Photography: Gunther Deichmann’s Solo Photo Exhibition in Paris, France Nov. 2012
"Photography is light… …light is photography,
an endless Journey through Color and Time." - GD
Photo Exposition by Gunther Deichmann at the ANA Gallery in Paris, France, showcasing special selected photos from Australia, Tibet, India, Cambodia, Myanmar/Burma, Sri Lanka and the Philippines.
GALLERY ANA
NOV. 29th 2012 until Jan.15th 2013 PARIS,
6 avenue René Coty 75014 Paris, France
Available as Limited Edition signed prints 1/9 only;
print sizes from 45x67 cm and 50x70 cm.
Short Bio
Gunther Deichmann is an internationally multi-awarded Australian photographer. He has published 12 Books & in 2006 published his Book "Journey Through Color and Time."
In December 2011 - Gunther together with Steve McCurry and Michael Yamashita was again on the Judging Panel and a Celebrity Speaker for the One Asia Festival - Celebrating the Images of Asia Event in Singapore.
Gunther's work in the international media: His coverage about the killing of Australian wild horses for the German magazine, Stern, helped stop the practice. The message of his 11-page photo essay in Stern found its way to other publications, and the images of carnage soon were seen worldwide, appearing not only in print but also on television, including CNN.
As a result of this, the Court for Animal Justice (U.N.) in Geneva, Switzerland, invited him to be the key spokesperson to condemn the killing of horses in an inhumane way. Similar works followed in Stern Magazine with the exposé on other animals such as wild camels and buffalos.
Gunther's images have appeared in major international books and magazines including; The Racing Game, National Geographic, Time-Life, Reader's Digest, BBC (London), and in magazines such as the cover of TIME Magazine.
Der Spiegel (cover), Bunte (cover) (Germany), articles and photos in National Magazine (South Africa), New York Times (USA), Sued Deutsche Zeitung (Germany), Grand Reportage (France), VSD (France), GEO (France), GEO Germany, Terre Savage (France), Figaro (France), Travel + Leisure (USA), Asian Geographic Magazine (Singapore), Asian Geographic Passport Magazine (Singapore), Singapore Straits Times, Muy Interesante (Spain and Portugal) and National Geographic Traveller (GB) and many others.
Australian Professional Landscape Photographer of the Year, and the Australian rock band, Midnight Oil, used one of his images for the cover of their album, “Blue Sky Mining”
He was also featured in a documentary titled Visions in the Making, which was broadcast on ABC (Australia) and of the four selected Australian artists; he was the only still photographer.
Other highlights of his career include writing and directing the music video for the English band Electronic (Warner Bros. (USA ) in 1991. Also, the first 35mm MTV production in the Philippines of the single “Get the Message”, which enjoyed top ratings on international music charts.
The NT Press Club Annual Media Awards in Australia awarded Gunther Deichmann the ‘Pictorial Excellence Award'. He also received the ‘Sheraton Award' for pictorial promotion of tourism in the Northern Territory, Australia.
For a more detailed Biography please Click Here
Besides working on his new Book project, Gunther is leading Expedition Adventure Travel Photography Tours through out Asia and beyond. For more info please Click Here
Adventure Travel Photography… you can touch the clouds in Nakchu, Tibet
You can "touch" the clouds in Nakchu, northern Tibet
Copyright all Rights reserved. Mandatory credit with image use:
© Gunther Deichmann - www.deichmann-photo.com
Awesome landscapes on the way to Lake Namtso, Tibet
This festival is not for the faint- hearted, oxygen levels in Nakchu are approximately 61 percent and temperatures can range from 40 degrees Celsius at high noon to minus one degree Celsius in the early morning.
It all started in August 2006 when I decided that my upcoming Book was not going to be complete until I had ventured into Tibet and so we set off; my Son Mark-Lee and myself. It was an amazing Journey, four weeks cruising the high Tibetan Plateau passing Monasteries and awesome landscapes on the way…we took our time, stopping on the way and staying overnight in small guesthouses or in a Monastery, but our final goal was to reach the province of Nakchu.
After our time in the Nachu province we spend some time in Lhasa and after a few days ventured out again to other remote places within in reach of our permits. Yes, you do need permits, everything is strictly regulated and check points are a common sight.
Copyright all Rights reserved. Mandatory credit with image use:
© Gunther Deichmann - www.deichmann-photo.com
Monasteries reaching towards the sky…Tibet
For this post I have selected Images from my archives, photos that did not made it into the book "A Journey Through Color & Time."
There is just so much to see, learn the Buddhist way of life and if you ask me…four weeks is just a drop in the Ocean, I could spend a lifetime exploring this amazing country. Unfortunately it is not easy these days getting into Tibet due to the massive restrictions the Chinese Government has opposed upon Tibet, it is very sad and I feel deeply for the Tibetan people and I do miss my beautiful friends I met during this Journey with my son.
The text below is from a published article I wrote for the Asian Geographic Magazine
a few years ago, but now enjoy a little bit of Tibet...
Copyright all Rights reserved. Mandatory credit with image use:
© Gunther Deichmann - www.deichmann-photo.com
Storm approaching on the way to Lake Namtso, Tibet
Copyright all Rights reserved. Mandatory credit with image use:
© Gunther Deichmann - www.deichmann-photo.com
We visited some amazing Monasteries along the road….Tibet
Copyright all Rights reserved. Mandatory credit with image use:
© Gunther Deichmann - www.deichmann-photo.com
Walking clockwise inside the Monastery corridors, Tibet
Tibet’s province of Nakchu in Tibet hosts many festivals throughout the year, but one stands out more than any other; it is the highest horse racing festival in the world – a spectacle of color, festivities and endurance for participants and visitors alike.
Over 10,000 people will cross high passes of more than 4,000 meters by foot, horse and jeep to make their way to the Nakchu Racecourse, to race, eat, drink and make merry during this annual festival. This racecourse, at 4,500 meters, is undoubtedly the highest racecourse in the world.
Copyright all Rights reserved. Mandatory credit with image use:
© Gunther Deichmann - www.deichmann-photo.com
Tibetan Nomads near Lake Namtso, Tibet
But be warned – this festival is not for the faint-hearted – oxygen levels in Nakchu are approximately 61 percent and during the month of August, temperatures can soar up to 40 degrees Celsius in the shade at high noon and go right down to minus one degree Celsius in the early morning. There are few tourists in this area due to the high altitude – that and camping is the only accommodation available.
Copyright all Rights reserved. Mandatory credit with image use:
© Gunther Deichmann - www.deichmann-photo.com
On the way to Lake Namtso, we met this Tibetan Nomad family
Traversing the Lhasa-Nakchu-Golmud route along the Qinghai-Tibet Highway features landscapes of grasslands, snow-covered mountains and villages, with the occasional
view of the newly built railroad from China to Lhasa. It is an amazing journey and if you’re lucky, you just might encounter a prostrating pilgrim or two performing their ritual along the way. (we certainly did)
If you decide to travel to Nakchu, check with the local authorities or organize a local guide, then prepare yourself for extreme temperatures. Bear in mind that you are very close to the sun, and as mention you can almost touch the clouds, drink lots of water to avoid dehydration and to lower the effects of altitude sickness.
Travelers should spend a few days in Lhasa to acclimatize to the altitude before hitting the road – when traveling from an altitude of 3,650 meters to Nakchu at 4,500 meters, everybody reacts differently so walk slowly and enjoy the festival; and before you get caught up in the spirit of the festival and decide to jump head first into one of the races, remember that Tibetans are used to this high altitude, you are NOT.
Crowded along Nakchu’s vast hillsides are the white tents of monks, pilgrims, Tibetan nomads, and city dwellers who have come, dressed in their colorful clothing and elaborate jewelry. After a grand opening ceremony, various recreational and trade activities such as horse or yak races, tug-of-war games, sgor-gzhas (a Tibetan group dance), and Tibetan operas will be on display for all.
Copyright all Rights reserved. Mandatory credit with image use:
© Gunther Deichmann - www.deichmann-photo.com
Skillful displays on horseback Nakchu, Tibet
Riders perform skillful displays on horseback, while women chat away in groups before their colorful dance; Buddhist Monks stroll the countryside with their prayer wheels, and others, inspired by the laughter and cheers from spectators. Partake in contests of stone-throwing, now these are not your normal stones, I had problems carrying my camera gear at this altitude but these guys oh boy… (see the photo below) and there is a tug-of-war as well, I was getting dizzy just watching these performances…
Copyright all Rights reserved. Mandatory credit with image use:
© Gunther Deichmann - www.deichmann-photo.com
Check out this stone-throwing Nakchu, Tibet
Copyright all Rights reserved. Mandatory credit with image use:
© Gunther Deichmann - www.deichmann-photo.com
Horse racing competition Nakchu, Tibet
Copyright all Rights reserved. Mandatory credit with image use:
© Gunther Deichmann - www.deichmann-photo.com
Local beauties during festival time at Nakchu, Tibet
Copyright all Rights reserved. Mandatory credit with image use:
© Gunther Deichmann - www.deichmann-photo.com
Dance performance during the Horse Racing festival Nakchu, Tibet
Copyright all Rights reserved. Mandatory credit with image use:
© Gunther Deichmann - www.deichmann-photo.com
Women wearing the most elaborate cloths during the festival in Nakchu, Tibet
Copyright all Rights reserved. Mandatory credit with image use:
© Gunther Deichmann - www.deichmann-photo.com
Tibetan women during the dance performance in Nakchu, Tibet
Copyright all Rights reserved. Mandatory credit with image use:
© Gunther Deichmann - www.deichmann-photo.com
Buddhist Monks during the festival at Nakchu, Tibet
Copyright all Rights reserved. Mandatory credit with image use:
© Gunther Deichmann - www.deichmann-photo.com
Tibetan women at Nakchu, Tibet
The festival lasts for four to five days, with activities held throughout, which makes one wonder where these locals get their energy from – performing these tasks are difficult enough at sea-level, much less at such high altitudes. However, if you aren’t too exhausted by the festival and still have some time to spare, then stop for a day or two at Lake Namtso-Chukmo, one of Tibet’s largest and most sacred saltwater lakes. Here, travelers can find basic accommodation – a pleasant break from the camping grounds of the horse-races and I might mention going to the toilet in the treeless country side.
Copyright all Rights reserved. Mandatory credit with image use:
© Gunther Deichmann - www.deichmann-photo.com
Tibetan Nomad and his Yaks at Lake Namtso, Tibet
Copyright all Rights reserved. Mandatory credit with image use:
© Gunther Deichmann - www.deichmann-photo.com
Lake Namtso, Tibet
At a height of 4,800 meters, the lake is 70-kilometers long and 30 km wide. It takes Buddhist pilgrims 18 days to complete
a korla, or circumnavigation, and is definitely a worthwhile visit for its sheer size and location. On the way back to Lhasa, travelers can catch a glimpse of the spectacular Nechentangla Mountain range with its 7,816 metre snow capped peaks, bringing a perfect end to this festival of a lifetime.
Now back to Lhasa...
Copyright all Rights reserved. Mandatory credit with image use:
© Gunther Deichmann - www.deichmann-photo.com
The Patola in Lhasa during a storm, Tibet
Copyright all Rights reserved. Mandatory credit with image use:
© Gunther Deichmann - www.deichmann-photo.com
Debating Monks at a Monastery in Lhasa, Tibet
Copyright all Rights reserved. Mandatory credit with image use:
© Gunther Deichmann - www.deichmann-photo.com
Debating Monks at a Monastery in Lhasa, Tibet
Copyright all Rights reserved. Mandatory credit with image use:
© Gunther Deichmann - www.deichmann-photo.com
"Shoton" in Tibetan means sour milk banquet. As Tibetan operas are performed and Buddha paintings are exhibited at this time, it is also called "Tibetan Opera Festival" or "Buddha Exhibition Festival." The traditional way of starting the Shoton Festival is to show Buddha paintings. The main contents include Tibetan operas and gala parties, Lhasa Tibet.
GD
More Photos from Tibet are on my PhotoShelter site
Please note: If you interested you can join our Photo workshops, unfortunately not to Tibet due to the restrictions at the moment but we have amazing Photo tours to Nepal, India, Sri Lanka Myanmar, Laos, Cambodia and Vietnam for more details check our Calendar for 2012 & 2013 HERE.
Just one more…
Copyright all Rights reserved. Mandatory credit with image use:
© Gunther Deichmann - www.deichmann-photo.com
What a smile for a 78 year old Tibetan Nomad!
Travel Photography ASIA: In stark contrast to Sri Lanka & Bhutan, the Journey continuous through Nepal
I love contrast... and this was certainly an extreme
if you compare Nepal with Sri Lanka and Bhutan
A Sadhu during the Hindu bathing festival. Balaju Mela or
Lhuti Punhi, Kathmandu, Nepal
Copyright all Rights reserved. Mandatory credit with image use:
© Gunther Deichmann - www.deichmann-photo.com
We sadly left Colombo in Sri Lanka and took the flight to Delhi en-route to Kathmandu, Nepal our second stop before leaving for Bhutan.
I love contrast and this was certainly an extreme if you compare Nepal with Sri Lanka (my next post) and Bhutan. I visited Nepal many times before, but every time I find something more unique or bizarre, I just love this place, its mix religion, people, culture, tradition and of course awesome colors.
Sadhu at the Pashupatinath Temple, the oldest Hindu
temple in Kathmandu, Nepal
Copyright all Rights reserved. Mandatory credit with image use:
© Gunther Deichmann - www.deichmann-photo.com
In the streets of Kathmandu, Nepal
Copyright all Rights reserved. Mandatory credit with image use:
© Gunther Deichmann - www.deichmann-photo.com
Oh…those Eyes, Kathmandu, Nepal
Copyright all Rights reserved. Mandatory credit with image use:
© Gunther Deichmann - www.deichmann-photo.com
Boy selling sugar candy Durban Square, Kathamndu, Nepal,
Copyright all Rights reserved. Mandatory credit with image use:
© Gunther Deichmann - www.deichmann-photo.com
Durban Square, Kathmandu, Nepal,
Copyright all Rights reserved. Mandatory credit with image use:
© Gunther Deichmann - www.deichmann-photo.com
Yes, it can be a bit chaotic at times, and the traffic especially during festival times is a nightmare, but it is also very rewarding for photography a constant challenge isolating subjects amongst the crowd.
We made another stop over for a few more days on our way back from Bhutan and intercepted two festivals before hitting back home, this was a welcome change after the higher altitude from Bhutan, a sort of R&R.
The cool one...In the streets of Kathmandu, Nepal
Copyright all Rights reserved. Mandatory credit with image use:
© Gunther Deichmann - www.deichmann-photo.com
Child playing with large Prayer Wheel at one of the
Monasteries, in "Little Tibet" Boudhanath, Kathmandu, Nepal
Copyright all Rights reserved. Mandatory credit with image use:
© Gunther Deichmann - www.deichmann-photo.com
A pilgrim during a Chaktsal prostration, a powerful way of
showing devotion at the Boudhanath Stupa, Kathmandu Nepal
Copyright all Rights reserved. Mandatory credit with image use:
© Gunther Deichmann - www.deichmann-photo.com
One of my favorite places I keep returning to when visiting Nepal is the Buddhist stupa of Boudhanath, and my recent visit here coincided with the full moon festival. This ancient Stupa is one of the largest in the world. The influx of large populations of refugees from Tibet has seen the construction of over 50 Tibetan Compas (Monasteries) around Boudhanath. It is a UNESCO World heritage Site since 1979, the Stupa is said to entomb the remains of Kassapa Buddha. This area is also know as little Tibet.
Right next to the Boudhanath Stupa, this is where the Butter lamps
are kept during the full moon festival, Kathmandu, Nepal
Copyright all Rights reserved. Mandatory credit with image use:
© Gunther Deichmann - www.deichmann-photo.com
Movement… start of the full moon festival at the Boudhanath
Stupa, Kathmandu, Nepal
Copyright all Rights reserved. Mandatory credit with image use:
© Gunther Deichmann - www.deichmann-photo.com
This is only a small selection of images on todays post, there will be a lot more once I am done with my editing and have uploaded them on to my PhotoShelter site, I keep you posted when that is ll done. I hope within the next few days, cross my fingers.
I might add Aperture 3 performed absolutely flawless, all photos have been processed using only Aperture 3 and only basic and RAW adjustments have been applied.
The ancient Swayambunath Stupa (also known as the Monkey Temple)
is Kathmandu's most important Buddhist shrine.
Copyright all Rights reserved. Mandatory credit with image use:
© Gunther Deichmann - www.deichmann-photo.com
Above: I waited a long time to get this shot, standing in one corner for ages, trying to capture a Monkey just in between those Eyes, the original image is only cropped, with no other adjustments except for the basic RAW conversion and a tweak on the color temperature.(Aperture 3)
Perched atop a hill on the western edge of the Kathmandu Valley, the ancient Swayambunath Stupa (also known as the Monkey Temple) is Kathmandu's most important Buddhist shrine. The sleepy, all-seeing Buddha eyes that stare out from the top have become the quintessential symbol of Nepal.
When this temple was founded about 2,000 years ago, Kathmandu Valley was filled with a great lake. According to Buddhist legend, a single perfect lotus grew in the center of the lake. When the bodhisattva Manjusri drained the lake with a slash of his sword, the lotus flower settled on top of the hill and magically transformed into the stupa. Thus it is known as the Self-Created (swayambhu) Stupa.
The earliest written record of the Swayambunath Stupa's existence is a 5th-century stone inscription, but scholars believe there was probably a shrine here as early as the 1st century. Even before that, it is likely that animist rites took place on this hill. Swayambunath is one of Nepal's oldest Buddhist temples and it has an ancient atmosphere, especially when one approaches on foot with the pilgrims.
Bizarre and strange faces…Kathmandu, Nepal
Copyright all Rights reserved. Mandatory credit with image use:
© Gunther Deichmann - www.deichmann-photo.com
No explanation needed…street scene Kathmandu, Nepal.
Copyright all Rights reserved. Mandatory credit with image use:
© Gunther Deichmann - www.deichmann-photo.com
Hard working…Kathmandu, Nepal
Copyright all Rights reserved. Mandatory credit with image use:
© Gunther Deichmann - www.deichmann-photo.com
Carrying heavy loads in the streets near Durban Square, Kathmandu, Nepal
Copyright all Rights reserved. Mandatory credit with image use:
© Gunther Deichmann - www.deichmann-photo.com
Carrying heavy loads in the streets near Durban Square, Kathmandu, Nepal
Copyright all Rights reserved. Mandatory credit with image use:
© Gunther Deichmann - www.deichmann-photo.com
Women with her heavy load in the streets
of Kathmandu, Nepal
Copyright all Rights reserved. Mandatory credit with image use:
© Gunther Deichmann - www.deichmann-photo.com
Sadhu at the Pashupatinath Temple,
Kathmandu, Nepal
Copyright all Rights reserved. Mandatory credit with image use:
© Gunther Deichmann - www.deichmann-photo.com
Sadhu at the Pashupatinath Temple,
Kathmandu, Nepal
Copyright all Rights reserved. Mandatory credit with image use:
© Gunther Deichmann - www.deichmann-photo.com
The Pashupatinath Temple the oldest Hindu temple in Kathmandu. It is not known for certain when Pashupatinath Temple was founded. But according to Nepal Mahatmaya and Himvatkhanda, The deity here gained great fame there as Pashupati, the Lord of the Animals. Pashupatinath Temple's existence dates back to 400 A.D.
The richly-ornamented pagoda houses the sacred linga or holy symbol of Lord Shiva. Thousands of pilgrims from all over the world come to pay homage to this temple, that is also known as 'The Temple of Living Beings'.
Wicks are mixed with butter and then set alight, burning for hours during animal offering at the Dakshinkall Bungamati, Khokana Animal sacrifice Temple, Kathmandu, Nepal
Copyright all Rights reserved. Mandatory credit with image use:
© Gunther Deichmann - www.deichmann-photo.com
Worshiping at the Dakshinkall Bungamati, Khokana Animal sacrifice Temple, Kathmandu, Nepal
Copyright all Rights reserved. Mandatory credit with image use:
© Gunther Deichmann - www.deichmann-photo.com
The full moon day of April, Lhuti Punhi, is important for both Hindus and Buddhists the full moon festival took place in the evening at the Boudhanath stupa the other festival on the same day but in the morning was the Balaju Mela or Lhuti Punhi
Hindu worshiper during the bathing festival. Balaju Mela or
Lhuti Punhi, Kathmandu, Nepal
Copyright all Rights reserved. Mandatory credit with image use:
© Gunther Deichmann - www.deichmann-photo.com
Here Devotees celebrate the festival by visiting Balaju (or Lhuti), about 3 km north of downtown Kathmandu, to take holy baths under the 22 dragon-headed stone water spouts and pay homage to the reclining image of the Hindu deity Budhanilkantha. People also climb the nearby Jamacho hill to worship the Buddhist stupa located at the top.
The hill is held sacred because ages ago, when the Kathmandu Valley was a lake, it was from this summit the the Bipaswa Buddha had cast a lotus seed into the water which blossomed into the flaming holy lotus over which the Swoyambhu stupa now stands.
Near the Nepal traditional vilages of Bugmati/Khokana, Lolitpur
Copyright all Rights reserved. Mandatory credit with image use:
© Gunther Deichmann - www.deichmann-photo.com
Did I say in my first sentence…We sadly left Colombo in Sri Lanka… yes that is correct, but I was also extremely happy when I arrived in Nepal…the contrast was just awesome.
Please stay tuned for the next and last part…amazing Sri Lanka featuring some awesome landscapes and wildlife, another very contrasty piece.
Also as a reminder we still have a few spots available for our next Journey with the GD Photo Workshops into Myanmar starting June 29, 2012, book now this workshop is filling up very fast and final bookings have to be made by latest May 20th, 2012.
I am going to announce once I have updated my main website and my PhotoShelter with the latest, more images from Sri Lanka - Nepal and Bhutan.
I hope you enjoy the images from Nepal today, until soon from Sri Lanka…and the contrast continues…
GD
TIBET'S Horse Racing Festival published in the Asian Geographic Magazine...APERTURE 2 & the .Mac Web Gallery helped to keep the deadline...the story is out.
Check out also the Photography Competition in the Asian Geographic Magazine in 2008...cool prizes and a chance to see your photos published read my previous blog below "Asia Without Borders"
Here is the link for more details:
http://www.asiangeo.com/contest_awb.html
Tibet’s Horse
Racing Festival
PRAYER WHEELS AND HORSE RACES AT 4,500 METRES
Text & Photos
GUNTHER DEICHMANN
Tibet’s province of Nakchu in Tibet hosts many festivals throughout the year, but one stands out more than any other; it is the highest horse racing festival in the world – a spectacle of colour, festivities and endurance for participants and visitors alike.
Over 10,000 people will cross high passes of more than 4,000 meters by foot, horse and jeep to make their way to the Nakchu Racecourse, to race, eat, drink and make merry during this annual festival. This racecourse, at 4,500 meters, is undoubtedly the highest racecourse in the world.
But be warned – this festival is not for the faint-hearted – oxygen levels in Nakchu are approximately 61 percent and during the month of August, temperatures can soar up to 40 degrees Celsius in the shade at high noon and go right down to minus one degree Celsius in the early morning. There are few tourists in this area due to the high altitude – that and camping is the only accommodation available.
Traversing the Lhasa-Nakchu-Golmud route along the Qinghai-Tibet Highway features landscapes of grasslands, snow-covered mountains and villages, with the occasional view of the newly built railroad from China to Lhasa. It is an amazing journey and if you’re lucky, you just might encounter a prostrating pilgrim or two performing their ritual along the way. If you decide to travel to Nakchu, check with the local authorities or organize a local guide, then prepare yourself for extreme temperatures. Bear in mind that you are very close to the sun, so drink lots of water to avoid dehydration and to lower the effects of altitude sickness. Travelers should spend a few days in Lhasa to acclimatize to the altitude before hitting the road – when traveling from an altitude of 3,650 meters to Nakchu at 4,500 meters...
more on this amazing Festival on my website soon you find it under (publications - spreads) there you can download the whole story as a PDF file, or better get the latest issue of the Asian Geographic Magazine.
The previous Blog from the 14th of May
APERTURE 2 & the .Mac WEB GALLERY
delivered Tibet on time…
For more images on Tibet by Gunther Deichmann visit
his website @ www.deichmann-photo.com
or visit his PhotoShelter Archive & Collection @
http://www.deichmann-photo.com/stock.html
Deadlines, deadlines and more deadlines…the last minute changes by editors or the production staff from magazines… an all to familiar story...not a problem anymore with Aperture 2
