When Alexa has a vision of what to shoot, she goes for it. “Let’s shoot something different” was the call, and after a day of some deft investigation and some negotiations with an excellent and knowledgeable specialist tour operator from that part of world, Alexa announced that the location for the next shoot was to be in South Sudan: the Mundari Cattle Camps to be precise.

Travelling to and within this country is not straightforward and our seven-day trip was not without incident, but our specific point of interest, the cattle camps, a few hours drive from the capital of Juba, proved to be as extraordinary a location as one could imagine.

For three days, we photographed and engaged with the delightful members of this particular tribe and their herd of several hundred Ankole-Watusi cattle. The sights of the majestic long-horned cows, the acrid smoke from the burning fires and the striking good looks of the tribesmen, women and children going about their business, in dusty and muted light, made for some amazing imagery.

As an iseeyousee collaboration it worked really well. Travelling to unfamiliar places requires patience and diplomacy and that side of the journey we managed pretty seamlessly, while keeping an eye on each other’s well-being.

When in the cattle camps, we moved around independently with a respective “minders” seeking different angles, light and engagement with children and the tribesmen. For the main story we both shot candid and reportage style, focusing on capturing the atmosphere and the micro moments that took place within the busy, giant scene in front of us.

Later in our stay, when we set up for the portrait session, we worked together with our super helpful guide on a “natural light” makeshift studio. Posing and directing of our subjects was kept to a minimum. We think the portraits are strong and evocative of proud individuals.

Alexa is a fantastic photographer and a great travelling companion. It’s always a pleasure to watch her working on location. Good humour and energy abound. She is quick to see a moment and has an easy manner with her subjects which puts them totally at ease. This shows through in the quality of her work. I’ve learnt a lot from her over the past couple of years accompanying her on several shoots.

Collaborations like this provide an opportunity to expand your mind and scope and, in this instance, the Mundari Cattle Camps adventure did just that. A memorable and absolutely rewarding experience.

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