I am writing this to the people that visit your blog and wonder about going on your African (Zambian) Photographic Safari.
I have a brief history with Chris Dodds. There first time I went on a workshop with him was to photograph Canada Geese on the other side of the Quebec border with Ontario, followed by a trip to see the thousands of Snow Geese in Quebec. Finally in 2008 I went to the Gannets Galore Workshop in Ile Bonaventure and what an fantastic experience that was. I continued to talk about it till late 2012 thinking that it was my ultimate photographic experience.
Chris, in late 2011 you talked to me about the African Photographic Safari and I told you what a great idea it was and that it always has been a dream of mine to go there.
I told you to pencil in my name and once details firmed up I would see if it would be practical for me to go. That Christmas I went to Disney World and went to their Safari thinking that it might be my only one. Early in 2012 you gave me the details of the trip and honestly I thought it was a bit pricey, but knowing the experiences I have had with you, I knew it was going to be worth it. I finally signed up with you and October couldn’t come fast enough.
For those of you that have never been with Chris on any of his workshops this Safari is worth the price of admission. I could go on forever telling you about the great experience I had, the fantastic people I met, the animals and birds I saw, the delicious food I ate and the photographic lessons I got. Can you imagine seeing a leopard with her 6 week old cub and being able to photograph them with only one other vehicle around. Now that is privacy. You are a great leader and have such great vision and are willing to go the extra mile to make sure that we are happy, well fed, hydrated, safe and learn a lot. I know that I had commented about the price, I can tell you it was worth every penny and more.
Chris, thank you for turning my dream into a collection of great memories that I will talk about for the rest of my life.
John Zimmerman President, Montreal Camera Club