May 24, 2010 - 2:00am (May 25)
I'm still up because I just finished writing my third snap writing assignment (the one about the Fatimids, Mamluks and Ottomans). I have to finish my second book review sometime tomorrow, too. I'm just so busy, where does all the time go? Plus, with all the shooting I've been doing, I'll be editing photos until my eyes fall out!
We spent class today on a shooting excursion downtown with Denis. I focused on architecture, and I think I got some pretty good shots. At noon, we stopped in a coffee shop that had some pretty incredible milkshakes. We also got to visit the Gates of Heaven synagogue, which was mentioned in The Man in the White Sharkskin Suit, which we had to read for class. We were able to go inside, but weren't allowed to photograph. The building was totally unlike its neighbors, and it was beautiful inside. Because we're Americans, we were invited to go inside (as a gesture of good-will to Jews), but I guess it's pretty impossible for a non-Jewish Egyptian to go inside, much less even stop to look at the building. People are so paranoid here regarding the Jewish population. Egypt is outwardly showing its support of Jewish people by restoring the synagogues (where Cairo's 100-or-so Jews still practice), but it's still definitely evident how they feel about Israel. They're walking a political tightrope.
Rob and I grabbed lunch, then met up with a photographer who is Egyptian-American and is living here for a while working as a wedding photographer. His name was Tim, and he seemed really cool (and so American). He made me feel a lot better about my lowly Rebel DSLR camera. I switched to my fixed lens per Rob's suggestion, and now I feel pretty dumb for using the kit lens as long as I did - apparently my fixed lens is way better than I thought it was, and I'm having way more fun shooting with it (though it doesn't zoom, which is tough sometimes).
After the meeting, Rob, Victoria and I went back to the Khan and took more photos, this time at the tent-makers market near Bab Zwelia. This was definitely a market for Egyptians, not tourists. I had fun with my fixed lens, and I'm definitely satisfied with the shots I got. I'm playing with depth of field more now, and the fixed lens just means I have to be more creative with my compositions because I can't zoom. We stayed at the market for a while (it was so busy - everyone was buying food for dinner). We got home pretty late, and then I had to do my snap writing. Such is life!
2 comments:
It's so intriguing to see the different culture, lifestyle, architecture, etc. that's in Egypt.
And I need one of those milkshakes. Bring one back for me? :)
Hi Annalise,
Let's see more pictures of you in Egypt!
Lucy
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