Traveling to Darfur

I would like to ask to our fellow LS members who have already been to Darfur some very few questions, basically regarding the “operational” considerations on that region. There are many websites in which we are able to find political information about that region (sites like crisisgroup.org and opendemocracy.net, just to name a few examples), but I’d really like to know something else.

So… for those of you who know that situation from very close, I have a few questions. How did you get there? Who were the people or organizations who helped you? Of how much were your average expenses on feeding, lodging, transportation, and so on? Where did you stay most of the time? Which were your intentions in Darfur/Chad/Nearby regions?

Please feel free to add any important information you like. If I am to go to Darfur, I’m planning to pick up a Brazilian Air Force flight to Angola and, from there, find my way into Darfur – crossing the border, landing in Khartoum; I really must know the best options for now).

Thanks in advance for all your advice, my friends.

Alysson / Brazil

by Alysson Gomes at Fri Jan 11 02:04:05 UTC 2008 (ed. Mar 12 2008) Curitiba, Brazil | Bookmark this | Digg this |

Ask Ethan Rafal on LS. He’ll tell you all you want to know about “KharF*ckingtoum” as he calls it, and entering Darfur through there or Chad.

Be safe

Paul

by Paul Rigas | 11 Jan 2008 02:01 | Grass Pants, Oregon, United States |

Ok Paul! Thank you very much for your advice. I’ll send Ethan a personal message as soon as I can.

There’s one more thing. I’ll shoot 35mm film, no digital for now. So… what should one do to keep film safe? To avoid losing them for several reasons in there, like temperature, occasional raids, frisks, etc?

What do you guys think? Would it be enough just to keep them very close? When traveling through South America, I have always trusted in mailing services and people who could keep them safe for me, but I really don’t know what is going to happen in Darfur.

You advice and experience will be very appreciated, fellows!

Alysson / Brazil

by Alysson Gomes | 11 Jan 2008 15:01 | Curitiba, Brazil |

Not that I have ever done this but I heard a while back when a National Geographic Photographer was “out in the field” when they needed to send the film to the lab or whatever, they wouldn’t send it all together. They would send a package of roll numbers 1,3,5,7,9,11 ect and another package on another route with roll numbers 2,4,6,8,10 ect.

I don’t know how efficient this would be for you but figured I would give my 2 cents.

Have fun if you go. Be safe.

www.dimensionsphotography.net

by Ryan Unger | 12 Jan 2008 22:01 | Twin Falls, United States |

All right Ryan… I really appreciate your advice!

And it made me remember about an old issue too… that incredible urban legend of the X-RAY. Some people say they have never had trouble, others say their film have been completely ruined after sending by mail or passing through airports.

So… when sending by mail, what kind of care should someone take in order to avoid trouble in the darkroom? I’ve seen some X-Ray protection bags in B&H and other stores; do they really help?

(experience from all LS members are welcomed, as always!)

Alysson / Brazil

by Alysson Gomes | 12 Jan 2008 22:01 | Curitiba, Brazil |

My advice for that…and I am no expert. Have them hand inspect every film canister…I don’t know. I have done that a few times when I was shooting film. its better then taking a gamble with your images.

by Ryan Unger | 12 Jan 2008 23:01 | Twin Falls, United States |