypt will be too short, but it is the best we can do right now. Still trying to work out what the best lens to take for that trip will be.

[furiousbox]

Great shots. I am going to Cairo as a stopover on a cruise in November. I am sure the time in Egypt will be too short, but it is the best we can do right now. Still trying to work out what the best lens to take for that trip will be.

If you're only going to be in Cairo I would take a wide angle for the pyramids. The old kingdom stuff doesn't have hieroglyphs covering everything.

[Gibbo]

I'm loving the boat. The colours and depth in that sail are brilliant.

I went to egypt when i was about 10. Shame i didn't care for photography back then.

[Handel]

We are following in your footsteps in November with Grand Circle a few days in Cairo and then the cruise. I was planning on taking either my 70-200 or my 100-400 as well as a wide angle I have the 10-22, ( I also have the 70-300 DO) I note the comments about lugging a "white lens "around but wondered from an overall point of view whether it would be worth it considering the architecture etc, Can one take pictures in the tombs (I would assume no flash) and are there opportunities to rise early and get off the boat and wander around on ones own, A lot I know and I haven't asked you any of my wife's questions. Your shots are terrific , can't wait.
Handel

[Nordwil57]

Hope I'm not barging in here, but we just got back on Saturday from the GCT trip...

FWIW, I brought the whole shebang, couldnt bear to leave anything behind lol. I never put the 100 macro on the camera tho, and thats a heavy lens as well.
I used the 17-85 quite a bit, and the 12-24 was essential for the temples and pyramids up close. I carried the 100-400 with the backpack for one outing only (pyramids at Giza and Sakkara) and while it was great for getting candids, I didnt like hauling around the backpack and making lens changes like that.

After I settled in, I carried my 40D with the 17-85 on it, then just a waist pack that held the 12-24, the 50 and my wifes 75-300. This worked well and was less bulk. Only issue I had was when the 12-24 fell out onto the granite at Karnak and rolled down the walkway. Still works, but a bit tight on the 40 (I parked it till I got home and tried it on an older canon film body and it loosened up some so it's workable, but I'll have a local Camera guy check it out for me anyway)

When shooting with the 100-400 at Sakkara, an Egyption TV crew filmed me, telling me to pose basically. That white lens certainly does draw a lot of attention! For the rest of the trip, I only used it on the boat, shooting from our cabin while we watched the nile go by! What an awesome feeling that was!

Our guide may have been a little miffed when I kept walking off taking shots while he talked, so it may be wise to explain your intentions in advance. They use a "Whisper" (electronic hearing device) that has a pretty good range, so you can wander a bit and still hear the lecture. It's just that the GCT trip is NOT a photo trip and you really have to work hard to make it what you want. I just couldnt stand there and listen while the sun was setting at Luxor temple!

One other note, I did not take a tripod, saw a few who did, but unless you're taking self pics, the sun was so bright I didnt see the need. I DID take the monopod tho, and it came in handy at the Karnak light show, but I just pushed the ISO up as night fell in the bazaars in the evening and shot hand held. (yeah, some blurry too)

Regarding photos: NO cameras allowed at all in the valley of the kings! They ARE allowed at Hatshepsuts temple however. Abu Simbel, pics outside only but you could carry your camera inside on the honor system. No pics allowed if you crawl inside the pyramid at Giza (we didnt) No pics at the synagogue in Spiritual Cairo, no flash at the church there. Pics ok (no flash?) at the Mohammed Ali Mosque. The guides will let you know in advance.

I've posted a few of the pics on my Flickr acct with the data, feel free to check them out and comment.

Enjoy!!!! (Oh, and definitely buy and use the Antinol...28 Egyptian pounds at the Marriott pharmacy, only 10 on the boat for 12 pills. We took only 1 a day if needed and it worked great, people using Imodium or something else had no luck! The stomach was always a little rumbly in the mornings. 4:30 and 5 AM wake up calls were the norm for us so we could shower eat and relax a bit before hopping on the bus).

[furiousbox]

Handel, it sounds like Rick has your questions covered as he was on the same tour. Definitely looks like he was able to isolate the monuments without the crowds, too.

Rick, I love the shot of your felucca captain and felt your pain about the stay not being a photo trip. Everything begs to be photographed in Egypt but there's no time with the guides trying to cram 4000 years of history into a few hours!
Maybe we should move over there and start a photo tour company.

How were your baksheesh experiences?

[Nordwil57]

Thanks for the kind words, and again, sorry to barge in on your thread!

The Falucca ride was a great photo op. I kept thinking of the 50mm shots you took (you'll see I'll upload some similar ones of the bow eventually)

Baksheesh wasnt a real problem, thats where the guides were a big help, telling you what to pay to whom. For example, we paid $5 US for a camel ride ($4 to our bus driver lol...and $1 to the Camel guy after the ride). Kind of a racket, but it beat having the camel ride off in the desert or having to pay more to get OFF the darn thing! I was still learning the ropes and when a guy thrust 2 headresses in my hands while going into the solar boat museum, I stuffed them in my backpack. He waited of course and wanted money, so I just gave them back on the way out. I paid too much for a CD, maybe a LITTLE too much for a Gallabeya (GCT- Egyptian night lol...another way to help support the Egyptian economy!)

I was dissapointed with an included visit to a rug place in Sakkara. We were encouraged to interact with the kids, and at the end, one little boy, maybe 8? called me over and showed me what he was doing. Then his only English words were Money? Money? I am so damn gullible!

On the other hand, I didnt mind handing over a few pounds or a dollar to someone if they performed a service (one guard showed us a restricted area at karnak for example..his own little racket, but worth a tip). When I walked with my wife we were constantly approached, (the pyramids were the worst place) but when I went out alone to shoot at Iftar, no one bothered me and most were helpful. ONE little kid came up with some weeds in his hand and asked for Baksheesh, in the spirit of Ramadan I asked to smell the weeds and gave him a few pounds for that, but let him keep them.

It was VERY difficult to get a bank to give me any pounds at all. I did get a roll of 50 Piastres (2 to a lb for those not knowing). I ended up with a brainstorm...get change from a bathroom attendant ! Perhaps a bit unsanitary, but a little hand sanitizer and I was all set!

It really was an awesome trip. All in all, the locals are awesome and want to share their culture. I ate the pigeon at the Marriot, smoked the Sheesha there (24 lbs, but the waiter gave it to me free because of the Ramadan conversations we were having) and at El Fishawi's in the Bazaar. I think I need the Sheesha patch to help me quit.

Thanks to you and to Hawkeye and others for helping me prepare. It makes a huge difference knowing what to expect. I'll post more as time allows.

[9deuce9rr]

great shots... it's amazing how some of that stuff still stands

[furiousbox]

Thanks for the kind words, and again, sorry to barge in on your thread!
No worries, glad you can share some info.


I was dissapointed with an included visit to a rug place in Sakkara. We were encouraged to interact with the kids, and at the end, one little boy, maybe 8? called me over and showed me what he was doing. Then his only English words were Money? Money? I am so damn gullible!Yeah, those side trips can get annoying. We had a bad experience with one of our guides who got a little upset when we didn't want to go to the rug factory or the perfume place. We caught on after the papyrus "museum". While it was interesting and we spent a good bit of money on scrolls for ourselves and for gifts, we didn't feel like getting the shake down anymore. He actually had the driver stop the van and got out before we made it back to Cairo!

Thanks to you and to Hawkeye and others for helping me prepare. It makes a huge difference knowing what to expect. I'll post more as time allows.It was my pleasure and looking forward to more pics.
oh, what did you think about the stuffed pigeon? I thought it was best thing I ate on our trip. My traveling companions disagreed; It must have been the visual of me holding the entire bird up with both hands and tearing into it like corn on the cob:).

[Handel]

All this info was very helpful and much appreciated , so thank you all. As so often happens it seems a good wide angle , a good intermediary and a good long will do the trick!!!!!
Stuffed pigeon and Sheesha are now on the agenda, my next step is to get out of the side trips to the animal hospital and any carpet store, ( I was initiated in Turkey!)
Really enjoy seeing the fruits of everyones labor perhaps I can add one or two when I get back
Handel

[Nordwil57]

Stuffed? For some reason, I ended up with grilled lol. I DID see that both were on the menu, and in hindsight I may have gone with the stuffed (although somebody mentioned not to be surprised if you found the head in the stuffing? Was that the case?)

I still enjoyed mine, but was surprised when the waiter told me that the proper way to eat it was as a sandwich, bones and all! I did end up crunching through most of it, but the larger bones I had to leave behind.

The picture shows the 2 grilled pigeons and roasted veggies on the thin bread. Really was pretty good tho, and who could pass up on the bragging rights?