Uganda

[2000lux]

I'm going to Uganda in October with the Maine Film Workshops for a class called Assingment Uganda (http://www.theworkshops.com/catalog/courses/index.asp?CourseID=2785&SchoolID=21). We're going to be making videos and shooting stills for NGOs there. I've been thinking about doing this kind of work for a while. This seems like a reletively safe way to get a taste of it and get started.

While I would love to bring a nice shoulder mounted camera, I'm going to be take my DVX-100A instead. Please don't bother ranting about how little cameras suck relative to "real cameras." I am not a fan of them either. However, it makes more sense to bring this one partly because of it's weight and size, but also because I'm going to be doing some touristy stuff later as well.

We'll be based in Kampala but traveling around the country (avoiding the war in the north). I've traveled around the US and much of western Europe, but I've never been to a third world country before. I'd love some advice on working under those kinds of conditions and especailly in that part of the world. Any thing at all. How is the power situation? I've heard it goes out freequently so I'm a little concered about making sure I have charged batteries. Is there any thing I should (not) bring? Any social fau pas to avoid (like giving some one the "OK" hand sign in France)? Do people mind having their pictures taken there (more than is western countries)? Some have said yes. What's the food like? Is there any thing I should definitely (not) try? Do you have any setting sugestions for the camera (besides setting it on a crocodile and waving it good bye)? Any sugestions at all are welcome. I'm all eyes!

[LongTimePhotog]

Get your shots...Not video shots...the life saving kind.

[DevinDavis]

Check the status of the local uprisings there. I checked about going on an internship/missions trip a few years ago to Uganda and there was some kind of civil war crisis going on which ultimatley talked me out of going.

Keep your stuff in your person at all times. Don't leave anythign in your trunk, passanger seats, especially on the highways... Uganda was one of the places, I believe, that the locals would cause traffic jams, then smash and grab tourists stuff out of the backs of their vehicles.

Hope you like diesel...

DD

[Minnesotan]

Get you shots, malaria meds(if needed), and check the U.S. travel advisories.

And watch out for this guy...

http://norbizness.com/archives/kamala.jpg

[leftcoastphotog]

There was a book called " The worlds most dangerous places" i forget the author but I believe he updated it often he would have the skinney on all of the hot and not so hot places around the globe. not only that but i believe he is an ex journalist so he writes pretty good. See if there is a current one and at least it would give you the players and social graces you might need.
Good luck and have fun
peace Lcp

[NewsMan]

There was a book called " The worlds most dangerous places" i forget the author but I believe he updated it often he would have the skinney on all of the hot and not so hot places around the globe. not only that but i believe he is an ex journalist so he writes pretty good. See if there is a current one and at least it would give you the players and social graces you might need.
Good luck and have fun
peace Lcp


That would be Pelton's book.

[vdoguy]

If you're worried about being able to get your batteries charged, buy an inverter for the car. You can pick up a 400 watt inverter at Best Buy for about $60. I travel frequently with mine.

Carry a lot of protein and energy bars with you. I also recommend jerky.

Buy some baby-wipes. You never know when you may not be able to bathe for a while and you will be happy you brought them when you and your coworkers start to stink.

You might want to pick up some acidophilus to take when eating the local cuisine. It may keep you from getting sick.

Take lots of pictures. I've returned from many trips wishing I had taken more.

Have fun!