Carol Livingston

IN CAROL’S WORDS

This vendor at Giza was a lucky shot and, like so many others, I wish I could go back and try this shot again.  The haze of the sky and the parched desert background described most of Egypt.  This was my first day shooting there and I was drawn to the scarves hanging above.  I didn’t even notice the man sleeping until much later.

Looking at all of my photos almost a year later is a nice task; it reminds me all over again what a great trip that was.  Hard at times, but always interesting and no shortage of great shooting opportunities.  I can’t wait to do my next trip!

Carol Livingston in Egypt

BIOGRAPHY

I live in San Diego and have traveled to many countries, but this was my first photo trip.  Being so new to photography – I’ve always owned a camera but only recently decided to try to take good pictures - I still have a lot to learn but that’s why I enjoy it.  I approached the photo tour as I would a language immersion; I lived, ate, and slept photography for the whole trip.  It really had a big impact on my eye and talking to the other participants was really helpful.  Everyone was so helpful and supportive; some people were as green as me and others were much more advanced, but everyone was very encouraging and offered great tips.

RALPH’S TAKE

I often speak about capturing EDL, or everyday life, and Carol’s shot here does just that.  This is a slice of Egyptian life that certainly tells a story, and it’s a rather humorous one at that.  I like the way the scarves provide a backdrop for the vendor’s stall and he’s just crashed out there in the lower left.  It’s interesting that Carol really didn’t even notice the vendor until later when she looked at the results of that day’s shoot, but subconsciously she must have known he was there as the composition of the elements of the scene are well placed within the frame.

Carol is perhaps the most dedicated of photo tour participants I can remember having on my trips.  She took advantage of each and every opportunity to be out shooting – with or without me and the other participants – during the best times of day, when she knew the weather conditions might be unique, and/or the light soft and special.  She wasn’t afraid to ask for help and so grew her knowledge of photography by leaps and bounds in a relatively short period of time on the Egypt tour.  I know I saw obvious results of improvement during the image review I often provide participants midway through the trip.

TESTIMONIAL

I have attended three of Ralph’s photo walking tours (San Diego, LA Historic District, and Egypt).  Ralph is always very helpful without being overbearing or crowding.  He is great at speaking to all levels of photographers and equipment.  I’ve seen him provide useful help and encouragement to folks with a simple point and shoot as well as semi-professionals.  He is great at pointing out views and perspectives that may be otherwise missed, thus helping to develop the photographer’s eye.  On occassion he has asked to see what I was shooting and then showed me how he shot the same scene (way better!) and doing so he really helped me understand what to look for next time. I encourage anyone to try his tours - especially if you’re looking for new inspiration or perspective - even if it’s in your own town.