Photographer.
46 years.
The black lion tamarin is one of the most recent discoveries and one of the world’s 25 most endangered monkeys. They are native to the Atlantic rainforest of Brazil and are not found in captivity. The Atlantic rainforest is considered one of the most species-rich areas in the world, with a biodiversity way beyond that of the Amazonian rainforest. Unfortunately, less than 10% of the original rainforest now remains.
This was where I decided to go to take photos and write my first book on extremely endangered species. It proved to be a fascinating but also tough trip. I had the great honour of being the first person outside the conservation project and Brazil to photograph these incredible monkeys. I also discovered that the rainforest lies underwater at certain times of the year, which meant that even though I was there during the drier periods, there were areas with no solid footing, where you simply sank down into a bottomless muddy hole.
Initially, I was unable to tell the difference between solid ground and muddy holes, but I soon learned the hard way. Conditions were fairly stable inside the rainforest: hot, humid and rainy. In the morning, when I put on a fresh, dry shirt, if felt as if it had come straight from the washing machine. Luckily, I had a bamboo shirt that quickly became a firm favourite, as it made me feel less damp.
These were some of the most challenging locations that I have ever been to and photographed in, but I would love to go back some day and meet Luiz (my tracker) and the others in the little village in the heart of the rainforest.
I had read about the pink dolphins and quickly realised that these dolphins off the east coast of Thailand were rare enough to be under threat of extinction. It was time to pack my kit and head for Khanom, a small town on Thailand’s east coast, to photograph pink dolphins. Khanom was certainly the place to experience the “real” Thailand. There were not many tourists here at all.
I had the great fortune to meet a ranger involved in species conservation in the Thai rainforest, but who had now moved back to Khanom. He was going to help me sort out my boat trips. Getting to see these pink dolphins was an incredible experience, as was seeing the Thai rainforest and all its different species. This is definitely a place I’d recommend for the authentic experience of Thailand, with stunning scenery and very few tourists. The food was also fantastic.
There are now only 30 dolphins left. Two years ago, there were 50, so they are declining fast. I and a Thai resident have set up a fund for the preservation of these pink dolphins.
Bamboo
The shirt is without doubt the best I’ve ever tested in a hot climate. I quickly discovered what an incredible product this shirt made of bamboo was. Bamboo has an anti-bacterial effect that keeps the smell of perspiration down and it also draws moisture away from the body, making you at least feel drier than you ever would in a cotton shirt.
Cross country pants
I also wear Swedemount’s cross country pants with zip off, which are perfect for the tough expeditions that I force them to endure. They are hard-wearing and quick-drying, which is important when you’ve been lying and crawling around in the African savannah, which can get you wet and really muddy. I also love the zip off feature. When you’re relaxing, you can quickly whip off the trouser legs for a cooler feel.
Trekking shirt
I also like the trekking shirt, which is good at wicking moisture away. I usually wear the bamboo shirt underneath if it’s not too hot.
Wheel bag
One travel tip is to use Swedemount’s wheel bag, a great bag with a huge capacity.
Mount Everest shell jacket
When I’m working in Sweden or a similar climate, I always carry my Mount Everest shell jacket in my rucksack. It’s waterproof and windproof – perfect when the wind or rain sweeps in, as it can do in our part of the world.
February the 11th Camera Natura had a photo day in Västerås. I had a lecture about the white lions and my trip to Africa. It was crowded with people and there wasn’t enough of chairs so many had to stand, a very impressive sight. I would like to thank everyone that was there and hope I’ll see you soon again!
Have just returned from Austria and planning for a new photo festival that I have the great honor to lead. A lot of work but also lots of exciting challenges. It will be held Sept. 29 - Oct. 6 in Tannheim/Tirol.
Right now I am working hard to make a trip to India in April to photograph tigers. I'm sure that more exciting things will appear during the year!
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Now I am back from my photo workshop in Africa. Once again I used garment from Swedemount and they definitely had too stand test in 40-45 celsius degrees in the shadow. I usually love the heat, but this time I felt sweaty searching for animals in the bush. It was so hot. However, I can say that that these clothes are among the best in the world for such temperatures!
Recently I was invited to speak at a film festival. It was the first time they had a photographer speaking, and I got tremendously good response! The interest was high and I even got asked if I could start and run a photo part of the coming festival. Next year there will be a photo and film festival. The first committee meeting will be in January 2012. An exiting and pleasant project!
Here is the trailer of my new book "The white lions"
My new book, ”De vita lejonen” (=The white lions) will be printed any day now. It will be released in the Gothenburg Book Fair, on September 22-25.
Have just arrived back home from Africa where I’ve held workshops for photographers among other things, a great experience especially for those who haven’t been to Africa before. Will also keep on in November this year, do you wish for more information, please visit my website or my Facebook page Tom Smith-Wildlife photographer to read about upcoming workshops.
We saw and photographed over a 100 species, we got to see the five majors, who are elephant, rhino, buffalo, lion and leopard. Living in a tent with all the animals living around is in itself a tremendous feeling, hear leopards or lions at night gives a special feeling. Being able to go out in the morning, go down to the river and meet lots of animals is a real pleasure.
I’m already looking forward to the next trip in November. But first I’m going up to the mountains to photograph the beautiful arctic fox again, it’s the summer’s lovely photo trip.
Another reason why I went down to Africa was to collect information and get all the permits I need for my next book (The white lions, which when it’s completed will be launched at the Gothenburg Book Fair). The subject I will discuss is very brutal, tragic and dangerous and stir up emotions in most people. I will come back when I’ve started to write and photograph.
Hoping to get started with this significantly next year, provided that I get the permissions I need.
I am in Thailand to work with the pink dolphins, or try to!
We have had rain and windy every day but the last two days it turned in to a tropical storm. We didnt think it was to bad until we came down to the beach the folling morning.
The beach which started with wonderful white sand where my son sits is now gone! Everything was destruction!
We also found out the there had been a large land slide during the night and that it had killed 2 monks, really sad.And all these trees was now on the beach. If you look on the photo you will see my wife walking along what was yesterday the beach and the way out on the beach.
I did later go to the place where the land slide had been and the destruction was enormous and I didnt want to take photos there knowing that two people died there.
All we can do is hope the weather will change. The power of the weather is big.
A few things that will happen in the beginning of 2012
January
Board meeting film/photo festival in Tyrol, Austria.
11 February
Lecture on the Nature photo festival ”Camera Natura” in Västerås.
April
Possibly going on a journey to India and photograph tigers.
June
Class in photography together with Brutus Östling.
In November 2011 I go to Africa shooting pictures and leading a photo class. The surroundings down there are fantastic and we usually find a variety of species. I am also planning a photo expedition during spring 2012. Then I will go to India shooting pictures of tigers!
My new book “The white lions” who is produced and published by Brutus Östling (the worlds leading bird photographer) and his publishing house Symposion. Will be released during May or June.
I’m off to Thailand for an exhibition and to start up a fund for the pink dolphins.
I featured in the new issue of Camera Natura (CameraNatura.se), 8 pages about the white lion. This is Sweden’s most exclusive quality nature photography magazine.
Camera
If you decide to invest in a new camera, ask yourself the following questions:
- What are my needs?
- What do I want to photograph?
Talk to someone beforehand who can give you valuable advice or read up on the subject on the net.
Top photography tips
Remember to avoid the sun when taking photos. If the sun is shining strongly, it is best to keep the sun behind you. Using the flash also produces a much better image. Bear this in mind if you’re photographing children on a beach, for example. The image will be more evenly lit, with less shadow.
When taking a photo of children or animals, it is worth trying to lower yourself to the subject’s level. This gives a completely different sense of proximity and a much better picture. Remember not to be too far from the subject.
Take more photos when the light is softer in the morning and evening for better results generally. Cloudy days also give a much softer light.
Pictures taken surreptitiously are often much more natural. Don’t be afraid to take lots of photos and try different angles, as well as looking at other people’s work as a source of inspiration.
Many really beautiful images are taken at sunrise and sunset, but remember to use a tripod or stand the camera on something and use the timer function.
And finally, play around and have fun – it’ll show in your photos!
