Author Archives: Andrew

I carefully did not set my alarm, so that I would not have to get up to join the sunset shoot, which would be another walk up and down the length of the beach. However this all proved academic when it started raining heavily just before dawn and the whole thing was abandoned anyway.

Wary of the risks of repetition Lee had organised a morning trip to Matemwe, another village on the north east coast. Although there are allegedly some new hotels and private houses on that part of the island, Matemwe appears to be relatively self-contained and unspoiled, but, one suspects, even less prosperous than its neighbours.

After our guide, Omar, explained what we were doing we got a mixed reception. The older characters around the fish market were happy to be photographed, but many did not really understand the concept of smiling for the camera. On the other hand we were, within seconds of our arrival, swamped by vast numbers of primary-school-age children, who certainly did understand the concept, but who were also obviously aware that there might be money to be had. Some posed nicely, but a few were outright naughty and, when it was apparent that the adults were to receive the money, even a bit aggressive.

As we wound our way through the village we, and in particular Nicola, our very own pied piper, were followed by an enthusiastic "tail" of the more persistent youngsters.

For the afternoon shoot Lee suggested being prepared to wade into the sea to get lower angles on the boats. I took the instruction literally, and dressed in trunks, a non-precious T shirt, and took only the TG6 waterproof camera. This paid dividends in two ways. I got some unique shots of the dhows with low reflections, but when I waded right out to meet an incoming fishing boat I was welcomed and allowed to photograph boat, fish and crew without any restrictions.