RWANDA, VIRUNGA AREA, LOCAL DANCE GROUP PERFORMING TRADITIONAL DANCES

Date Shot: 2008/03/31 18:09:23.66, Device: Nikon D3

Focal Length: 35mm, Aperture: F/4.5

Shutter Speed: 1/500s

Exposure Mode: Programmed Auto

Exposure Comp.: -0.3EV

Metering: Matrix

After a day of Gorilla trekking, I was invited to attend a dance performance in the evening in one of the villages. I looked at the weather conditions: dark clouds were building up and a thunderstorm was very likely to move in. There was almost no light left for photography. Having a rough day and being very tired, I was debating to do the 1 ½ hour drive or stay in my hotel. Fortunately a friend talked me into going. We were driving up the narrow road to the top of the hill and I saw a little opening in the black clouds. Arriving at the village, I noticed the spectacular looking dancers wearing a blond wig made out of plant fibers. The dancing started and the rhythm was unbelievable. The dancers lined up and jumped up into the air, making their long wigs fly. At this moment the sun came out and covered the dancers in warm evening light. I kneeled down to get a better angle and also include the dark clouds in the background. What a contrast! Forgotten was the rough day and my senses came back to life. I had a ball photographing the dancers in this spectacular light. My advice is to be ready at all times, even when you are tired. If there is an opportunity to photograph, go – you can sleep later!

I have another photo tour to Rwanda planned in the near future. If you are interested to come and photograph the gorillas, please contact me.

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